Outlet: A Program for LGBTQIA+ Youth and Young Adults [web resource]

Outlet-a-program-of-ACS-01Founded in 1997, Outlet empowers Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Agender + (LGBTQIA+) youth and builds safe and accepting communities through support, education, and advocacy. Outlet envisions a world that embraces, empowers, and celebrates LGBTQQ+ youth. Outlet officially became a program of Adolescent Counseling Services in Redwood City, CA in 2013.

Outlet is youth-centered, respecting all individuals and honoring their differences.  Outlet program staff provide a safe environment that is confidential, inclusive, and non-judgmental.  Outlet services support the emotional, physical, and social development of youth as whole individuals.

Social Groups

Social groups provide informal peer support and are facilitated by Outlet Program Coordinators. They are a great place to build community, explore identity and work on developing social skills and relationships. Our social groups are open, meaning we are always accepting new members and there is no attendance limit. Activities and topic discussions based on each group’s specific needs and wants.

Therapy Groups

Therapy groups differ from social groups in the following ways:

  • They are facilitated by mental health clinicians and specifically offer evidence based strategies to manage stress/challenges.
  • Therapy groups are usually psychoeducational, meaning they have set content goals, the therapist takes an instructor role and the focus is coping skills around a particular topic OR process-oriented, meaning the group engages in relational dialogue, the therapist takes a facilitator role and the focus is on relationship building, support and idea sharing.
  • Therapy groups are a hybrid. They have psychoeducational components and are process oriented. They are also closed, meaning all members begin and end at the same time. Attendance for each group cycle is limited to between 6-10 members.

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Counseling Services

Outlet provides LGBTQIA+ affirmative and gender expansive counseling services to youth between 10-25 years of age. To schedule a brief screening to assess if you are a right fit for our program, email Outlet for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x103.

*We do not take insurance or Medi-Cal, however, we can provide a superbill or a receipt of services that can be submitted to your insurance company. Please inquire for our fee scale based on family income.

Consultations & Resource Referrals

Outlet works closely with parents, caregivers, families, providers, schools and youth to build safer living and learning environments. Outlet is dedicated to co-creating communities in which all young people can thrive. Email Outlet for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.

Have questions? CHC can help. To schedule an evaluation or to get advice about your child’s challenges, call or email a CHC Care Coordinator at 650.688.3625 or careteam@chconline.org

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