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 Mental Health Assistance Program

 

At We Are Family, we believe that every LGBTQ+ young person deserves access to the support and resources they need. That's we are proud to offer free short-term therapy services specifically designed for our LGBTQ+ youth community in South Carolina through our Mental Health Assistance Program.

Our network of dedicated therapists specialize in culturally competent and affirming therapy, creating a safe space for youth to explore their identities, navigate challenges, and find healing. We recognize the unique struggles that LGBTQ+ youth may face, and our goal is to empower them to live authentically and confidently.

What do people say about our program?

Learn More:

Our free therapy services aim to break down financial barriers and ensure that all LGBTQ+ youth have equal access to quality mental health care.

Contact our Director of Mental Health Programs with any questions or concerns at chandlerm@waf.org.

 Therapies We Offer

INDIVIDUAL & FAMILY THERAPY

We Are Family provides free in-person or virtual mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth aged 24 and younger.

We have a network of competent and affirming therapists that can help. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you each step of the way to identify issues and help you reach your treatment goals.

 

Group Therapy

Group therapy offers a space to work with others who share your experiences and make you feel less alone.

We offer two group therapy programs, Art Therapy and KidSpace.

Art Therapy is for middle and high school aged youth, which meets every two weeks, and KidSpace is a group for youth 10 and younger that meets monthly.

 

DO I HAVE TO BE LGBTQI+ TO ACCESS COUNSELING SERVICES?

Yes. We Are Family understands the importance of being able to offer competent and affirming therapy to LGBTQI+ youth and wants to ensure that this community is able to access life-saving services.

WHY CHOOSE WE ARE FAMILY’S MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?

Trust and honesty are the basis of any therapeutic relationship. We understand that your therapy goals may or may not relate directly to sexual orientation or gender identity. Still, we understand that having to avoid talking about your relationships and family, or having to be your therapist’s educator on LGBTQI-ness is not conducive to making progress toward your goals.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Services through We Are Family’s Mental Health Assistance Program are free of charge. Many of our therapists take medical insurance, which can help you meet your deductible or find long-term care with that provider.

Cost should never be a barrier to receive care. Our Director of Mental Health Programs is there to help talk through all of the options to see what offering is right for you.

IS THERE A WAITING LIST?

There are times when the demand for counseling exceeds the availability of qualified therapists. This may delay you getting started. Each client is able to meet with a provider for up to 18 sessions free of cost.

WHO ARE OUR THERAPISTS?

We have cultivated a network of affirming and supportive therapists competent in their specialties. Learn more about who we know and trust on our MHAP Network Page.

Related Programs

  • The Queer Youth Approval Board is a group of youth (24 yo and younger) who help WAF identify the therapeutic needs of LGBTQIA+ youth and trains our network of therapists in affirmative care.

    Learn more here!

  • Meet our network of trusted mental health professionals that we refer clients to here.

  • More than ever, we understand that those in the helping professions cannot rely on multicultural courses to provide competency in working with minoritized populations. With the rise in acceptance and affirmation for LGBTQ+ clients in the medical and mental health worlds, we meet professionals every day who want to offer true inclusivity but who are unsure where to start or whether they are “doing it right.”

    Join Chandler and the Queer Youth Approval Board help answer questions, provide resources, and give insight into the daily lives of LGBTQ+ clients and providers.

  • Gender Affirming Gear

  • We have compiled a list of clinical texts, workbooks, and more specifically for mental health providers.

    Find that list here!

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL PARTNERS FOR helping MAKe OUR SERVICES ACCESSIBLE AND FREE FOR OUR YOUTH!

Looking for a therapist/mental health Provider, but can’t afford one?

Apply for Assistance!

We Are Family provides free mental health services for LGBTQI+ youth aged 24 and younger.

We have a great network of trained therapists and other mental health professionals that we can get you in contact with!

Please note that WAF offices are closed November 27-28th and December 22-January 4th so there will be a delay in processing applications during those time periods.

If you are applying for the program for the first time, please complete this application!

If you are currently enrolled in our program and are reapplying for additional funding, please complete this application!



New to Therapy? check out our FAQ!


HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT THERAPY IS LIKE? FEEL FREE TO EMAIL OUR DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS AT CHANDLERM@WAF.ORG

 

 "

We Are Family saw me when I felt invisible. Their love and acceptance have helped me see my own worth.

 Avery, 16

 
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