Outlet

Outlet is building a library! Check out our Bookshop Wishlist and donate a book!

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ABOUT 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.

 

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OUR SERVICES

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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. If you have any questions, please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107. 

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. Si tienes alguna pregunta, envíanos un correo electrónico para obtener más información, o llama al 650.424.0852 x107.

*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.

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SOCIAL 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. 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.

Outlet social groups are free, drop-in, confidential and meet year-round (unless otherwise specified):

How to sign up for Outlet social groups:

STEP 1: Complete our Outlet Social Group Form

STEP 2: An Outlet Team Member will reach out via email with additional information and an action item (subject line of “Reply Required to Join Outlet Groups”).

STEP 3: Reply to the email above with your name and pronouns. Once we have received your reply, you’re all set to attend your first Outlet group meeting!

 

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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.
• Our 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.

 

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GROUP CALENDAR:

 

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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.

Please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.

 

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GSA SUPPORT

Outlet provides the following guidance and support to local GSA /Pride Clubs:

• Starting a GSA or help getting it off the ground.
• Model facilitation for your already established GSA
• Hosting panels or Q&A discussions
• Providing education and training to your school administrators, teachers, club or parents
• Co-hosting events with your GSA
• Co-creating mentorship opportunities with members of your GSA and Outlet or the San Mateo Pride Center

To schedule a meeting with one of our program coordinators, please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.

 

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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. Our SOGIE 101 training covers the differences and relationships between Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression and how these identity categories impact everyone, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We also dive into the unique experiences and challenges that LGBTQIA+ folks face and the specific ways one can support them.  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. Trainings are typically 90 minutes and at a cost – both the time allotted and price per hour can be negotiated during the planning meeting.  Trainings are offered in-person or virtually (be advised that in-person trainings are more difficult to schedule and necessitate advance notice).

Please inquire with the specific needs of your organization. For more information, please email us for more info, or call 650.424.0852 x107.