LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Services in San Diego

Begin Treatment With Neuropsychological Testing in San Diego

Neuropsychological testing at Element Q includes comprehensive assessment methods to evaluate cognitive and behavioral functions to determine proper diagnosis and treatment planning. Each LGBTQIA+ individual enrolled in our outpatient programs begins their healing journey with a neuropsych evaluation to ensure they are set up for success from the very start of the treatment process.
The results of every neuropsychological assessment help our team of LGBTQIA+ practitioners create the most optimal treatment plan to foster lasting mental wellness, overall well-being, and recovery in a culturally affirming context.

What Is Identity-Affirming Outpatient Care?

At Element Q, we provide specialized mental health services where your identity is embraced and celebrated, not simply accommodated. Our outpatient programs allow you to receive comprehensive care while maintaining your daily life and community connections. We create a therapeutic environment where you can address mental health challenges without having to explain or justify your identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Our practitioners share in the LGBTQIA+ experience and understand the impact of minority stress, discrimination, and historical trauma on mental health. This shared understanding creates a fundamentally different therapeutic relationship—one where your full, authentic self is welcomed and embraced as an essential part of your healing journey.

Benefits of Element Q Outpatient Programs

Identity-Affirming Treatment

We're here to support you at every stage of your healing journey. Our diverse team of LGBTQIA+ practitioners has lived experience and specialized training in queer-specific healthcare. We provide care that celebrates your identity while addressing trauma, mental health challenges, and addiction through a culturally affirming lens.

Comprehensive Approach

We're different than other treatment centers. We approach mental health from a holistic, trauma-informed, and evidence-based perspective. Our programs integrate traditional clinical approaches with holistic modalities, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and trauma-informed yoga to foster life-long mental wellness.

Community Connection

Element Q creates opportunities for healing in the community. Our programs include group therapy and community-building opportunities with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. These connections reduce isolation, validate experiences, and create a sense of belonging that is essential to the healing process.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our LGBTQIA+ Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is our most comprehensive level of care, designed for individuals who need intensive daily support. This program combines evidence-based therapies with holistic practices, all through an identity-affirming lens. PHP is ideal for those stepping down from inpatient care or those needing more structure than IOP can provide, while still returning home each evening.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Element Q is specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ individuals and offers part-time, intentional treatment for challenges related to mental health, trauma recovery, and substance use. IOP is designed for those ready for a level of support above traditional therapy, or as a stepping stone between PHP and returning to daily routines. We offer Standard IOP (Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and Flexible IOP (three days of your choice, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM).

Outpatient Program (OP)

Our Outpatient Program (OP) provides ongoing support for LGBTQIA+ individuals transitioning from our more intensive levels of care or those who need structured therapy beyond traditional weekly sessions. The program helps those who have completed our IOP or PHP maintain recovery progress while gradually reintegrating into daily responsibilities and applying new skills in real-world settings.

What We Treat

We treat LGBTQIA+ individuals who are seeking help that is a step above basic therapy or psychiatric care. Our programs address a range of diagnoses and concerns, and our team of expert clinicians recognize each client is at a different phase of their healing journey, have different goals, and face unique challenges. Each client works with our team to craft personalized treatment plans based on the modalities and care that are best suited to treat their needs as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Conditions we treat include, but are not limited to:

Trauma
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
PTSD
Borderline Personality Disorder
Gender-Identity Challenges
Substance Abuse
Relationship Issues
ADHD/Neurodiversity
Co-occurring Disorders
Body Image Concerns

Verify Insurance

Let us help you verify that your or your loved one’s insurance provider can provide financial assistance for our specialized LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the definition of outpatient treatment?

Outpatient treatment offers individuals a way to continue their lives while receiving mental health treatment. This level of treatment doesn’t require hospitalization but provides specialized care for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

2. What type of treatment is provided in outpatient treatment?

Element Q’s LGBTQIA+-affirming outpatient treatment offers non-residential services and programs to meet the client’s treatment needs. Services involve case management, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, traditional Chinese medicine, holistic healing practices, psychiatric medication management, and more.

3. What is the primary difference between outpatient and inpatient services?

Generally speaking, inpatient care requires you to stay in a hospital or treatment center and outpatient care does not. Outpatient treatment is often considered a part-time approach to treatment while inpatient is considered full-time. At Element Q, we provide varying levels of outpatient care intensity to meet your specific needs.

4. How does Element Q's approach differ from conventional treatment centers?

Element Q was created by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Unlike conventional treatment programs that may attempt to retrofit standard approaches for LGBTQIA+ clients, our programming was developed from the ground up with our community in mind, addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.