LGBTQ Services

• STI/HIV screening and prevention services:Disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ community, FHCN focuses on prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Hepatitis screening: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men have a higher chance of getting viral hepatitis including Hepatitis A, B, and C, which are diseases that affect the liver. Family HealthCare Network focuses on prevention and treatment.
• Breast cancer screening: Screenings are recommended for all individuals including transgender women and transgender men. Transgender women have denser breasts which is a risk for breast cancer. Transgender men may have excess of testosterone that can be converted to estrogen and the excess increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Cervical cancer screening: Screenings are recommended to individuals who need them: cis-women, lesbians, bisexual women, and some transgender men. We understand there are emotional barriers preventing individuals from asking for a cervical cancer screening, and work with you on what feels comfortable.
• Mental health services: Committed to the emotional and psychological health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. Family HealthCare Network understands mental health issues can also mean assisting in any of the following:
  • Individual counseling for adult, children, and youth.
  • Substance abuse services: Seek an appropriate diagnosis and treatment approaches.
  • Tobacco use cessation: Assist in a path toward a tobacco-free life.
• Caring for LGBTQ Children & Youth: Family HealthCare Network follows the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Advocacy & Policy for pediatric LGBTQ patients. These services are similar to the ones listed above, but are conducted by pediatricians.

If you are uninsured and have reservations on getting any of these services because of the financial cost, please know that we will assist you in finding a program to cover most or all costs for your screenings.

Certified LGBTQ Knowledgeable and Friendly Providers
Family HealthCare Network policies and practices focus on ensuring a safe, welcoming, affirmative environment of care for the LGBTQ community as well as providing access to current and relevant information as it relates to LGBTQ health care. While all Family HealthCare Network providers are welcoming to LGBTQ patients, we have a select group of providers who are certified through additional training and have expressed a personal interest in serving LGBTQ patients. These select certified providers by specialty include:

Behavioral Health

• Brandon Foster, PHD – Visalia School
• Claudia Gonzalez, PsyD – Goshen
• Phillip Holbdy, PHD – Visalia School

Family Practice

• Marisela Ledezma, PA-C – Porterville
• Jason Reyes, PA-C – Porterville
• Elijah Youssefi, PA-C – Porterville
• Anna Freemantle, PA-C – Tulare West

OBGYN

• Jeff Seidenrose, PA-C – Visalia School