local recommendations

Is Athens liberal? Is Athens conservative? Is it safe? Is it inclusive?
...sigh...
it depends.

For folks with marginalized identities, finding local services that are trans-affirming, queer-inclusive, AND body-positive can feel overwhelming. Clients who see me in person know that I have a very small stack of business cards for services and providers I recommend. Usually I even specify the PERSON at a specific place, not just the entire facility! I will work to update this list periodically, but I cannot guarantee that you might not catch someone on a bad day or that you will always have a fantastic experience at these places. Hopefully, the list will offer some ideas of where I personally feel confident you can obtain services with *less* discrimination than what your anxiety and/or trauma is telling you will happen. 
(words underlined in bold are links)

primary care

Carrie Prowell Pixley, PA-C at Oconee Family Practice
  • ​as of November 2024, she is accepting new clients! 
  • she practices through the Health At Every Size model, can prescribe anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, ADHD, and hormone replacement therapy medications
  • you don't have to have health insurance to receive services (the out of pocket fees are $150 intake/$80 follow up visits)
  • they do bloodwork (i.e., lab work, or "labs") onsite, costs vary based on what they're testing

gynecological care

Betsy Collins, MD, MPH at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta
  • I was recently asked for a local ob/gyn recommendation for trans men. At this time, I'm not aware of an option in Athens (although plenty of guys go to Women's Healthcare Associates to support female partners, so it *might* not be that awkward, but still it's blatantly tailored towards women).
  • The patient reviews of Dr. Collins are the best I've ever seen!

adult adhd testing

Becky Kim, LPC at small moves counseling
  • Becky is proudly LGBTQIA+ affirming
  • She spends spends about two hours asking you questions about childhood and now, performs standardized assessments related to ADHD, executive functioning and other relevant areas, and then talks with people who’ve known you for years to get an outsider’s perspective of your symptoms.
  • All of this information goes into a 13-17 page report, with relevant diagnoses and treatment recommendations. She does not prescribe medications.

legal representation

Ryan Mullis at Vayman & Teitelbaum, P.C. in Atlanta
  • Ryan is a divorce and family law attorney licensed in Georgia. 
  • She is proudly affirming of polyamorous, kink, queer and trans identities.
  • She specializes in creating contracts such as prenuptial, postnuptial, relationship, child custody, parenting plans, etc.
  • Email Ryan directly: [email protected]

gender affirming voice therapy

UGA's Speech and Hearing Clinic
  • ​you do not have to be affiliated with UGA to receive services
  • there tends to be a wait list with about 2-3 months before the initial appointment
  • you can have your appointments either in person or online using Zoom
  • email Lauren for more information: [email protected]

laser hair removal

Yuva Medical Spa
  • regularly works with clients who identify as transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary
  • all genders may experience embarrassment and/or frustration with unwanted body hair 
  • laser hair removal is most effective on areas with dark hair against light skin
  • laser hair removal is not painful and appointments are very brief (about 5 minutes for upper lip or chin)​

massage therapy

Foot Palace Reflexology Spa
  • not just for feet! I originally thought this was a pedicure place but it is NOT! It is a wonderfully affordable and accessible alternative to traditional massage
  • prices range from $32 - $52 plus tip
  • you can book 30 or 60 minutes, you stay fully clothed, sit in a massage chair, and either have someone work on your head/face/ears, calves/feet, or hands​

local support groups

  • Athens-area PFLAG (Parents and Families of LGBTQ+ loved ones) support group - Parents will also learn tools to support their children and themselves as they continue to grow and learn about their child’s identities
  • LGBTQ+ Youth - from games to food, this is a relaxed space designed to offer a hangout for our kids
  • Religious Recovery - for folks leaving religious identity because of their queer identity
  • ​Rainbow Spirit - for folks seeking to reconcile their God-given identity with practicing faith in community
  • In-person Trans support group - meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm at Access Point in Athens; email [email protected] for more information
  • Virtual/Online Trans support group - meets the second Saturday of every month at 12noon; for access, you must email [email protected]
  • Life After Diagnosis - support group for people navigating chronic illness and/or chronic pain
  • The Cottage - multiple support groups for survivors of sexual assault and/or childhood sexual abuse, including groups specifically for LGBTQ+ identities

atlanta fun