Acey A. Mercer, MSW

Acey Mercer, LMSW is a passionate and driven social worker who has dedicated his career to providing support and advocacy for vulnerable communities marginalized by social inequality and institutional oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As the Senior Consultant of the Training Institute for Gender, Relationships, Identity & Sexuality (TIGRIS), Acey specializes in providing professional training as well as policy and curriculum development relating to best affirming practices with LGBQQIAAP2S+, transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive populations across a vast array of disciplines. The services Acey delivers through TIGRIS are enhanced and complimented by the strong clinical lens he has as Program Director and Psychotherapist at Choices Counseling & Consulting. Acey supports adults, youth, and their families as they navigate questions, challenges, and celebrations related to the emotional, psychological, social, legal and medical aspects of gender journey and transition. He has had various media appearances, been referenced, and given professional statements and interviews for National Geographic, Huffington Post, Doctor Radio on SiriusXM, Times Union, Spectrum News, and WIOX Radio. He has written articles published in print and online:queerhealthguys.com and wallethub.com. Acey teaches affirming clinical practices to postgraduate level students as a lecturer at the University at Albany, Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology and School of Social Welfare. Lastly, being President and a Clinical Supervisor for the nonprofit organization Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc. (RAI), allows Acey the opportunity to utilize his professional background to contribute to RAI’s mission and vision to eliminate barriers to care and ensure accessible and culturally appropriate mental health and case management services are provided to LGBQQTIAAP2S+ individuals, families and communities.