Our Values, Explained
To grow together, we learn together
Community Means Growth
At Prism, we know that learning and growth is a life long commitment. Rather than just using terms and hoping people understand, we want to offer a resource for those wanting to learn more about the values we hold. Whether it's offering training and education on *2SLGBTQIA+ lived experiences, or fighting systemic and oppressive systems, we at Prism not only work to be in alignment with our values, but want to ensure we create space to be in growth with those who want to learn.
Guiding Principles
What Do We Mean When We Say...
-
Anti-Capitalist / Reducing Wealth Disparities: At Prism, this means we actively work to ensure that cost is never a barrier to care. We use sliding scale fees, accept Medicaid, and participate in Open Path Collective because we believe mental health care is a right, not a commodity. We reject models that prioritize profit over people.
-
Sex & Kink-Affirming: Prism does not pathologize consensual adult sexual expression. Our clinicians are trained not to impose shame or stigma around sexuality. This is aligned with established standards from AASECT (the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) and reflects our commitment to treating the whole person.
-
Fat Liberation / Anti-Body Oppression/Terrorism: Our harm reduction services for disordered eating are grounded in the understanding that bodies of all sizes deserve dignity and care. We reject weight-based stigma in clinical settings, which research shows causes significant harm and reduces healthcare access. This approach is consistent with Health at Every Size (HAES) principles.
-
Anti-Ableist: We are committed to accessible care: physically, financially, and clinically. We do not treat disability, neurodivergence, or chronic illness as problems to be fixed. Every person deserves care that meets them where they are.
-
Decolonizing: This refers to our commitment to examining and dismantling the ways that white, Western, and heteronormative assumptions have been embedded in mental healthcare. We center lived experience and draw from diverse cultural traditions in our clinical approach. Our Anti-Oppression Statement provides additional context.
