For the Culture Therapy, founded by Dr. Adrienne Little, is opening a private therapy space Sept. 19 in Merrillville that is welcoming to Black and LGBTQIA+ clients.

Little is a queer, black therapist with 20 years of experience in mental health care. As clinical director, Little aims to fill a longstanding gap in care by providing culturally attuned therapy tailored to the needs of marginalized communities.

“I opened this space and designed it to feel like a warm hug for those of us in these communities who need one,” Little said in a press release.

For the Culture Therapy will specialize in offering solution-focused brief therapy in a consciously designed environment that prioritizes safety, cultural competence and trauma-sensitive care. The office features natural, nervous-system-regulating colors, ambient noise machines, gentle lighting and optional calming scents to create a soothing setting.

According to LGBT Map, about 4.5% of adults in Indiana identify as LGBTQIA+. Black and Latinx Hoosiers rank mental health among their top concerns. Data from The Trevor Project in 2024, indicates that 43% of LGBTQ+ young people in Indiana considered suicide and over 50% wanted but didn’t receive mental health care.

“I wanted a place where healing feels safe and centered on the quiet strength our clients bring,” Little said. “It is a place where they can feel celebrated, not just tolerated.”