You Found Us at Pride & We're So Happy You're Here.

South Hills Counseling is a proud, affirming space where every person is welcomed, respected, and supported on their journey toward wellness.

PITTSBURGH PRIDE 2026

Inspiring

Committed

Growing

Caring

Inspiring 〜 Committed 〜 Growing 〜 Caring 〜

A practice built on belonging, serving Pittsburgh's South Hills community.

South Hills Counseling has been serving Pittsburgh's South Hills community for over a decade with clinical care that's warm, professional, and genuinely person-centered. Our therapists believe healing is possible for everyone, and the foundation for that healing is a space where you feel completely safe to be yourself.

We work with individuals across the LGBTQ+ spectrum on a wide range of experiences, including identity exploration, gender-affirming support, relationship challenges, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. Our therapists pursue ongoing training in affirming care because your identity isn't a side note. It's central to who you are, and we honor that in every session.

STAY CONNECTED

We'd Love to Keep in Touch

Leave your email at our booth or scan the QR code, and we'll follow up with resources, therapist introductions, and upcoming events. No pressure, just community.

01

A personal follow-up with resources from our team

02

Therapist profiles matched to your needs and identity

03

Information on telehealth options across all of our locations

04

Invitations to LGBTQ+ focused workshops and community events

05

No pressure. You reach out when you're ready.

MEET THE TEAM

LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists Ready to Support You

Whether you met us at our booth or found us online, these are some of the clinicians who specialize in affirming, inclusive care across our three locations.

ATTENDING PRIDE

Jenna Gilbert, LPC, CAADC

Licensed Professional Counselor | Upper St. Clair

ANXIETY, TRAUMA, LIFE TRANSITIONS

Jenna creates a space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered. She is driven by the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, no matter how deep their pain, and she isn't afraid to have tough conversations when they're needed.

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LGBTQIA+ SPECIALIST

Kelcie Smith, LPC, NCC, MS

Licensed Professional Counselor | Pleasant Hills

LGBTQIA+, IDENTITY, ADDICTION

Kelcie is passionate about supporting individuals exploring or navigating gender identity and sexual orientation. She brings 8 years of LGBTQIA+ affirming care and creates a safe, inclusive space where clients feel heard and empowered.

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LGBTQIA+ ADVOCATE

Charles Melton, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor | Upper St. Clair

GENDER IDENTITY, ANXIETY, LIFE TRANSITIONS

Charles is deeply committed to advocating for and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals. He works with clients from diverse backgrounds seeking a safe, affirming space to thrive, with a focus on empowerment and living authentically.

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LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING

Sarah Hahn, MS, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor | Pleasant Hills

ANXIETY, SELF-ESTEEM, LGBTQ+ ISSUES

Sarah aims to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can be your authentic self, unapologetically. She prioritizes cultural competency, intersectionality, and showing up as her true self alongside every client she works with.

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AFFIRMING CARE

Courtney Schilinski, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor | Upper St. Clair

ANXIETY, CAREER COUNSELING, WOMEN'S ISSUES

Courtney works with young adults of any age and provides a safe, welcoming place specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community. Her goal is for clients to leave sessions feeling more confident and grounded in who they are.

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OUR VALUES

What We Believe

Our core values shape every interaction we have, every space we create, and every person we welcome through our doors.

Remain Committed

We show up consistently for our clients, our community, and the people we serve.

Be
Inspiring

We believe in your capacity to grow, and we're here to help you see it too.

Forever
Growing

We continue learning, including how to better serve the LGBTQ+ community.

Always
Caring

We lead with genuine compassion, meeting you exactly where you are without judgment.

The Therapy Process

Our child-centered approach to therapy is thoughtfully designed to meet young clients where they are developmentally. We incorporate play, activities, and games as primary tools, recognizing that traditional talk therapy isn’t always effective for children.

Our techniques are age-appropriate and emphasize interactive engagement, honoring the fact that nonverbal communication is often their most authentic form of expression. Each method is adapted to align with a child’s unique interests, strengths, and challenges.

We also strongly believe in the power of family involvement. 

From the initial assessment through ongoing care, we partner with parents and caregivers—providing regular updates, scheduling family sessions when needed, and offering guidance to support progress at home. When appropriate, we collaborate with teachers and other key figures in the child’s life to ensure a holistic, supportive approach.

COMMON QUESTIONS

We're Happy to Answer Your Questions

Starting therapy is a big decision. Here are some things people often ask when they find us for the first time.

  • LGBTQ+ affirming therapy means your therapist actively supports and respects your identity, rather than treating it as something to work through or around. At South Hills Counseling, affirming care means your gender identity, sexual orientation, and lived experiences are honored as part of who you are. Your therapist understands the unique stressors that come with navigating the world as an LGBTQ+ person and brings that awareness into every session.

  • No referral is needed. You can contact us directly by calling 412-945-0692 or by submitting our online contact form. Our team will connect you with a therapist who's a strong fit for your needs, your schedule, and your preferences.

  • Yes. We offer secure, confidential telehealth sessions for clients throughout Pennsylvania. Online therapy delivers the same quality of care as in-person sessions and is a great option if you prefer to meet from home or have a demanding schedule.

  • We accept most major insurance plans and offer a sliding scale fee for clients who qualify. Our administrative team is here to help you navigate your coverage and understand your options before your first session. Call us at 412-945-0692 for more information.

  • That's completely normal, and we're here to help. When you reach out, our team will take the time to learn about what you're looking for so we can match you with someone who feels like a genuine fit. Finding the right therapist matters, and we'd rather take a little extra time to get it right.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Your Journey Toward Wellness Starts Here

We're glad you found us. Whether you're ready to schedule today or just want to learn more, our team is here to help you take the next step at your own pace.