Our Partnership with SMYAL

Through our partnership, which began in 2022, we helped establish SMYAL's Mental Health Services Clinic. This unique program provides affirming, empowering, and accessible mental health counseling to LGBTQ youth. As a free service, the clinic aims to meet individual needs and provide a safe and inclusive space to explore emotions and experiences. For LGBTQ youth, in particular, finding an affirming therapist can be frustrating and expensive. SMYAL removes those barriers through a team of compassionate and understanding therapists who are well-versed in the challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face.

SMYAL’S Legacy

SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) was founded in 1985 as community leaders and advocates came together to identify ways to support LGBTQ Youth in Washington, D.C. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.