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:

We receive referrals from a wide variety of sources including school administrators, guidance counselors, teachers, parents, physicians, outside therapists, and (when applicable) self-referrals.  If you or someone you know wants to make a referral or find out more information about the On-Campus Counseling Program, please contact the Site Director affiliated with your school.

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

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. Applications for the 2025-2026 Cohort are currently closed.

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.

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!

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.

VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP: PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF TRANS AND GENDER-EXPANSIVE YOUTH (AGES 5–25)

January 22, 2026 - April 23, 2026

This group aims to provide a safe, affirming space where caregivers can come together to process concerns, get psycho-educational support, share experiences, and build a supportive community. The cohort will be facilitated by a clinical doctoral trainee who is one of Outlet's clinical trainees, and we expect it to be small (8–10 people) so it remains intimate and meaningful. Interested individuals can sign up via this form.

GROUP CALENDAR

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 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

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 contact us with the specific needs of your organization!

For updates on Outlet services and events, follow Outlet on Instagram!

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Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) empowers youth in our community to find their way through social-emotional support and by building safe, accepting communities.

Tax ID#: 51-0192551

Our Location:

1779 Woodside Road
Suite 200 (2nd Floor)
Redwood City, CA 94061

Contact Us:

General Information: 650.424.0852
Intake Line: 650.424.0852 x108
Fax: 650.424.9853
Email: info@acs-teens.org

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