Queer LifeSpace is a nonprofit counseling agency that provides affordable, high-quality, evidence-based mental health and substance abuse services to the LGBTQ+ community. Queer people often struggle with increased rates of suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and loss of family. Government funding for nonprofits has dramatically decreased, making it difficult for existing local agencies to meet all the essential mental health and substance abuse needs our community requires. We are here to be a solution to these problems. 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. We strive to serve the underserved and are passionate about providing services to clients from all walks of life. Above all, we make it our priority to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for our fellow members of the queer community. In an effort to respond to the needs of the entire community, we have agreed upon the following goals: 1. Develop programs especially tailored for people of color, transgender and gender-variant identified people, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and people living with HIV/AIDS. 2. Conduct a queer-informed training program that will provide the next generation of queer therapists, trainees, and interns with a forum of culturally affirming experiences as well as training on working specifically with the queer community. 3. Provide low-fee, sliding scale services beginning at $30 for individuals, $50 for couples, and $15 for group services. “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.”
