The LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) group is for any individual who identifies as having a non-hetero non-cisgender identity or who is a strong ally to the community. The intent/purpose is to build a sense of connection and belongingness among individuals who largely feel rejected by the community and oftentimes their own families. 
The group meets monthly for three hours and is an open group of four to ten members. This is primarily a process group but there are psychoeducational elements each session.
 
 In addition to the interpersonal process element, activities include developmental model self-identification, frequently used LGBTQ terms and identities, LGBTQ trivia games. It is a blend of the Transitions Program and Outpatient. 

"We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity." - George Takei

LBGTQ+ Group Staff

Mental Health Clinicians 

Sarah Young, MHP. MSW

Sarah Young was hired in February 2025 as a mental health therapist in the Transitions Program at RCC. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with her bachelor's degree in social sciences with a focus in Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology. She then went on to serve as a Resident Director at both the Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Greensburg campuses. Sarah earned an MSW degree from Pitt-Oakland’s School of Social Work in 2018 and worked for five and a half years as a Child and Family Therapist with the Family Foundations program at FSCAS. She obtained an MHP after completing the 3-year ESFT training program from the Philadelphia Child and Family Training Center. Currently, Sarah is working to obtain an LCSW. She loves collaborating as part of a team and supporting co-discovery that all people are capable of success and worthy of care! 

Sarah enjoys a vast catalog of music, watching Penguins hockey, cheesy Dad jokes, human rights activism, going to the beach and her entirely one-sided, long distance dream romance with actor Henry Cavill. 

Michael T. Moon MS NCC

Michael Moon, MS, NCC (He/Him) joined the team in September 2018. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and his Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. He is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Michael’s therapeutic focus includes mindfulness, trauma therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). He is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for clients and serves as a co-leader of an LGBTQ+ group.

Outside of his clinical work, Michael is passionate about a variety of niche interests, including comic books, roleplaying games, board gaming, and painting miniatures.

 


Our Services

We offer a wide range of services to meet the need of the individuals.

Our Philosophy and Approach

• Group members explored complex and nuanced experiences of having an LGBTQ identity in a rural community. 
• They shared supports, ideas coping skills and processed feelings of rejection. 
• The LGBTQ identity development models were reviewed and individuals gained an understanding of where they are in their identity development. 


Referral Sourses

Individuals must already be opened with Regional Counseling Center

Areas of Focus Will Include as Needed:


• 100% of participating consumers marked agree or strongly agree that they feel a sense of belonging and connection in the group compared to their relationships outside the group.
• When asked if they feel connected and a sense of belonging with friends, family and coworkers outside the group, 66% marked disagree or strongly disagree.
• 100% of consumers participating in the group marked strongly agree or agree that they feel less alone because of the LGBT group

Individuals will likely have: 

  • Meets Monthly 
  • Usually the second Wednesdays  of the Month
  • 12:00 pm-3:00 pm