Open Doors Counseling Center

Counseling Services in Kentucky

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Open Doors Counseling Center is a division of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Caritas Care Solutions. Our program offers Identity Counseling, Trauma and Grief Counseling, Mood and Anxiety Counseling and more. We foster a safe space for people who identify as LGBTQ+, LGBTQ+ allies, and people who are seeking behavioral health services. This type of environment allows people to explore their gender identity, sexual identity, affectional identity, and other aspects of identity without fear of judgment.


Open Doors Counseling Center Robert Kyle May, M.Ed, LPCC-S Counseling Services in Kentucky

Kyle May, MEd, LPCC-S
Founder
Chief Clinical Officer
Therapist

My name is Kyle May. I identify as gay.
Pronouns: he/him

I was born in Pikeville, KY located in Eastern Kentucky but now live in Lexington, KY. I have lived in small, rural communities for the first 30 years of my life. I recently moved to Lexington, KY to expand my horizons for my career and my life. I went to college at Morehead State University from 2007 to 2011 where I received my Bachelors of Science degree from their undergraduate psychology program. After graduating from MSU, I attended classes at Lindsey Wilson College’s extended campus in Prestonsburg, KY from the beginning of 2012 to the end of 2013 where I received my Masters of Education degree from their Counseling and Human Development program. I have worked as a therapist since 2011. I have been working with children and adolescents who have emotional and behavioral disorders since the beginning of my career and I have been specializing in providing trauma therapy to survivors of trauma since 2014. I am trained in evidence-based trauma therapy models such as TF-CBT and CPP. I enjoy helping people work through dealing with depression, general anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and more so that they may improve their quality of life.

I have been faced with a variety of adversities throughout my life many of which are directly, or indirectly, related to my identify as a gay man. I have experienced prejudice and discrimination in my personal and professional lives. I know what it has been like for me living completely in the closet, only allowing certain people to know about my identify at work, home, and in the community, and now being completely out to the point that I am recognized as a leader in Kentucky advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. One of my accomplishments is that I have founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called the Big Sandy LGBT+ Safe Zone that serves the LGBTQ+ people in Pike, Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, and Martin counties in Eastern Kentucky.

I have also founded a counseling center known as Open Doors Counseling Center. The core values for ODCC are Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence (PRIDE). I will make serving LGBTQ+ people a priority in communities across the great state of Kentucky but I especially want to reach rural communities where a huge gap exists for being able to find and access LGBTQ+ affirming and competent services. LGBTQ+ allies and other people will also be welcome in our center regardless of identity. Telehealth services will be used to allow people to access services that they otherwise would not be able to access and for people may not be ready to walk through our doors.

I look forward to helping people work through their identity issues, trauma histories, their mood and anxiety issues, and more. Please help make serving LGBTQ+ people with their unique needs a priority in Kentucky!

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About

Jeremy Coleman, MEd, LPCA
Quality Assurance Director
Therapist

My name is Jeremy Coleman. I identify as pansexual and polyamorous.
Pronouns: he/him

I am the Quality Assurance Director and a Therapist at Open Doors Counseling Center. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. I am I have received my Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lindsey Wilson College. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and also have experience with polyamorous relationship structures. I hope to use my knowledge and experiences to assist others.

I would like to share a little about my background. I am married with one son. My family is from Eastern KY, but because my dad was in the Air Force, I grew up all over. However, when I was in middle school, he retired and we moved to Pikeville. After high school I joined the military, got married, and was stationed in Fort Stewart, GA. I realized early on that I did not want to make the military my career, so afterwards I returned to Pikeville.

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Open Doors Counseling Center Robert Kyle May, M.Ed, LPCC-S Counseling Services in Kentucky

Whitney Allen, MA, LPCC, LCADC
Therapist

My name is Whitney Allen. I identify as an ally.
Pronouns: she/her

I am a Therapist at Open Doors Counseling Center. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Targeted Case Manager. I have many years of experience working with clients with substance use disorders, PTSD, anxiety, and a range of other concerns. I approach therapy from a “person-centered”, whole wellness model. My style of therapy is more “laid back” and I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. I am an LGBTQIA+ ally. I specialize in trauma, grief, and career counseling but I am looking forward to expanding into identity counseling and other needs for the LGTBQIA+ community. I am originally from Prestonsburg, and I am excited to return to offer my services for those in my hometown. I also look forward to working in the supportive environment provided at Open Doors Counseling Center and hope to extend that support to my clients!

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About

Stacie Sexton, MSW, CSW
Therapist

My name is Stacie Sexton. I identify as bisexual and agender.
Pronouns: she/they

I am a Certified Social Worker, Peer Support Specialist, and reproductive justice organizer who hails from Whitesburg, Kentucky. I spend most of my time in Lexington these days, but I frequently return home. I received my Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2021, my Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2015, and expect to complete a Doctoral of Social Work in spring 2025.

While everyone’s experience will be different, I understand how difficult it can be to find non-judgmental and queer friendly mental health services. As a therapist, I am deeply committed to holding space for folks to explore who they are and who they want to become. I am also dedicated to helping folks identify issues they face toward a path of growth and healing. I believe that we are all experts in our own experiences, and honoring that fact makes a big difference in our daily lives. My approach to therapy will always be tailored to each person in a way that puts my client’s capabilities and strengths at the center of our work together. I have experience working with clients facing issues in trauma, identity exploration, and mood disorders, but I am excited to increase my knowledge and capacity to serve the members of my community.

Before coming to Open Doors, I served as a Behavioral Health Associate at New Vista in their Therapeutic Rehabilitation Program. My work focused on helping adult clients build skills to heal from trauma and severe mental illnesses. I also served as Project Director of Kentucky Health Justice Network’s All Access EKY, a program to bring comprehensive birth control to Eastern Kentuckians. I continue to serve as Artistic Director of the Abortion Monologues of Lexington, study culture building in justice work, and hold workshops on community-focused storytelling.

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About

Joshua Turner, PhD, LP-HSP
Therapist

My name is Dr. Joshua Turner. I identify as gay and gender non-conforming. Hablo Español.
Pronouns: he/they

I am a licensed psychologist in KY and IN. I hold a doctorate in counseling psychology, a masters in clinical psychology, a bachelors in psychology, and a bachelors in Spanish. I am a generalist by training and have over 12 years of experience in the mental health field including specialized training in LGBTQ+ concerns, trauma, and bilingual counseling. I completed my post-doctoral residency with Veterans Affairs and have over 4 years of experience working with veterans and their families. I am dedicated to the equity of mental healthcare to all people and utilize a decolonized and human centered approach in my psychotherapy practice. I draw strongly from acceptance and commitment therapy as well as cognitive behavioral approaches.

My goal in working with clients is to help them gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for themselves while alleviating any distressing symptoms they are experiencing. I have expertise with complex trauma and PTSD, eating disorders and body image, sexuality and gender identity, immigration and acculturation, depression and anxiety, and mood disorders.

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About

Bradley Sansom
Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

My name is Bradley Sansom. I identify as gay.
Pronouns: he/him

My name is Bradley. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with undergraduate degrees in music and psychology obtained from Morehead State University, I hold a certificate in medical assistant studies from the US Career Institute. I received a Masters of Science in Psychology degree from Grand Canyon University and postgraduate Doctoral degrees that include Educational Specialist degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and Community Care and Counseling from Liberty University. Most recently I have enrolled in a post master’s certificate in mental health administration.

I am a trauma informed care provider certified by UT Health San Antonio, Department of Psychiatry and I am also a certified CBT practitioner by the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology. I have more than 8 years of counseling experience in behavioral health providing services such as individual therapy, group therapy, couples counseling, case management, and mental health evaluations and assessments. I specialize in the use of medical family therapy treatment models for individuals with chronic health conditions and the use of clinical diagnostic outcome assessments.

I have specialized postgraduate training in clinical assessments including the M-FAST (Miller Forensic Assessment Of Symptoms Test), the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and Vineland-3 (Functional Assessment). I am certified in mental health first aid and currently working towards MI motivational interviewing coach certification through WV-MI.

I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ population and I want to give back to the population and help to heal religious trauma within the community and help heal couples together within the clinical setting. In my free time, I enjoy playing the flute and piccolo in local community bands and orchestras. Along with spending time with my husband who is a nurse and our teenage son, dog, and two cats.

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About

Nadia Ahmadzai
Therapist Intern

My name is Nadia Ahmadzai. I identify as bisexual.
Pronouns: she/her

I am a student at the University of Kentucky pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work. I received my B.S. in Psychology from UK and one day plan to attain a Doctorate in Social Work. My senior capstone research was centered on Trans identities, specifically in Kentucky, and explorations with digital expressions of gender and sexuality (gender and sexual expression in video games and social media).

I am passionate about mental health and self-love and am excited to be interning with Open Doors Counseling Center and you on your own journey, so thank you for allowing me the privilege.

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About

Seth Stephens
Therapist Intern

My name is Seth Stephens.
Pronouns: he/him

I am the temporary office administrative assistant and a counseling intern for Open Doors Counseling Center. I am getting my Master’s degree at Lindsey Wilson College’s School of Professional Counseling and will be graduating in December 2024. I am thrilled to be a part of this team, and here to support staff and clients alike in any way I can.

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About

Blake Blevins
Therapist Intern

My name is Blake Blevins. I identify as Pansexual.
Pronouns: he/him

I am a third-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Eastern Kentucky University, as well as the newest practicum student here at Open Doors Counseling Center. I am originally from Harlan, Ky and am very appreciative of my Appalachian culture and background. My time in a small, rural community shaped not only who I am but my professional interests as well. It is not easy to grow up as one of the only openly queer people in a small town, but that is what drove me to become an advocate and helper to sexual and gender minorities, specifically, those in underrepresented and underserved rural communities. I love working as a mental health professional and serving a demographic of individuals that I am so proud to be a part of. My identity within the LGBTQIA+ community brings both a sense of clarity and fulfillment to my psychological practices.

I am passionate about providing clients with evidence-based treatments and interventions to address a host of mental health symptoms, especially relating to things like minority stress, discrimination, oppression, and the lifelong process of coming out. I strive to hold space for my clients and help them navigate the various intersections of their social identities, while maintaining an open and warm environment that is validating, welcoming, and affirming to those overlapping parts of their individuality. As a clinician in training, I not only respect but recognize and acknowledge that individual difference is greater than collective assumption. There are more differences within a group or community than there are between groups or communities. My therapeutic approach is tailored to the individual experience. I have an affinity for a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and the internal family systems model.

I am truly honored to be a part of the team here at Open Doors Counseling Center, and I look forward to serving the greater Kentucky area!

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About

Corey/Corabelle Hall, MS
Targeted Case Manager
Peer Support Specialist
Event Coordinator

My name is Corabelle Hall. I identify as genderfluid.
Pronouns: she/they

I am a Peer Support Specialist, Targeted Case Manager, and an Event Coordinator. I am from a small town right outside of Louisville. I have a Master’s in Psychology. I battle daily with my own struggles of mental illness, but I will not let this stop me from pursing my dreams and aspirations.

I know the struggles that arise being a gender-fluid individual, and I want to be an advocate for my community. This is not only as a drag queen, but as a professional in whom the members of my community can trust.

I look forward to beginning this journey with Open Doors, and I am proud to stand behind them in supporting the LGBTQ+ community here in Lexington and across the state. Always remember to think of life as a kaleidoscope. It may look dark at first, but once light shines through in you, your colors will be able to radiate with love.

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About

Dakota Pensinger
Administrative Assistant

My name is Dakota Pensinger. I identify as an ally.
Pronouns: she/her

I am the office Administrative Assistant at Open Doors Counseling Center. I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I love to travel when I can and spending time with friends and family. I’m excited for this opportunity with Open Doors and look forward to helping the clients and staff anyway I can!