OUR MISSION
We Provide Evidence-Based Training & Mental Health Services for the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Designed by Queer People. For Queer People.
Founded in 2011, Queer LifeSpace (QLS) is a nonprofit counseling agency that provides affordable, evidence-based mental health and substance abuse services to the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bay Area. We also run an internationally-recognized clinical training program for the next generation of queer-affirming therapists.
At Queer LifeSpace, we strive to serve the underserved and are passionate about providing services to clients from all walks of life regardless of their ability to pay. Above all, we make it our priority to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for fellow members of the queer community. We do not believe in pathologizing individuals or any population. The board and staff of Queer LifeSpace celebrate the individuality of everyone and see everyone as unique and special.
The mission and formation of Queer LifeSpace began with the shared vision of its four founding directors to bring quality, long-term, and affordable mental health and substance abuse care to the Bay Area queer community. The founders became friends and colleagues while working together at New Leaf Services, which had to close its doors in October 2010, after 35 years of serving the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Ultimately the goal is to face the trauma, process it. As we do that, anxiety and depression should begin to lift. Once that happens, the mind can naturally begin to heal itself and bring the person some peace.”
You are not alone
If you are someone who is struggling with depression or anxiety, please know that you are NOT alone. Many LGBTQIA+ people in the United States live with a broad array of mental health issues.
According to a 2019 report, compared with cisgender adults, transgender adults have almost four times the risk of mental health symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LGB teens report symptoms of depression at more than two times the rate of heterosexual teens.
According to 2020 research, compared with cisgender LGBQ and questioning teens and young adults, trans and nonbinary youth have an even higher risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.
When it comes to addressing these concerns, therapy can be very beneficial. But as the Human Rights Campaign notes, many LGBTQIA+ people also lack access to health insurance, not to mention mental health care. As a result of not having access to care, many LGBTQIA+ people struggle with increased rates of suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and loss of family. Queer LifeSpace exists to be a solution to these problems. We believe that therapy is part of the holistic wellness of our clients.
“QLS allows people to drop all assumptions and just show up as they need to be to make connections. It also serves as a space for the community outside of bars, clubs, or the gym, that we don’t often have. QLS functions as an example of how the community can come together and exist outside of those other spaces.”
Left to Right: Queer LifeSpace founders Nancy Heilner, Christopher Holleran, Stacey Rodgers, and Joe Voors