Mental Health Counseling
Thank You for your interest in counseling through the Attic Youth Center. Unfortunately, we are not accepting any new referrals currently. Please refer to our resource list for a list of providers who are offer counseling and additional services for to LGBTQ youth needs. At this time, we are encouraging youth to take advantage of the mental health support groups offered at the Attic on Mondays to Fridays (4pm-5pm).
Please click the Events button below for daily programming.
We apologize for the inconvenience and check back periodically the counseling website to see if the waitlist has opened.
The Counseling department of The Attic Youth Center provides individual, couples, and family therapy to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth and young adults, up to the age of 23, and their families/caregivers (biological or by choice).
The Counseling Department uses an LGBTQ affirmative and strength based approach that it is contextual, developmental and culturally sensitive. The Attic’s clinical team is skilled in addressing a variety of challenges including trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse, substance abuse, violence, domestic violence, anger management, immigration transitions, developmental delays, behavioral and family dynamics as related to the LGBTQ experience. All Attic counselors and therapists are trained at the Masters level and have significant experience working with LGBTQ youth. Counselors are also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). They can assist with:
- Coming out
- Problems at school
- Gender questions
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationships
- Stress Management
- Anger Management
- Conflicts with friends or family
In order to increase accessibility, counseling sessions are now also available virtually.
Therapeutic support groups – Lead by a staff facilitator, youth meet to discuss their experiences and provide advice, feedback, and support to one another. Various groups are available throughout the year and are available for all youth, not just counseling clients. Please see the schedule for current groups.
To inquire about counseling or to make an appointment, please call The Attic’s counseling line at (215) 545-4331 and press 2 to leave a confidential voicemail message. Please include your name, the best way to reach you (phone or email), and your phone number or email address.
You can also email the counseling department through this form.
Virtual and Telehealth Therapy
Many of the queer-positive mental health resources in Philadelphia are located in Center City, which make them inconvenient or inaccessible depending on where you live and how easy it is for you to travel.
But most services are now available via telehealth because of the pandemic. That eliminates the need to travel for therapy or support groups, since some are available virtually or by phone.
“It’s also made us accessible to folks who may have had mobility issues,” Williams said. She expects that even after the pandemic, The Attic will offer some virtual services, especially with its support groups.
LGBTQ mental health resources in Philadelphia
Here’s are some queer-affirming providers in the Philadelphia region to get you started:
- What they offer: Outpatient mental health services, individual therapy and substance abuse recovery counseling for youth and adults who identify as LGBTQ.
- How much it costs: Mazzoni accepts private as well as public health insurance plans. If you are uninsured, there is a sliding-scale for services for as little as $30.
- Virtual services: Yes.
1348 Bainbridge St., 
215-563-0652, 
mazzonicenter.org
The William Way LGBT Community Center
- What they offer: Confidential, one-to-one peer counseling. Social support groups for trans people.
- How much it costs: Counseling services and support groups are free of charge.
- Virtual services: Due to the pandemic, peer counseling services are available only over the phone, and support groups are being held on Zoom.
- 1315 Spruce St., 215-732-2220, waygay.org
- What they offer: Outpatient substance abuse recovery programs. Individual therapy and support groups for people living with HIV.
- How much it costs: Philadelphia FIGHT accepts Medicare and Medicaid, but “all patients are served regardless of their ability to pay.”
- Virtual services: Yes. In-person services are also available by appointment only.
- Various locations, including 1233 Locust St., 1207-11 Chestnut St., 2913 Kensington Ave., and 315 S. Broad St., 215-985-4448, fight.org
Einstein Medical Center, Pride Program
- What they offer: Outpatient therapy and psychiatric care tailored to the LGBTQ community.
- How much it costs: Einstein accepts commercial and public insurance, but also offers assistance and a sliding-scale fee for uninsured patients.
- Virtual services: Yes. Due to the pandemic, mental health services are being offered virtually through telehealth.
- 5501 Old York Rd. (Einstein Medical Center), 215-420-0989, einstein.edu/pride-program
Main Line Health, Mirmont Treatment Center
- What they offer: Treatment and counseling for LGBTQ people who are struggling with addiction.
- How much it costs: Main Line accepts commercial and public insurance, but also offers assistance and discounts for uninsured patients.
- Virtual services: Yes, all services are being conducted via telehealth until further notice.
- 100 Yearsley Mill Rd. (Media), and outpatient centers in Exton and Broomall, 888-227-3898, mainlinehealth.org/specialties/mirmont-lgbtq
South Eastern Pennsylvania Intergroup Association of Alcoholics Anonymous
- What they offer: A variety of LGBTQ-focused group meetings for people recovering from substance use.
- How much it costs: Meetings are free to attend.
- Virtual services: Some meetings are being held in-person in Philadelphia, while others can be accessed by phone or Zoom.
- Various locations, depending on the group, aasepia.org/?type=lgbtq
Private practices
Williams also recommended a handful of private practices that are affirming and open to LGBTQ clients:
- Radical Therapy Center, 3828 Lancaster Ave., 267-225-8671
- Thrive Mental Wellness, 1315 Spruce St., 215-960-8986
- Walnut Psychotherapy Center, 4812 Baltimore Ave. 3F, 215-563-7863
- Therapy For Women Center, 325 Cherry St., 215-847-6749
Crisis hotlines
If you’re dealing with an immediate crisis, you can reach Philadelphia’s 24/7 behavioral health hotline at 215-686-4420, or the TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386.
