We’re seeing more people turn to AI for mental health support — and it’s understandable why. AI can be accessible, responsive, and informative.
But as IHI Executive Director Tara Lombardo, LMHC, reminds us in her recent OpEd for PRIDE.com, healing and resilience come from human relationships.
Therapy isn’t just about guidance or solutions. It’s about sitting with another person in moments of uncertainty, vulnerability, and growth.
Read Tara’s latest on the limits of AI — and the irreplaceable role of human connection in therapy.
🔗 Link in bio
#MentalHealth #HumanConnection #QueerMentalHealth #Therapy #HealingInRelationship LGBTQ TransLivesMatter TransMentalHealth
Happy Mental Health Awareness month!🥳
🧠 Did you know our founder, Dr. Charles Silverstein, played a key role in removing homosexuality from the APA’s list of mental health disorders? 🚮🚫
We’ve truly been out here making mental health history — specifically for queer folks — for DECADES.
Our work continues alongside you. Join our journey by sharing our resources with those in need, donating, and reaching out for support for yourself.
We’re not going anywhere. 🏳️🌈
IHI Therapy Center and BOL have collaborated to open an emotional doorway into mental health awareness and collective support within New York’s LGBTQ+ community, creating a project that reminds us that bravery and mental well-being grow stronger when nurtured through community, self-connection, and LGBTQ+-affirming therapy.
During a time when queer lives and expressions are being pushed back into public debate, and are facing renewed political and cultural scrutiny, this film grounds us in the visibility, strength, and support we need. 🌈✨
Set against the hum and hush of NYC’s subway, this short animated film follows one person on a quiet yet ominous journey toward self-expression. In a world washed in cool purples and shadowy greys, they wrestle with a simple, yet heavy, choice: stepping into public wearing hoop earrings and a vibrant shade of lipstick.
If parts or all of this film resonates with you and you’d like support, reach out to IHI Therapy Center. We’re here for you. Even if you’re not based in New York, IHI can help connect you to relevant resources.
Lastly, a massive thank you to everyone who participated in this project! It takes a village.
Client: @ihitherapy
Agency: BOL Creative Production House
Written & Directed by: @tomprez
Produced by BOL Creative Production House
Creative Director: Tom Prezman
Executive Producer: @marcellobuselli
Producer: @venturaxvictoria
Line Producer: @isago17 and @_maikidd_
Music & Sound design: @omerteper_
Voice Over: @pixieaventura
Director: Tom Prezman
Art Direction: Eudald Salarich and Tom Prezman
Look development: Eudald Salarich and Tom Prezman
Storyboard: @storyofnya and Eudald Salarich
Animation:@kantorninjin ,@virfillol , @guadalupe.vyleta and Tom Prezman
Clean Up: Vir Fillol, Guadalupe Vyleta, and @nofch
Compositing: @esterdus
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#bolhouse #2D #selflove #shortfilm #animation
Read this caption for more info!⬇️
We’re so excited to share some upcoming updates to our space.
As part of a lease renewal, the IHI office will be undergoing renovations to create an improved and refreshed environment for our clients and clinicians.
What to expect…
* April 28 – July 1: All in-person sessions will temporarily transition to virtual appointments while construction is underway.
* If you already meet with your clinician virtually, no changes are needed—your sessions will continue as usual!
* If you typically meet in-person, your clinician will connect with you to ensure a smooth transition to virtual sessions during this time.
*What’s new?*
When renovations are complete, we’ll welcome you back to a newly updated space! While our address will remain the same, we will be consolidating into Suite 802 only, featuring 11 newly refreshed therapy rooms designed to enhance your experience.
Beginning July 1, in-person sessions will resume, and, if you’re a client with us already, your clinician will provide details about your new room assignment.
We appreciate your flexibility during this temporary transition and look forward to welcoming you into our newly renovated space this summer!
If you have questions, you can email us at [email protected].
💥 AFFIRMATIVE THERAPY vs. CONVERSION THERAPY 🥊
The evidence speaks for itself.
* There is no credible evidence that conversion therapy can change sexual orientation or gender identity.
* Exposure to conversion therapy is statistically associated with poor mental health outcomes, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, self harm, and suicidal ideation.
* Major organizations — including the American Psychological Association (APA), American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry — condemn the practice of conversion therapy as unethical and harmful.
And…
* Research from the HRC indicated that providing affirmative therapy leads to lower health care costs and higher quality adjusted life years.
* Affirmative therapy approaches use evidence-based methods, such as CBT, to help clients manage minority stress.
* Affirmative therapy is also associated with positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ folx — particularly youth.
There is no argument here. LGBTQ+-affirming therapy is essential and lifesaving. Conversion therapy is medical malpractice.
Visit our website for the affirming support you need and deserve — especially during times like these.
#DoNoHarm
Happy International Asexuality Day! 🖤🩶💜🏳️🌈!
The “A” in LGBTQIA+ stands for asexual — alongside aromantic, agender, and other communities. (“A” does not, however, stand for “Ally” … a common misconception!)
Asexual or “ace” folx identify along a spectrum. Swipe thru our post to learn more. ✨
We celebrate the ace spectrum! 🥳
If you identify as ace, or are exploring your identity, and need support, reach out to our LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists. 🖤
The impact of trans folx on our world is profound and easily recognizable. 🥳
Unfortunately, existing as a trans person in our world comes with serious challenges due to stigma, discrimination, violence, and intersectional impacts.
From 2018 to 2022, 48 cis-supremist laws were enacted in the U.S. across 19 different state governments. 😳
According to the Trevor Project, using national survey data collected from more than 61,000 transgender and nonbinary youth, cis-supremist laws significantly increased incidents of suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth by as much as 72%.
Furthermore, Black transgender and nonbinary young people reported higher rates of all indicators of poor mental health compared to their Black cisgender LGBQ peers.
These mental health disparities exist due to trans folx experiencing higher rates of victimization, attempts from others to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and housing instability.
💛 We are working to shift that. 💛
Our therapists are trained in providing culturally-responsive, affirming care to transgender folx. We create a space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and supported.
Therapy can help us to heal and thrive in the midst of calamitous moments like those we’re currently experiencing.
We’re here for you. Reach out for support.
Getting the LGBTQ+-affirming care you deserve can be even easier — utilize the insurance you already have. :)
🌈 We accept Oxford, Aetna, and United Healthcare. 🌈
Sign up for affordable, high quality therapy with us today—link in bio! 🔗
$25 IHI Therapy Gift Cards are now available to those who refer a friend!
We have many LGBTQ+-affirming therapists with diverse specialties who are available to support those in need.
Know someone who needs support? Email us at [email protected] to learn more. We’re here for you. 🏳️🌈🖤
(Link in bio for our referral program google form to fill out!)
We’re grateful to be honoring Cathy J. Cohen today, the final day of BHM!
Have you heard of Cathy’s article: Punks, Bulldaggers, and Welfare Queens: The Radical Potential of Queer Politics?
This landmark 1997 scholarly article by Cohen fundamentally reshaped the fields of queer theory and intersectional political science.
In the piece, Cohen critiques mainstream queer politics for being too narrow and argues for a transformative movement based on shared marginalization rather than just sexual identity.
We celebrate Cathy J. Cohen and the instrumental work she has done for our communities at large.
🎉 We invite you to keep celebrating Black history BEYOND this month and into your every day life! We’ll be doing so alongside you. 💛
