The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center), located in New York City, is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community. Founded in 1983 during the height of the AIDS crisis, The Center has served as a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and families for over 40 years. Today, it continues to be a hub for vital services, advocacy, and community-building initiatives that address the evolving needs of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
The Center offers free and confidential mental health counseling for adults (ages 18+) across New York State, available both in person and virtually. Their skilled mental health team provides short-term, one-on-one support for issues such as anxiety, depression, bereavement, eating disorders, and self-harming behavior. The Center also supports families of LGBTQ+ youth with up to six months of affirming guidance, helping them navigate the coming-out process and identity development with compassion and understanding.
Additionally, The Center runs the LIFT program, a specialized training and certification initiative for LMSWs and LCSWs working with families involved with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). LIFT equips clinicians with the tools to reduce rejecting behaviors and foster acceptance of LGBTQ+ children, offering continuing education (CE) hours upon completion.
With its legacy of advocacy and direct support, The Center remains a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ health and wellness in New York, providing inclusive services that uplift individuals and families alike.
As a psychotherapist in private practice I’ve had the opportunity to refer a number of clients to Downtown Psychological Services. I consistently receive excellent feedback about their professionalism and the care their therapists provide. I know many of their clinicians personally and think they’re smart, thoughtful, and very well trained. I don’t think there’s a better group psychotherapy practice in NYC.
They are very caring, thorough, and provide great care overall. I had a really positive experience with the staff. I love the medical assistants and doctors! My only feedback is around privacy at the front desk. Because the space is small, confidential conversations can sometimes be easily overheard. While discussing insurance or pharmacy details there makes sense, more sensitive topics—such as medications or reasons for the visit—may be better handled in a more private setting, like during triage.
I have nothing but good things to say about Fortune society. I have stayed in the castle and in the freedom House in Brooklyn. Unfortunately I wasn't ready at the time. And I would love to come back because now I'm ready and focused. This is the place to help people like me get back on my feet. It's nice and clean and have a place to rest my head while I am searching for a job to start my life back in society. With places like this you get what you put into it I guess everybody has different experiences because of what they put into it. It's not the place it's the level of maturity and readiness that you are at.
The main office was a hubbub of vibrant activity. The observable staff and participants all appeared to be alert and ready to achieve goals. Lloyd, front desk intake and factotum extrodinaire, assisted me in away I didn't even know was possible after I communicated with him for a few minutes. Lloyd expedited and facilitated my in and out time in a phenomenal fashion, while maintaining the first in first out order the organization requires: I was in and out in approximately 20 minutes tops. Overall, a smooth process for me ( although I don't envy Lloyd's workload(s).
After several months on treatment, I'm very satisfied with my provider. Perfect (for me) combination of one-on-one therapy and medication management. Also very pleased with Rivia's office, rescheduling and canceling has always been very easy and their communications are always kind and polite.
