Individual Counseling for Ages 5-11
Out Youth has been a leader in providing support to LGBTQIA+ adolescents and young adults through a range of services, including mental health counseling.
Out Youth is proud to announce that, effective October 2022, we offer counseling services for children and pre-teens, ages 5-11.
How to Sign Up
To be connected to a counselor at Out Youth, the first step is for a legal parent/guardian of the child/pre-teen to complete our screening form.
FAQs
Who is eligible for individual counseling?
Out Youth now offers counseling to children and pre-teens ages 5 - 11. who physically reside in the state of Texas.
(For more about our services for youth and young adults ages 12 - 23, please visit www.outyouth.org/counseling)
what can I expect from counseling?
Generally, children and pre-teens will be seen individually with caregiver coordination sessions every 4 - 6 sessions or as needed.
If indicated, the counselor may discuss the option of providing family therapy. Family members of children and pre-teens can be a part of family therapy that includes an eligible child.
Generally, we encourage counseling via in-person play therapy for children ages 5 - 8.
For pre-teens, ages 9-11, we will consider counseling in person or via teletherapy and the number of family coordination sessions on a case-by-case basis.
For either in-person or teletherapy options, a parent/guardian must be in our lobby (in person) and/or in the home (teletherapy) when counseling occurs.
how many sessions are included?
Individuals and families are eligible for 8 - 20 individual or family counseling sessions at Out Youth.
how much does counseling cost?
Out Youth strives to make counseling services affordable and accessible. For individuals and families who can afford to pay, at this time, we charge $10 per counseling session.
Before counseling begins, we need a copy on file of either the “Recurring Payment for Individual Counseling Services Authorization Form” or, for those who qualify, the “Statement of Inability to Afford Payment for Counseling Services“ form. Families may submit this form once eligible for counseling via our Therapy Notes system to potentially qualify for no-cost services.
How can i get a counselor at out youth?
We first need to receive a counseling screening form (link above). After this form is submitted, a staff member will email you to discuss the next steps within 2-10 business days (excluding planned holidays).
At times, we may maintain a waitlist for those seeking counseling. Appropriate referrals and waitlist instructions will be provided for those on the counseling waitlist. Sometimes, our services may not be appropriate for every child and family. Additional referrals may be provided as needed during the screening or intake process.
who provides counseling at out youth?
Clients meet with a licensed counselor, social worker, or graduate student counseling intern. All students are working toward Master’s Degrees in Professional Counseling. All clinical staff receives ongoing clinical supervision to ensure that children and pre-teens receive high-quality therapeutic services.