These listings grew out of a simple idea: Too often, the haters grab the headlines. Not only do they hurt the people they claim to hate, they hurt the rest of the community as well. We want to give voice to the many organizations, groups, entrepreneurs, and artists who throw out the welcome mat to all who come to western North Carolina in good will.
Who Can List?
While these directories are focused on the LGBTQ community, they are open to all who welcome us – as customers, employees, and colleagues. In order to list here, you have to register and be logged in.
How is it Funded?
These listings are funded by donations. We encourage listers to donate something to support the listing but do not require a donation.
Who Get’s Preference?
We don’t give preference to anyone in this listing. The point of this listing is to provide our community with as much information as possible about welcoming organizations, groups, and services.
What’s the Idea Behind Merit Badges?
While we don’t give preference to listings, we do want to highlight organizations that meet criteria relevant to this directory. We give, for example, special attention to organizations that are owned by or substantial employers of the LGBTQ community. But, to be fair to all, we invite listers to include their own merit badges.
Listing Standards
All listings must comply with the following standards.
Relevant to our local LGBTQ and allied communities.
This includes western North Carolina and nearby communities in contiguous states. It also includes groups based outside the region that have a local presence and local service capability.
Accurate
Information should be accurate and up-to-date.
Transparent about any restrictions
Listing entities do not have to be LGBTQ-focused, but must be LGBTQ-welcoming. We understand that a group may have certain restrictions that are in keeping with its mission (e.g., youth only; male or male-identified). Any such restrictions should be stated explicitly in the restrictions field.
No offensive content
This includes language and visuals that are considered hateful, threatening or inappropriately graphic. Bear in mind that this site is accessible to minors.
No content that poses a threat to people’s privacy or to copyright laws.
Do not share names, photos or contact information without appropriate authorization or consent.
No embedded funding appeals and links.
Why? We don’t allow these because we don’t have the resources to monitor such links. You are welcome to link to pages on your site that include these.
We reserve the right to remove or edit listings at any time and for any reason.
We will remove a listing if there is evidence that a lister and/or their listing content is incompatible with our focus on community-building, community support, and constructive dialogue. We will remove or edit a listing that is in violation of our listing standards.
User Tips
Filter Bar
Each listing includes special filters. If you are having trouble, try typing a key word or phrase in the Search Entries box.
Limitations
We do not audit or endorse groups.
We review new submissions against our listing standards but otherwise accept (or reject) them as presented. We may remove a listing if community feedback suggests that it is materially inaccurate or that the speaker’s content is fundamentally at odds with our focus on community-building.
We do not conduct detailed checks of organizations and their links.
Please be mindful when following links outside this site or when reaching out to new entities.
We do not manage communications or registrations with groups.
Users who wish to contact a group should use the links provided by the group. If you wish to suggest minor edits, please contact the group using their links.
Mental Health Providers
Eric Davis MS, LCPA, NCC, Counselor
Willow Wellness and Recovery, PC
9 All Souls Crescent Suite B, Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Phone: (828) 490-4137 | Website
I am a firm believer in empowerment and self-determination. In the past, I have worked well with folks experiencing a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, substance-use, sleep disturbances, relationship issues, and issues unique to the LGBT community.
Scott Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCAS
Silver Lining Therapy
70 Woodfin Place STE 21, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (828) 705-3084 | Website
I believe humor can be a powerful tool for healing and seek to incorporate this into our time together. Unique to my practice is an approach that truly puts you at the center of the counseling experience, and I draw from a wide variety of techniques to help you see and experience real change in your life. To see if therapy might be a good fit, I offer free phone consultations.
James Harrison, PhD Psychologist
12 Westridge Dr , Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Phone: (828) 348-6300 | Website
I enjoy helping people achieve physical and emotional intimacy whether they are young or old, straight or gay, in healthy, responsible, and mutually affirming ways. I also enjoy helping people improve their earning and manage their assets. And I like working with older people. I offer free phone consultations.
Judy Maris, Counselor, LPC, LCPC, MA, MS
Maris Psychotherapy
41 Clayton St, Suite 301, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (828) 537-4489 | Website
We can explore troublesome patterns that tend to repeat themselves in your life or look at new issues that have just come up. The important thing is for us to work together to get to the bottom of your difficulties and resolve them.
I will assist you in becoming more aware of what you are feeling and thinking in the present moment. The untapped wisdom within you is a powerful healing force. Let me help you gain access to your full inner resources. I offer free phone consultations.
Elizabeth Heaney, Counselor, MA, LPC
166 E Chestnut Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (520) 447-3319 | Website
I work with individual adults with concerns like: family history issues, relationship concerns, life satisfaction issues (related to jobs, living situations or relationships), anxiety and depression. I’ve had a particular focus on working with couples, addressing every aspect of relationship challenges – relationship dissatisfaction/boredom, affairs, sexual/intimacy issues, etc. And I was a civilian counselor on military bases for several years, so I have a clear understanding of the unique pressures and challenges facing service members and families. I offer free phone consultations.
Siljoy Maurer
Holistic Perspectives
P.O. Box 333, Enka, NC 2872 Phone: (828) 333-0103 | siljoy@me.com or www.HolisticPerspectives.com
For many years now I have been mentoring men and women from all walks of life. It continues to be my greatest joy to accompany someone from “just being ok” into thriving! As a Mentor & Healer I partner with my clients in creating authenticity, wellness and deep contentment, in whatever area of their lives they are seeking change. The combination of giving very practical, livable tools for direct “next steps” while “holding the big picture” and then manifesting that big picture often feels like this: a new client brings me their life or life situation in a jigsaw puzzle box, they lost the lid and forgot what the picture on it looked like. I am good at knowing that picture and then guiding my clients/mentees to put all the puzzle pieces together.