 After receiving multiple death threats and threats of violence, Open Doors Counseling was forced to shutter its Prestonsburg location in hopes of moving to a safer area. The center relocated to downtown Pikeville and is currently accepting in-person appointments. We have a large number of requests all the time since COVID restrictions have lifted for in-person sessions and providing their services in-person. It's really important for people to feel like they can be in the same room with their providers to get to know them, to feel like they're paying attention, that they're relating and that they're listening. And also, there's a sense of safety with being able to go in-person to meet someone as opposed to having to be sight in your home with your family. If they're not affirming, it can be very dangerous in town for people to access counseling and get our services if they have to do it virtually. So this offers that safe space for them to be able to go in-person and meet a provider of ours without having to worry about someone overhearing their sessions at home. Find love in every connection at Appalachian Wireless, even if you want to connect with no credit check, no contracts, and most features of post-paid. Talking about forward pay, this month give $50 off select pre-paid devices. It's forward pay because we are you. We are Appalachian Wireless. A study by SAMHSA found that over the previous year, 39% of LGBTQ people had reported mental illness. Discrimination against LGBTQ persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. LGBTQ people are everywhere. It does not matter if you're in a big city or if you're in a rural town somewhere, they're everywhere. And they really need to know that their providers understand them and can work with them in a competent manner. You know, I compare it to being friendly versus competently affirming. You know, there's a spectrum of how, well, a provider is equipped to work with somebody. I would have loved to have had this kind of resource myself as a kid. So I personally know how important it is to have that visibility and that representation and having someone around that you know has your bag. You know, just knowing that, you know, LGBTQ affirming resources exist near you can be life changing and even life saving. For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to opendoorscancelingctr.com. Reporting for Mountaintop News, I'm Brianna Robinson.