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 Mental Health Assistance Program

 
 

At We Are Family, we believe every LGBTQ+ young person deserves access to affirming health and wellness support. Through our Mental Health Assistance Program, we proudly offer free short-term therapy services for LGBTQ+ youth across South Carolina.

Our network of 25 culturally competent, affirming therapists provides both individual and group therapy options, ensuring youth have safe spaces to explore their identities, navigate challenges, and find healing. We recognize the unique struggles LGBTQ+ youth face—and our goal is to empower them to live authentically and confidently.

What do OUR YOUNG 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 at alejandrad@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 25 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 free regular rotating, affirming therapeutic groups, such as art therapy, horticultural therapy, and other healing-centered models — designed specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.

These groups evolve throughout the year in response to emerging youth needs, providing safe, creative spaces for processing, connection, and growth.

 

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 25 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.

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

    Find that list here!

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 25 trained therapists and other mental health professionals that we can get you in contact with!

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!


HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT THERAPY IS LIKE?

FEEL FREE TO EMAIL OUR DIRECTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS AT ALEJANDRAD@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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