From the beginning of my graduate school work until today, I have worked with many gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons.

In the early 1980's when I was starting, there was little information on gay and lesbian people available to mental health professionals. Very few books or articles even addressed the concerns of the lesbian and gay community.

In 1983, I completed the first large American research study of stable gay relationships. Although the "knowledge on the streets" said there were no stable gay relationships, I was able to collect a sample of forty couples from the Houston area who were together between six and forty years. Most importantly, the study determined that many of these couples were happy and stable. They looked a lot like other couples, and they loved deeply. Since that time, I have offered specialized therapeutic services tailored specifically to the needs pf the gay and lesbian community.

Although gay, lesbian and bisexual people have many of the same issues and concerns as heterosexual persons, issues such as coming-out, family problems, some health concerns, societal pressures, discrimination, religious issues, children, and the current demonization of the GLBT community by certain political and religious factions may cause particular pain. The parents and families of GLBT persons have special concerns with which to contend, also. It is sometimes helpful to work with a therapist who clearly understands those issues.

Tony Carroll, LCSW, and his partner, Bruce W. Smith, DDS, were married in Toronto in the fall of 2003, and are currently launching another decade together.

We are active in many areas within the community and are always involved with a large number of charity, arts, and political organizations. Once years ago in a shop in the south of England, a fellow shopper approached us saying, “I can’t remember your names, but my friends in Houston call you ‘Dental and Mental’.” We’ve always hoped it was an affectionate term!

Gay and Lesbian Workshop Series
To ensure the comfort and confidentiality of participants, and to address the special needs of the community, I offer separate gay and lesbian relationship workshops for both single people and couples. Bruce frequently participates in the relationship workshops, and people almost always say it is particularly helpful and interesting to see a real couple and to hear “the other side” of many situations.

For more information on the workshops, go to the "Singles and Couples Relationship Workshops" page.