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San Mateo County Pride Center (LGBTQ+ Center)

Human Services

San Mateo County Pride Center (LGBTQ+ Center)

Pride Center

The San Mateo County Pride Center provides a broad range of services to LGBTQ+ individuals and families of all ages with specialized programming for youth and older adults.

Description:

Please note that as of March 2020, our physical office space is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the majority of our services and events have been moved online. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like more information. – The mission of the San Mateo County Pride Center is to create a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and affirming community climate that fosters personal growth, health, and opportunities to thrive for individuals of all ages, sexual orientations and gender identities through education, counseling, advocacy, and support. The Center is a partnership between StarVista, Peninsula Family Service, and Outlet of Adolescent Counseling Services, in collaboration with San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS).

Location

Public Transit:

We are one block from the ECR/397 Samtrans stop on El Camino Real and 12th Avenue, and 0.3 miles from the ECR/55 Samtrans stop on El Camino Real and 9th Avenue. We are also 0.7 miles from the Hayward Park Caltrain Station.
1021 South El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402 37.5570206 -122.3188021 Human Services

Service Options

Languages Spoken:

  • Cantonese

Accessibility Options:

  • Disabled Parking
  • Disabled Restroom

Services

Mental Health Services (Counseling & Therapy)
(650) 591-0133 x 146 voice

Service Description:

The San Mateo County Pride Center provides high quality, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and counseling to community members living throughout San Mateo County. Mental health services include assessment, crisis intervention, individual therapy, group therapy, relationship therapy, family therapy, and case management. Our work is strength-based and trauma-informed, engaging natural supports and the whole family whenever possible. Our clinical staff possess expertise with: depression; anxiety; PTSD and trauma; domestic violence (both perpetrators and survivors); self-harm and suicidal ideation; work with siblings and blended families; couples and relationship counseling; gender identity; polyamory and nonmonogamy; anger management; BDSM/kink; working with survivors of violent crime; and LGBTQ+ adults, families, and youth.

Fees:

We accept both Medi-Cal insurance and private pay with sliding scale rates depending on monthly income. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Audience:

We are committed to providing mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community throughout San Mateo County. Community members, friends, allies, and advocates are all welcome at the Pride Center regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion or religious creed, ability, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Services will be prioritized to low income, marginalized, and underserved communities.

How to Apply:

Referrals and/or service inquires should be directed to our Clinical Team either by Email: clinical@sanmateopride.org; Phone: 650-591-0133 ext 146; or Fax: 650-412-1986 (ATTN: Clinical Team). Clients and service providers can also contact our Clinical Program Coordinator, Men Chun Wong at menchun.wong@sanmateopride.org; Fax: 650-412-1986 (ATTN: Men Chun Wong). For more information and to complete our Clinical Services Request Form online, you can also visit: https://sanmateopride.org/programs/mental-health-services.

Service Wait Estimate:

Please call for up-to-date information.

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
Peer Support & Social Groups (Social and Support Groups)
(650) 887-3545 voice

Service Description:

A Peer Group is a space for members of a specific identity and/or community to come together, build friendships, and find social and emotional support in a private and affirming environment. Groups are run by community members and consist of a check-in and topic-based discussion or activity brought forward by different participants. These are not therapy groups, meaning facilitators are not licensed therapists; instead, they are community members providing supportive spaces for their peers to find connection. Please give us a call or check our website and calendar for dates, times, and up-to-date listings: https://sanmateopride.org/programs/peer-groups.

Fees:

No fees; Peer groups are free of charge.

Audience:

These groups are social gatherings for community members to meet others who share their identities and experiences. Please contact our Operations and Volunteer Programs Lead, Ainsley Blattel, at ainsley.blattel@sanmateopride.org or 650-887-3545 if you have any questions.

How to Apply:

Drop-ins welcome and encouraged (unless pre-registration is required)
Case Management
(650) 465-6795 voice

Service Description:

Case management is a collaborative process that involves the coordination of community-based services and resources to provide support to individuals, partners, and families in need. The goal of the case management program is to enhance participants’ abilities to resolve issues, overcome obstacles, and lead fulfilling, productive lives. Our Case Manager works closely with participants to create a customized service plan that takes into account each person’s unique strengths, needs, and circumstances. Case management services can include the following areas: counseling/therapy; healthcare; housing; financial; education; transportation; employment; legal aid; social relationships; community participation; and referral services.

Fees:

No fees; Case management services are free of charge.

Audience:

Individuals, partners, and families with children of all ages are all candidates for case management services. Services will be prioritized to: those who are homeless and/or at risk of losing their housing; those who lack safety due to domestic violence/abuse; those with untreated or undertreated behavioral needs, including mental health and/or substance-abuse related needs.

How to Apply:

Referrals and/or service inquiries should be directed to the Case Manager, Alex Golding: alex.golding@sanmateopride.org or 650-465-6795.
Resource Hub

Service Description:

Here at the Pride Center, we are pleased to offer a number of resources on site for the benefit of our community members: Regular Drop-in Hours with our Case Manager each Wednesday from 11-1pm and 3-7pm; Resource and service referrals (e.g. housing, healthcare, employment, etc.); Educational programs and workshops (e.g. Job Network, Trans Talks); Computer lab – browse the Internet, print documents, update your resumé, and more; our “Free Store” consisting of clothing, hygiene products, condoms, chest binders and other donated items; and an LGBTQ+ library with books suitable for all ages. Visit https://sanmateopride.org/training for more information.

How to Apply:

Visit our Resource Drive online or visit our space! Drop-ins welcome and encouraged.
Community Space

Service Description:

We provide a broad range of services to LGBTQ+ individuals, partners, and families of all ages, with specialized programming for youth and older adults. The Pride Center is unique in that it combines direct mental health services with social and educational programming both on-site and in the community. In addition to our clinical services, we also offer: regular drop-in hours; social, cultural, and arts events; educational workshops and film screenings; and an overall gathering space for LGBTQ+ groups to support one another and create together.

Audience:

Community members, friends, allies, and advocates are all welcome at the Pride Center regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion or religious creed, ability, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

How to Apply:

Drops-in welcome and encouraged!