LGBTQ Support Groups in San Diego

Separate yourself from the stress and triggers of your everyday routine in a safe and supportive environment with San Diego’s most comprehensive residential treatment program at the Mental Health Center of San Diego

The Mental Health Center of San Diego is proud to serve Southern California as a fully inclusive environment and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Our LGBTQ support groups are a resource that provides extremely helpful information and guidance for dealing with issues that LGBTQ+ people face on a daily basis. We are working together to push back against segregation and overturn stigmas because we’re all human, and we all deserve support overcoming our struggles. 

Support Groups

What is an LGBTQ Support Group?

LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all other identities; people from these groups are three times more likely to suffer from mental health issues. The fear of discrimination and bias that comes with coming out or being accepted often leads to depression, PTSD, and even suicidal thoughts. 

The LGBTQ+ group is a group of peers who may make you feel more comfortable sharing your experiences, or have a deeper level of empathy and understanding of what you’re going through.

LGBTQ Support Groups in san diego

What to Expect From LGBTQ Support Groups

Our LGBTQ support group can assist anyone dealing with mental health issues related to their sexuality, or not. From issues related to exploring your identity and sexuality, disorders that have developed as a result of your sexual identity, such as anxiety or depression, and even support coping with acceptance. 

The LGBTQ+ group is an excellent resource for anyone looking for:

Active Support

LGBTQ support groups frequently rely on peer support to lift each other up. This means that LGBTQ support groups can be led by other gay people or people who have experience or knowledge of the LGBTQ community. This provides an opportunity for members of the LGBTQ community to support one another through various life challenges and stages actively. We encourage these peer interactions to develop a social support network, which is an invaluable resource.

Professional Help With Mental Health

Our support groups are professional-led outreach groups that provide information and counseling for the LGBTQ+ community. Mental health professionals serve as the group's facilitators and leaders. Being gay does not qualify as a mental illness, but many members of the LGBTQ community develop negative mental health issues due to the stigma and discrimination they face. According to research, LGBTQ individuals are at a higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal ideations.

Guidance in Self Acceptance

Life for LGBTQ people can be difficult if they do not have the necessary support. The most effective way to be reminded that you are not alone and that you matter is by participating in a support group. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals on your journey to self-acceptance makes it more accessible, which is precisely what our LGBTQ support groups provide.

Professionals Are Standing By

Benefits of Joining an LGBTQ Support Group at the Mental Health Center of San Diego

There are many benefits that members of the LGBTQ+ community report after participating in our LGBTQ support groups, including:

Acceptance:

One of the most challenging things for LGBTQ people to deal with is acceptance from themselves and those around them. Self-acceptance makes it easier for you to talk about your sexuality with the people in your life who are close to you.

Healing:

Stigma, discrimination, and abuse can cause traumatic emotional and psychological issues for gay people. Joining a gay support group is the best way to heal from issues affecting your wellbeing. Our LGBTQ support group can help you find stigma-free mental health care.

Resources:

The MHC San Diego LGBTQ support group is a place where professionals and peers can share helpful information that can aid a person in their journey. You can get access to resources like LGBTQ+ friendly job listings, recommendations for gay owned businesses to support, references to medical professionals for gender specific issues, and much more.

Support from Peers:

Mental and physical health are often harmed due to social isolation and self-stigma. It's easy to feel alone when you’re struggling with your identity or sexuality, especially if you don't know anyone else going through the same issues. Joining our LGBTQ support group is the best way to meet others who are understanding of what you’re experiencing, or may be able to offer helpful advice and guidance.

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