Child & Family Services is proud to partner with GLYS Western New York, Inc. to provide LGBTQ+ youth support! Our counseling team recently participated in the training session, “What You Should Know When Working with LGBTQ+ Youth.”
“I am really looking forward to our partnership with GLYS,” said Gretchen Szymanski, Director of Clinical Services at C&FS. “After their presentation, our team started buzzing right away about how we can improve our services even more to welcome the LGBTQ+ community.”
GLYS WNY builds inclusive cultures and supportive communities for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. They provide a safe and positive environment for LGBTQ+ youth to learn more about themselves through peer interaction and educational experiences. This creates opportunities for emotional growth and community awareness.
Our clinical team was instructed on topics such as factors that contribute to gender identity, insight on journeys, how to begin conversations, and working with youth as they are coming out. The training session also included information on proper terminology, definitions, and identifications. Knowing the importance of pronouns can save lives, open doors, and create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth.
At any given time, the census for inpatient mental health is 40-80% for those identifying as LGBTQ+, with it frequently sitting on the higher end of this range (CPC WNY). While our team will refer services to help address social determinants of health, we can also identify medical issues for LGBTQ+ youth to intervene with suicidal thoughts, emotional well-being, and substance abuse.
Facing challenges and stressors can lead to pain, anger, discomfort and so much more. We will work with you to get at the root of your distress and resolve any issues that may be adding to or causing problems in your life or relationships. We are an inclusive counseling program that welcomes people from all backgrounds, identities and socioeconomic circumstances. We help adults of all ages, youth and kids as young as three years old to support your total wellness. Connecting with a counselor is simple. Visit cfsbny.org/counseling or call (716) 842-2750 to speak with a member of our counseling staff who can answer any questions you have. We are always accepting new patients, and typically schedule your first appointment within days of initial inquiry.