Where LGBTQ+ people can find affirming counseling

This page is general information, not medical advice. Do Not Lose Hope does not provide counseling or crisis help. For community, faith and support groups, see Where LGBTQ+ immigrants can find affirming community and faith.

What does "affirming" counseling mean?

An affirming counselor treats your sexual orientation and gender identity as a normal part of who you are. They do not see being LGBTQ+ as the problem to fix. They help with what you came for: stress, sadness, family conflict, coming out, school, work, faith or anything else.

You are not broken, and you do not need fixing. But rejection, bullying and fear can wear anyone down. California's school suicide prevention law names LGBTQ youth as a group that school policies must specifically address. Reaching out for support is a strong, healthy step.

Who can I talk to tonight?

If you are in danger right now, call 911. If you are struggling and need someone to talk to:

Text messages may have standard message and data rates.

For a full list by topic, see Which helpline to call.

Where can I find ongoing counseling in the Bay Area?

Outlet, Adolescent Counseling Services (Redwood City). LGBTQIA+ affirming and gender expansive counseling for young people ages 5 to 25, alone, as a couple or with family. Free, confidential drop in groups, including a Trans Group for ages 14 to 25 and a Rainbow Connection group for ages 10 to 15. A group for queer and trans Black, Indigenous and people of color ages 18 and up meets online in English and Spanish. Outlet also helps families and schools. 1779 Woodside Road, Suite 200, Redwood City. (650) 424-0852, intake extension 108. outletprogram@acs-teens.org. Outlet does not take insurance or Medi-Cal. Fees are based on family income. It can give you a receipt to send to your insurance.

San Mateo County Pride Center. Mental health services, crisis help, case management, peer groups and youth programs. The center left its El Camino Real building on August 1, 2025, and now offers programs online, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (650) 591-0133, info@sanmateopride.org. Ask about cost when you call.

allcove (ages 12 to 25). Free or low cost counseling and more, with no referral needed. Most services do not need a parent's consent. San Mateo: (650) 226-7030, English, Spanish and Cantonese. Palo Alto: (650) 798-6330, English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Ask for a counselor experienced with LGBTQ+ young people.

Santa Clara County: The Q Corner. A peer driven program of the county's Behavioral Health Services Department for the LGBTQ+ community. It offers support groups, trainings and community resources, free printed resources and free gender affirming garments, and connects to the county's Gender Affirming Care Clinic. Start with the county Behavioral Health Services line, (800) 704-0900.

County mental health care.

• San Mateo County BHRS ACCESS Call Center: (800) 686-0101, 24/7, TTY 711. For people with Medi-Cal or no insurance. English, Spanish and Chinese, with free interpreters.
• Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services: (800) 704-0900. When you call, you can ask for a counselor who is experienced with LGBTQ+ clients.

Community health centers. Ravenswood Family Health Network offers counseling for children and adults at 1885 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, and other sites. Call (650) 330-7400. Federally funded health centers may not turn you away because you cannot pay. Ask whether a counselor there has LGBTQ+ experience.

How do I pay for counseling?

• Children and teens 0 to 18 can get full Medi-Cal whatever their immigration status, if they meet the other rules, such as income. Medi-Cal covers mental health care for youth.
• Adults 19 and older without a qualifying immigration status can no longer newly sign up for full Medi-Cal since January 1, 2026. People who already have it keep it if they renew on time. See Mental health care without fear.
• No insurance: try allcove (if 12 to 25), Outlet (income based fees), the Pride Center, your county line, or a community health center.
• Private insurance: call the number on your card and ask for in network therapists. In plans regulated by California's Department of Managed Health Care, a first non urgent appointment with a non physician mental health provider should be offered within 10 business days. If not, call the DMHC Help Center at 1-888-466-2219.

Can a teen get counseling without a parent?

Often, yes. In California, a young person 12 or older who is mature enough can agree to outpatient mental health counseling on their own. The counselor should involve a parent unless they decide it would not be appropriate, and they must write down why. A parent's consent is still needed for psychiatric medicine.

This matters for LGBTQ+ teens who are not out at home or do not feel safe there. allcove says most of its services do not need a parent's consent.

If a teen is not safe at home, see Which helpline to call, including the National Runaway Safeline.

What should I ask a new counselor?

You are allowed to interview a counselor before you start. A good counselor will welcome these questions.

What about "conversion therapy"?

Any practice that tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity is the opposite of affirming care. If a counselor, program or group offers to do that, walk away and find someone else.

On March 31, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Chiles v. Salazar that Colorado's ban on conversion therapy must meet the highest free speech test when it is applied to talk therapy. It sent the case back to the lower court (Supreme Court docket 24-539). California has its own ban for minors. As of October 21, 2026, we found no official answer on what the ruling means for California's law. A lawyer can tell you where it stands. Whatever the law says, you can protect yourself: ask a counselor directly, using the questions above, and leave if the answer is not clear.

I am a parent. How do I help my teen find a counselor?

• Let your teen help choose. Feeling respected by the counselor matters a lot.
• Say it plainly: "I love you. I want you to have someone safe to talk to."
• Start with Outlet or allcove, which work with LGBTQ+ young people and their families. Outlet also offers family counseling and support for parents.
• Respect privacy. Your teen may share things with a counselor that they are not ready to share with you. That is normal and healthy.
• Get support for yourself if you are struggling with your feelings. A counselor, a trusted pastor or a parent group can help.

If your teen is struggling in other ways, see When your teen is struggling and Where your child can get mental health help in California.

What if I am an immigrant?

Your immigration status does not change your right to respectful health care. In California, immigration status known to a health provider is treated as private medical information. See Will my therapist share my information with immigration?. For immigration questions tied to being LGBTQ+, see Immigration issues LGBTQ+ immigrants should know about, and talk with a trusted immigration lawyer.

Questions people ask

I am not sure about my identity yet. Can I still go? Yes. Questioning is welcome. You do not need a label to get support.

Will my counselor tell my parents I am LGBTQ+? Ask at the first visit what they share. Teens 12 and older in California can often get counseling on their own, and providers can keep many things private. There are safety exceptions, such as a serious risk of harm or abuse.

I am an adult with no insurance and no Medi-Cal. What now? Call your county line, the Pride Center or a community health center, and ask about sliding fees. Peer lines like the LGBT National Hotline are free.

Can I see someone online? Yes. The Pride Center offers programs online, and some Outlet groups meet on Zoom.

Who can help

Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Outlet (Adolescent Counseling Services): (650) 424-0852, intake extension 108. Outlet
• San Mateo County Pride Center: (650) 591-0133. sanmateopride.org
• allcove: San Mateo (650) 226-7030; Palo Alto (650) 798-6330. allcove FAQ
• Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services and The Q Corner: (800) 704-0900. LGBTQ+ information and support
• San Mateo County BHRS ACCESS: (800) 686-0101, 24/7, TTY 711.
• Ravenswood Family Health Network counseling: (650) 330-7400.
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, 24/7.
• Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860, weekdays.
• LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564. Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

You are not too much, and you are not alone. The right counselor will be glad you came.