LGBTQIA+ SUPPORT (OUTLET)
Founded 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 LGBTQIA+ youth. Outlet officially became a program of ACS 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. Striving for social justice and engaging youth in achieving freedom, fairness, and equality for all are the core elements of the program. Outlet services support the emotional, physical, and social development of youth as whole individuals.
LGBTQIA+ MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING SERVICES
Outlet provides LGBTQIA+ affirmative and gender expansive counseling services to youth between 5-25 years of age. Complete our bilingual (English and Spanish translation available) screening form to inquire about individual, couple, or family therapy.
Outlet ofrece servicios de terapia afirmativa LGBTQIA+ y de expansión de género a jóvenes de entre 5 y 25 años. Llena nuestro formulario de evaluación bilingüe (disponible en inglés y español) para solicitar información sobre terapia individual, de pareja o familiar.
*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.
No aceptamos seguros ni Medi-Cal, sin embargo, podemos proporcionar una factura detallada o un recibo de los servicios prestados que puede presentar a su compañía de seguros. Consulte nuestra escala de tarifas basada en los ingresos familiares
SOCIAL GROUPS & THERAPY GROUPS
Outlet social groups provide information peer support and are facilitated by Outlet Program team members. They are a great place to build community, explore identity and work on developing social skills and relationships.
Outlet social groups are free, drop-in, confidential and meet year-round (unless otherwise specified):

RAINBOW CONNECTION
Ages 10-15
The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 3:30–5:00 PM at the Downtown Redwood City Library.
Rainbow Connection is a support group for LGBTQ+ youth ages 10–15 focused on building community, making friends, and creating a space where youth can show up as their authentic selves.

QTBIPOC GROUP
Ages 18+
This group meets on Zoom on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
A peer support group for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color ages 18+. This group is a safe community space dedicated to exploring, supporting, and educating ourselves and others on the intersectionality of being LGBTQIA+ and a Person of Color. This group is English and Spanish speaking.

YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
Ages 14-25
Meets twice a month (Date/time varies)
Meets between the months of September through June
An action-oriented group for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 14-25. This group is dedicated to identifying and working to address issues LGBTQIA+ young people and community members currently face.

TRANS GROUP
Ages 14-25
Thursday 5:00-6:30 PM
This group meets in-person and virtually in a hybrid format
A peer support group for Trans* folks ages 14-25 who identify as part of the Trans* community or who want to explore their gender identity. This group is a safe and confidential space to share experiences and build positive relationships in a welcoming environment. *Trans = transmasc, transfemme, non-binary, agender, gender-queer/fluid, questioning, and more. This group is English speaking.
ADDITIONAL OUTLET SERVICES
- 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.
- GSA SUPPORT – Outlet provides guidance and support to local GSA/Pride Clubs, including help starting or strengthening clubs, facilitation support, educational trainings, and panel discussions. We also partner with schools and GSAs to co-host events and create mentorship opportunities with Outlet and the San Mateo Pride Center.
- EDUCATION & TRAINING – Outlet offers a SOGIE 101 training that can be tailored to the specific needs of your organization or group. We train service providers, educators, employee resource groups of many industries, other nonprofits, government organizations, parents, youth, and community stakeholders. Trainings about topics beyond SOGIE 101 may be available upon request. *Please note: Our trainings require at least one meeting with Outlet staff prior to the training to determine the exact educational needs of the intended audience.
For updates on Outlet services and events, follow Outlet on Instagram!