William Temple House in Portland provides care for LGBTQ+ people [Video]

The William Temple House is helping LGBTQ+ Portlanders with social services, such as a food pantry, and mental health services.

PORTLAND, Ore. — For years, Reid Vanderburgh faced anxiety and depression. And he didn’t know why.

“When I started transition, I realized who I was finally in 1995 — I was 40 years old,” said Vanderburgh. “I had been in deep denial for a long time, living in a lesbian community, and I was very confused about who I was.”

He said one therapist didn’t understand what he was going through and actually hurt his recovery.

“That set me back in my process of self-exploration because if a therapist doesn’t believe me and I already don’t know who I am and they’re supposed to know because they’re the professional, then that can’t be it,” said Vanderburgh.

Reid said he finally found a therapist that understood trans issues and gave him the tools to figure out who he was. That’s one reason he’s now a board member …

Tags Community Support, Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Community, Mental Health Recovery