I’m Christopher Russell, LCSW, a gay psychotherapist who has felt especially drawn to those who have been misunderstood, overlooked, and even harmed by the systems that were supposed to help them. My experience with LGBTQ+ communities extends beyond my own identity and includes years of LGBTQ+ service delivery, training in gender- and sexuality-affirming care, and providing continuing education to other professionals on gender and sexual identity, spirituality among LGBTQ+ people, and HIV. I also have extensive experience supporting people living with HIV across identities and backgrounds. My practice is especially mindful of clients who have felt pathologized, dismissed, or left out of traditional mental health and medical settings.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Arkansas State University in 2020 and later completed postgraduate training in Sexual Health and Sex Therapy through the University of Michigan. My clinical focus includes LGBTQ+ affirming psychotherapy, relationship therapy, sex therapy, HIV-related care, OCD and related disorders, personality disorders, and complex emotional and relational concerns. I provide relationship therapy across genders, sexual identities, and relationship structures, including queer and transgender relationships, consensual non-monogamy and polyamory, kink, and clients navigating blended-family or co-parenting dynamics. My work is sex-positive, kink-affirming, queer- and trans-affirming, and poly-affirming.

Gender-affirming care in my practice does not require a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. I work with clients who are questioning, exploring, transitioning, or simply wanting space to experience greater ease, authenticity, gender joy, and euphoria. I can help clients navigate legal name changes, locate affirming medical providers for hormone therapy, and understand options for gender-affirming care. When surgery is being pursued, I can also provide readiness assessments consistent with WPATH standards and applicable surgeon or insurance requirements. My goal is to make these processes collaborative, respectful, and centered on the client’s voice and agency.