Seattle Counseling Service

Mission

Seattle Counseling Service (SCS) is a community-based behavioral health organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness of the greater Seattle/King County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community for the past 50 years. We are the oldest LGBTQ focused behavioral health organization in the country!

Description

Seattle Counseling Service (SCS) was founded in 1969. As the only LGBTQ-specific agency of our kind in the region, our mission is to serve, advocate, educate, and advance the social well-being and overall health of the LGBTQ community. Our goal continues to be improving the behavioral health of our community by ensuring high quality, culturally competent, affordable services are available to all who seek them.

In the past year, SCS has experienced an unprecedented amount of growth. In 2017, we provided services to more than 2,200 individuals. With the roll-out of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we have seen a 65% increase in Medicaid clients as compared to 14% average for other behavioral care providers in the county. We also experienced a 30% increase in new mental health clients compared with our average yearly increase of 7%. Approximately 80% of our clients qualify as low-income, 23% are people of color, and 88% identify as LGBTQ.

Even thought many individuals now have access to care since the roll-out of the ACA-some for the first time-we are becoming increasingly aware of community members who are still facing barriers to care. Some are members of undocumented immigrant and refugee communities, some have chronic illnesses and have high deductibles and co-pays, and others may be facing chaotic life situations making it challenging to enroll in health plans.

Your support helps SCS bridge the gaps and connect all people to the services they seek. Donate now!