Health

About Community Services

The Center's Community Services Department has been promoting the health and wellness of the New York area’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities for nearly two decades.



Why do we exist?
Homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia can radically affect every aspect of the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, from jobs, to relationships, to education, and to health care. Community Services is here to make it easier for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; we understand the unique and struggles of the LGBT communities and are here to help lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. With our help they will gain the skills necessary for developing a positive sense of self and find a community in which they can connect and affirm their place in society.

Back to the top

Who are Community Services staff?
Community Services are offered by a variety of peer, peer-professional and professional, allied providers. Peer providers offer lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people an opportunity to interface with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service providers who serve as powerful forces in the normalization of LGBT-identities and the reduction of HIV risk factors, as well as role models where participants adopt the behaviors of those who are similar and respected.

Back to the top

Why are we unique?
HIV and AIDS:
The LGBT communities have been profoundly affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. As activists and survivors, and as friends, family and partners of those affected, many often forget to acknowledge their own pain and suffering. Community Services understands and offers support to those living with HIV and AIDS. For people who have lost loved ones, we offer a way to communicate and celebrate those lives and legacies, allowing for healing and renewal.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People of Color:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of color are often confronted with intersecting and multiple stigmas and stressors. Recent immigrants are challenged by coming out in a culture that is new and different. Representing the diversity of these communities, Center staffers are keenly aware of cultural differences and how these impact the lives of LGBT people of color.

Back to the top

What services do we offer?
Community Services exists in a safe supportive environment where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people can openly discuss their concerns with professionals and peer-professionals who understand what lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are going through and are prepared to help them grow, no matter what the situation.

Back to the top

Community Services provides:

  • Confidential assessments
  • Short-term counseling interventions for individuals and couples
  • Facilitated support groups
  • Referrals to our network of LGBT-affirmative or identified counselors, psychotherapists and psychiatrists, community-based organizations and agencies, and other resources
Back to the top

Issues addressed include

Alcohol and other drug use
Smoking cessation
Coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
HIV and AIDS prevention and education
Living with HIV and AIDS, including case-management
Gender exploration, transgender and gender identity concerns
Mental health
Cancer support for lesbian, bisexual women, and transgender men and women

Back to the top

Support Groups

Community Services provides many different kinds of support groups, which are described on the Group Services page.

Back to the top

 

contact us

Call 646-556-9300 and ask to speak with the Center screening counselor.
 
  • Facebook