Looking Glass Counseling Program recently received a grant from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for funding that will enhance our counseling service offerings by integrating a strengths-based, trauma-informed Youth Peer Support Program.
This funding allows the Counseling Program to directly support those who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many socio-economic and cultural barriers for people of color to receive social services, including mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment.
In November, two Certified Peer Support Specialists joined our counseling team to serve the general youth population. In addition, one peer support worker specializes in support for Spanish speaking, bi-lingual, bicultural, and Latinx youth, and one specializes in supporting LGBTQ+ identifying and questioning youth. Both peer support workers address behavioral health issues in a manner that is culturally informed, culturally responsive and gender affirming.
Jazmin Ochoa, Certified Bi-lingual Peer Support Specialist, preparing to meet with a client.
“We are seeing a lot of barriers for youth to access resources that would otherwise be available if we weren’t facing COVID. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, I provide service from emotional support to providing resources within our community. I work to empower individuals to accomplish their goals they’ve created for themselves.” - Jazmin Ochoa, Certified Bi-lingual Peer Support Specialist.
As ever, there are many needs in the LGBTQ+ community which can only be understood by having those lived experiences. Representation in both healthcare and social work is a need in and of itself. Currently, one of many challenges in the LGBTQ+ community is the impact of social isolation on mental health as a result of COVID. From a social standpoint, there’s simply nowhere to go to connect with each other.
During these times, peer support is a really valuable service because we’re able to reach youth who don’t have community interaction but need a safe space to grow. In order to meet some of these needs, we’re coming up with ideas to create online groups for our LGBTQ+ youth. We’re also talking about expanding our peer support program in order to be inclusive of diverse lived experiences.
“As an LGBTQ+ Youth Peer Support Specialist, I’m in a unique position to offer my own lived experiences to promote gender-affirming and insightful services. I focus on getting to know youth who may be transitioning, exploring their gender or sexuality, questioning, or coming out, as well as addressing any other needs or goals in their life.” - Madelyn Dearing, LGBTQ+ Youth Peer Support Specialist.
Looking Glass is prepared and ready to provide the community supports, recovery supports, and peer delivered services necessary to help mitigate the negative behavioral health impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are looking to schedule counseling services, please call (541) 484-4428.
For Spanish scheduling services, call (541) 246-2256.