Creating Safe, Affirming Spaces

Supporting the Mental Health of LGBTQIA+ Youth

The LGBTQIA+ and At-Risk Youth Program provides free mental health counseling and support groups for LGBTQ youth across Miami-Dade County, including services at local public high schools and JCS regional offices. The ‘Better Decisions, Better Life’ program is designed to support young people at greater risk for depression, suicide, bullying, substance use, homelessness, and school dropout.

JCS has been a trusted partner of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) for more than 30 years, making it the longest-running LGBTQ youth mental health program in the county. To date, it has supported over 3,000 LGBTQ youth in more than 25 local high schools, offering them the tools and emotional support needed to build self-esteem, develop healthy coping strategies, and increase resilience.

Program Highlights:

• Free individual and group counseling for LGBTQIA+ and at-risk youth
• School-based mental health services in partnership with MDCPS
• Support groups and care coordination for at-risk students
• Life-skills development, self-esteem building, and suicide prevention

In addition to direct services for youth, JCS offers professional development workshops and educational seminars for school staff, mental health professionals, and community leaders. These sessions help increase understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth and teach strategies for creating safer, more inclusive environments.

Services are available to individuals of all races, religions, ability statuses, and income levels, with most insurance accepted and sliding scale options available.

Other youth resources

• The Trevor Project
• The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth
• Intelligent: Guide for College Bound Students
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools
• Pridelines