Grantee: Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center
Timeframe: July 2025 – June 2027 | Amount: $400,000
- Year 1: July 2025 – June 2026 | Amount: $200,000
- Year 2: July 2026 – June 2027 | Amount: $200,000
Gay City Health Project at Seattle’s LGBTQ Center is developing a community‑based mental health program aimed at reducing disparities among transgender and gender‑diverse adults. The program focuses on addressing gender dysphoria, acute mental health needs, and barriers to healthcare access.
In Year 1, the Center built the foundational infrastructure for the program. They brought on a Mental Health Contractor in June 2025 to provide subject matter expertise in program and document development. Through research and consultation with other community‑based organizations, the Center shifted from a single full‑time therapist model to a structure involving multiple part‑time therapists and partnerships with higher‑education institutions to support LGBTQ+ workforce development.
Between August and October 2025, the Center began building out the program by posting core positions—including the Mental Health Program Coordinator and Healthcare Navigator—and initiating the search for a Clinical Supervisor. After the coordinator was hired, the Center established operational systems such as a patient portal in the Electronic Health Record system, developing a screener for program participation, and getting appropriate insurance. By late 2025, the Healthcare Navigator and Clinical Supervisor were onboarded, and the team contracted with a University of Washington research group to evaluate the program. The Clinical Supervisor is expected to support interns and other not‑yet‑licensed providers and may eventually take on their own caseload.
In early 2026, the program finalized client onboarding procedures, hired a part‑time Master of Social Work graduate student for six months (February- July 2026), created intake and exit surveys, and prepared a comprehensive resource manual. The Center opened an online screener and begin referrals in February 2026, coinciding with the launch of their Fall 2026 internship application.
The Center also made several strategic adjustments during the first year. They opted to hire a part‑time coordinator who is also a licensed mental health provider and supported by interns rather than a full‑time clinician. They also decided to limit services initially to adults (18+) due to liability and therapeutic considerations, with hopes to expand to youth in the future. The Center does not anticipate major changes in the second year but will adapt based on client feedback.
ABOUT OUR GRANTEE
Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center
“Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center is the definitive hub for LGBTQ individuals seeking affirming and responsive resources, wellness, and community. Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center cultivates access and connections to promote self-determination, liberation and joy in our communities.”
