Sometimes it feels like the world is arguing about whether I deserve to exist." That’s how Autumn, a 15-year-old Casa Pacifica youth, described what it feels like to grow up LGBTQ in today’s climate. Behind statistics are real young people navigating identity, school, friendships, and family while...
Learn how to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health through affirming care, active listening, inclusive resources, and advocacy—especially during the challenges and celebrations of Pride Month. June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, identity, and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. But for many LGBTQ+ youth,...
Supporting transgender youth involves understanding their unique needs, affirming their identity, and creating a safe, inclusive environment for their growth and well-being. Growing up is hard enough. For youth who are questioning their gender identity, this period can be even more distressing. The typical challenges of adolescence,...
LGBTQ+ youth are resilient but they may struggle with mental health challenges. Family support can make a huge difference. Being LGBTQ+ doesn’t cause mental health problems. However, as LGBTQ+ youth often face factors like rejection, bullying and violence, they are at a higher risk of mental...
By Julia Malecky, ASW Camino a Casa Clinician PRIDE month, which takes place every June, is a time for everyone to embrace and celebrate who they are. It is a time to celebrate love and the freedom to be, wholeheartedly, one’s true self. For those who do...
In Honor Of Trans Awareness Beth Zacher Burke, LCSW, Clinical Program Manager, Camino a Casa As a clinician, I have been running groups for LGBTQ youth and to explore SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) issues for my entire 13 year clinical career. Currently, as the...
The terms genderqueer (also known as GQ), non-binary, and genderfluid have become more mainstream recently, but what do they mean exactly? According to Psychology Today, “a GQ or nonbinary person is someone who feels that their felt gender doesn’t fit with social constructed norms for...
Staff spotlight on Clinical Program Manager Elizabeth Zacher Burke, LCSW In her short time with Casa Pacifica, Ventura County native Elizabeth “Beth” Burke has used her experience working with LGBTQ+ youth in New York to strengthen our SOGIE (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Expression) support on campus....
By Elizabeth Burke, LCSW Camino a Casa Clinical Program Manager While mental health challenges can occur at any age and in any population, LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidality. A 2018 study published in Pediatrics, “Sexual Orientation...