The HELP Group's Kaleidoscope

PROGRAM OFFERINGS Kaleidoscope is one of the signature programs of The Help Group, the largest nonprofit of its kind in the United States. Since 1975, The Help Group has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse, and emotional problems. Kaleidoscope offers the following culturally-affirming services designed to sensitively support LGBTQIA+/Questioning youth, young adults, and their families, including those with social and learning differences: Advocacy, education, and affirming empowerment Diagnostic Evaluations for autism spectrum disorder Social events, social clubs, and community engagement Resources and referrals Individual, group, and family counseling Individual coaching for youth or young adults Targeted case management Peer support groups for youth or adults, including ones for caregivers Training for community partners Access to LGBTQIA+/Questioning identified schools located in the LA area Residential treatment access Psychiatry and medication management Family support and Education School support groups Presentations in the community focusing on providing services for LGBTQIA+/Questioning individuals and their families, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, LD, and social and emotional challenges. MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES The Help Group Child and Family Center, one of the largest mental health providers in Los Angeles County, has provided services through the Department of Children and Family Services and Department of Mental Health (DMH) since 1985. Due to exposure to anti-gay and anti-transgender bias in individual, familial, community, and systemic settings, research indicates that LGBTQIA+/Questioning face higher levels of depression and anxiety. Kaleidoscope offers individual and group therapy as well as psychiatric care in a safe and affirming environment at affordable rates. Kaleidoscope accepts insurance, Medi-Cal, and offers sliding-scale rates based upon annual income. Our clinicians include Master’s level therapists, licensed mental health professionals, Bachelor’s level case managers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and a number of licensed clinical supervisors. Each team member is trained in HIPPA compliance, Child Abuse Reporting, and Confidentiality and Limits to Confidentiality. All potential employees undergo background checks, TB testing, and reference checks. Individual Therapy Services Individual therapy provides one-on-one counseling in a flexible schedule to suit your individual needs. The mental health services staff of Kaleidoscope specialize in psychotherapy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and welcome all cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. LGBTQIA+/Questioning Youth and Young Adult Support Groups Kaleidoscope offers teen peer support groups as well as Young Adult Support groups which are each ongoing and meet one day a week. These groups are facilitated by a member of our mental health services staff. A major advantage of group therapy is receiving support, feedback, and shared resources from peers while recognizing that none of us are alone. Parent/Caregiver Support Groups Parents and/or caregivers of LGBTQIA+/Questioning youth are often at a loss on how to provide affirming care. In a group setting, guided by a member of our mental health services staff, parents are able to receive support, feedback, and shared resources from other peers, while also receiving psycho-education regarding providing affirming support to their children. Individual Coaching: LGBTQIA+/Questioning youth and young adults, like many youth and young adults, often feel overwhelmed, confused, or stuck with progressing in life, sometimes with an increased level of feeling different or excluded. Instead of taking steps forward and connecting with others, they may isolate and embody a “failure to launch” into the world. Many people need help in identifying and clarifying goals, then figuring out the steps to take to work toward them. Kaleidoscope offers individual coaching to helpLGBTQIA+/Questioning youth and young adults identify their own goals, take the appropriate steps toward achieving them, and establish healthy connections in community settings.