services
Kaleidoscope is one of the signature programs of The Help Group. The Help Group believes that “dignity, hope, and love” are the birthrights of all children. Its mission is to recognize, cultivate, and celebrate the individual gifts of all young people with special needs related to autism, learning differences, ADHD, developmental delays, and emotional challenges.
Kaleidoscope specializes in working with the intersection of neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ identities and offers the following culturally-affirming services.
services
Kaleidoscope is one of the signature programs of The Help Group. The Help Group believes that “dignity, hope, and love” are the birthrights of all children. Its mission is to recognize, cultivate, and celebrate the individual gifts of all young people with special needs related to autism, learning differences, ADHD, developmental delays, and emotional challenges.
Kaleidoscope specializes in working with the intersection of neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ identities and offers the following culturally-affirming services.
MENTAL HEALTH
Research indicates that LGBTQIA+ face more bullying and are at higher risk for depression and anxiety. The Family Acceptance project conducted a large-scale research study on levels of familial support versus outcomes for LGBT youth and found that even in accepting households, youth benefited from additional education and support specific to their identities.
Kaleidoscope offers individual and group therapy in the state of California 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, and a number of licensed clinical supervisors.
MENTAL HEALTH
Research indicates that LGBTQIA+ face more bullying and are at higher risk for depression and anxiety. The Family Acceptance project conducted a large-scale research study on levels of familial support versus outcomes for LGBT youth and found that even in accepting households, youth benefited from additional education and support specific to their identities.
Kaleidoscope offers individual and group therapy in the state of California 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, and a number of licensed clinical supervisors.
Tailored LGBTQIA+ DCFS Youth Services
Kaleidoscope has partnered with the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles County to provide comprehensive support to DCFS youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Our LGBTQ+ Tailored Services Program provides free case management, collateral services, resources and mentorship for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, ages 2-25, who have a current or previous case with DCFS.
Our Tailored services are created to:
- Promote greater health and well-being for LGBTQ+ youth
- Promote LGBTQ+ affirming behaviors and outcomes in biological and resources families who have LGBTQ+ youth
- Help families work towards and maintain family reunification and/or permanency
Currently this program is available for all DCFS Involved Youth and their families who reside in Service Planning Area (SPA) 2.
Partnering Agencies:
- The Help Group –SPA 2
- Penny Lane Centers –SPAs 1 & 7
- LA LGBT Center –SPAs 3, 4, 5 & 6
- The LGBTQ Center in Long Beach –SPA 8
Who can refer? Youth can be referred by a professional (such as a social worker, clinician, or teacher), a family or a friend, or youth have the option to self-refer.
Tailored LGBTQIA+ DCFS Youth Services
Kaleidoscope has partnered with the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles County to provide comprehensive support to DCFS youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Our LGBTQ+ Tailored Services Program provides free case management, collateral services, resources and mentorship for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, ages 2-25, who have a current or previous case with DCFS.
Our Tailored services are created to:
- Promote greater health and well-being for LGBTQ+ youth
- Promote LGBTQ+ affirming behaviors and outcomes in biological and resources families who have LGBTQ+ youth
- Help families work towards and maintain family reunification and/or permanency
Currently this program is available for all DCFS Involved Youth and their families who reside in Service Planning Area (SPA) 2.
Partnering Agencies:
- The Help Group –SPA 2
- Penny Lane Centers –SPAs 1 & 7
- LA LGBT Center –SPAs 3, 4, 5 & 6
- The LGBTQ Center in Long Beach –SPA 8
Who can refer? Youth can be referred by a professional (such as a social worker, clinician, or teacher), a family or a friend, or youth have the option to self-refer.
Individual Life Skills Coaching
Kaleidoscope offers Life Skills Coaching (virtual and in person) through our affiliate Advance LA on a private pay basis.
Life skills coaching is for LGBTQIA+ and/or neurodiverse young people 18 and over who want to progress in life, but may feel “stuck” and need some help. We take goals and dreams that seem impossible and help create a road map to success. We value working with other industry professionals and take a team-based approach. Whenever possible, we collaborate with family members, therapists and psychologists, psychiatrists, and others to provide a comprehensive program based on what you need. In Individual Life Skills Coaching we will work together to set clearly defined realistic goals and develop new skills. Our coaches monitor and provide intervention, support, and feedback to acknowledge achievement and note areas for improvement.
Individual Life Skills Coaching
Kaleidoscope offers Life Skills Coaching (virtual and in person) through our affiliate Advance LA on a private pay basis.
Life skills coaching is for LGBTQIA+ and/or neurodiverse young people 18 and over who want to progress in life, but may feel “stuck” and need some help. We take goals and dreams that seem impossible and help create a road map to success. We value working with other industry professionals and take a team-based approach. Whenever possible, we collaborate with family members, therapists and psychologists, psychiatrists, and others to provide a comprehensive program based on what you need. In Individual Life Skills Coaching we will work together to set clearly defined realistic goals and develop new skills. Our coaches monitor and provide intervention, support, and feedback to acknowledge achievement and note areas for improvement.
Training & Presentations
Kaleidoscope offers support virtually and in-person to schools, organizations, providers, parents and caregivers through our affirming LGBTQIA+ inclusion trainings and presentations. The goal of our trainings is to increase awareness, understanding, and the ability to create a safer, more supportive space for the LGBTQIA+ young people in your environment.
We offer customizable trainings and presentations to fit the needs of our audience, whether it be parents, providers, educators, administrators, or others interested in becoming better allies. Topics included may be: LGBTQIA+ 101, The Intersection of Autistic and LGBTQIA+ Identities, Inclusive Language, Coming Out Best Practices, Gender and Sexuality Spectrums/SOGIE, and more. Trainings and presentations can be offered as a series of shorter sessions or one longer session depending on what works best for your needs.
Social Events
Kaleidoscope offers weekly and bi-monthly social support groups virtually and in-person that help LGBTQIA+ young people know that they are not alone and that their experiences are shared by many. These events and groups are for ages 12 all the way up to age 24. Events include movie nights, game nights, special LGBTQ themed events in the community, and more. Participants can engage in discussions, play games, make friends, and build confidence in a facilitated, affirming environment. For additional and up-to-date groups and events, check our events and groups page.
Social Events
Kaleidoscope offers weekly and bi-monthly social support groups virtually and in-person that help LGBTQIA+ young people know that they are not alone and that their experiences are shared by many. These events and groups are for ages 12 all the way up to age 24. Events include movie nights, game nights, special LGBTQ themed events in the community, and more. Participants can engage in discussions, play games, make friends, and build confidence in a facilitated, affirming environment. For additional and up-to-date groups and events, check our events and groups page.
Community Engagement
Kaleidoscope reaches beyond our organization to engage and support the greater community. We have been able to provide resources, trainings, advisors, and speakers for organizations such as the Los Angeles Zoo, LA LGBT Center’s CAN Coalition, and the Profoundly Gifted Retreat; schools and universities such as Cal State Northridge and UCLA; as well as parent allyship groups such as PFLAG. Kaleidoscope also participates in local pride events and LGBTQIA+ conferences to increase awareness and learning about our unique work at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent support.
Community Engagement
Kaleidoscope reaches beyond our organization to engage and support the greater community. We have been able to provide resources, trainings, advisors, and speakers for organizations such as the Los Angeles Zoo, LA LGBT Center’s CAN Coalition, and the Profoundly Gifted Retreat; schools and universities such as Cal State Northridge and UCLA; as well as parent allyship groups such as PFLAG. Kaleidoscope also participates in local pride events and LGBTQIA+ conferences to increase awareness and learning about our unique work at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent support.
Therapeutic Group: TransFormation
TransFormation Group is a weekly therapy group for transgender, non-binary, gender fluid and gender questioning adolescents ages 12-17. Led by a licensed therapist, this group connects peers and provides affirming support through a trauma-focused lens to promote transformative emotional healing. This group accepts Medi-cal insurance. Contact Us to learn if it might be a good fit for you or your loved one by clicking on the button below.
Let the TransFormation begin!
Therapeutic Group: TransFormation
TransFormation Group is a weekly therapy group for transgender, non-binary, gender fluid and gender questioning adolescents ages 12-17. Led by a licensed therapist, this group connects peers and provides affirming support through a trauma-focused lens to promote transformative emotional healing. This group accepts Medi-cal insurance. Contact Us to learn if it might be a good fit for you or your loved one by clicking on the button below.
Let the TransFormation begin!
Training & Presentations
Kaleidoscope offers support virtually and in-person to schools, organizations, providers, parents and caregivers through our affirming LGBTQIA+ inclusion trainings and presentations. The goal of our trainings is to increase awareness, understanding, and the ability to create a safer, more supportive space for the LGBTQIA+ young people in your environment.
We offer customizable trainings and presentations to fit the needs of our audience, whether it be parents, providers, educators, administrators, or others interested in becoming better allies. Topics included may be: LGBTQIA+ 101, The Intersection of Autistic and LGBTQIA+ Identities, Inclusive Language, Coming Out Best Practices, Gender and Sexuality Spectrums/SOGIE, and more. Trainings and presentations can be offered as a series of shorter sessions or one longer session depending on what works best for your needs.
LGBTQIA+ 101
Autism & LGBTQIA+
Intersectionality & Inclusion
Safe Zone Certifications