Horrible! Uncompassionate, they really don't know what they're doing. "Everyone" that trys to go there, they consider them to be an addict and infected with diseases. Very discriminatory. Mean, uncaring. U r just a paycheck. Since they know that they are the only place for u, they use that against you. Vindictive. They do not care about you whatsoever. Waste of time and money. Who would donate money to a place like this??
To address some of the negative reviews--
LGBT healthcare is in high demand, with little supply, even in a city 310,000+ strong. So, yes, there is unfortunately a waiting period. I happen to be one of those people that waited for awhile. While waiting, I was also frustrated. But looking at the bigger picture I understood that it wasn't Persad's fault. It's the fact LGBT healthcare, as well as mental healthcare, are limited resources. And most of us don't realize until it affects us directly.
They, like any healthcare clinic, are busy. Apply my aforementioned comment regarding supply and demand and then it makes sense why sometimes communication gets lost in transmission. But if you call inquiring your placement on the waitlist, the front desk staff will help you. If you have an appointment, they will call you and leave a voicemail as a reminder. And, any questions you have during your visit will be addressed by someone with the answer.
Persad is a very nice place. There are only negatives about it if you're specifically looking for them, as is the case with anywhere.
OMG! I cannot believe how it is here! If u r trans, this is NOT a place you want to go to! I thought that they would be helpful, understanding and compassionate. Far from it! I can honestly to you, perSad has harmed me more than all of my abusers combined! Because of perSad, I have been forced to live a life that I never wanted, for decades. Forcing me to violate my religious beliefs! Forcing me to live with this body, everyday and night! Letting me, allowing me to continue to hate myself, for decades! perSad has completely destroyed me! Ruined my life and they do it, did it, with a smile on their faces, telling me, "well, you know, there are people who get surgery like this when they are in their 70 and 80!" Yeah, that's what I want, to be 80 years old and just getting my life started! I sincerly cannot believe that its like this here. Its hard to believe, that, in Iran, it would be much much easier for me to get the operation that I need,...in Iran. Hmm, I thought this was the land of the free. perSad has let me suffer like this all of my life! If you don't dress up to "their" standards, they kick you out! If u are a woman wanting to be a man, u pretty much have to wear cowboy boots and hat, you know, stereotypical. If u r a man and want to be a woman, well, u must dress up like a little hussy, u must wear short skirts and high heels, pretty much. Then, perSad makes you go to all of your neighbors, family, workplace to tell them that your "trans". If u don't, they kick u out! If u don't fit into perSads stereotypical idea of what a woman or man looks like and dresses like and acts like, they kick u out and want nothing to do with you! You see? perSad knows that suicide rates are extremely high among transgender people and, what does perSad do? Deny you the very thing that would prevent your, likely, suicide! It really makes me wonder, how much blood is on perSads hands? How many people might have been bashed because they are forced to go around telling everyone who or what they are? HOW MANY SUICIDES HAS perSad CAUSED??? By denying what should be yours. Hmm. perSad is an extremely unethical institution! Who in the world could be supportive of these practices and donate money to, perSad??? Truly unbelievable. perSad, my tormentor.
Tried to go here once. Called to set up something. Got a voicemail at least 3 times and decided to leave a message for a call back. They never called back lol.
I've been a tg client of PERSAD for almost a year. I would say I'm old school, but I'm just old. I've always felt hated for what I've felt in my heart, but in the past year, yeah, there are those who will always hate me and that's their problem. The staff makes me feel welcome and they are helpfull. For the first time in my life, I don't hate myself.
Do you have insurance or can you afford to pay for therapy? If so, you should go somewhere else.
-receptionist for Persad over 4 months ago. Still on waitlist but not planning on going to Persad ever now.
I had used Persad for years in the past, the environment was always welcoming, comforting and helpful. The staff is very friendly and kind. Their new facility is very nice and comfortable.
Persad has a ridiculously long waiting list in order to see them and were of no help what so ever. How does this place even help LGBT people?! What a complete lack of service.
Wonderful place wonderful people
Would recommend them to anyone who is LGBT and looking for counseling
I've been a client there since I've moved here, there is a waiting list. We as Pittsburgh LGBT citizens are lucky to have a facility like this as there are only 2 other in the whole USA catering to LGBT specifically LA and NYC. So patience is needed. But once in they are amazing, caring and supportive. I moved here from LA and I must say I like it better here. They really do care!
I have experienced an amazing level of professional and compassionate care from the wonderful people at PERSAD. They have helped me tackle anxiety and depression in a safe, LGBT-friendly space, and allowed me to take back more control of my life.
My partner waited 3 days for a call back from anyone at Persad. When she finally DID get a call back, she was dissuaded by the intake person, stating that the process to see a therapist and psychiatrist was a long and arduous one, and that she would be better off Google-ing the referrals from the local Gay and Lesbian community center. I have been a long standing contributor to Persad via my job, and expected that the folks who sought help there would be treated with more compassion and care. We will no longer be contributing to the Persad center.
persadcenter.org
