WALK-IN CENTER

Every Saturday and Sunday night, from 6 pm to 8 pm, Identity House offers peer counseling and referral services for the LGBT community at the LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St., Manhattan (check the daily calendar by the Center's lobby desk for room location). No appointments are necessary.  Donations are welcome.

NEW:  We now offer an additional Walk-In Center, by appointment only, to be held each Saturday night at the Middle Collegiate Church on E. 7th St., Manhattan.  Donations are welcome.  To make an appointment, contact Bill Paulonis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Peer Counseling

Peer counseling is both a method and a philosophy. The basic premise behind it is that most people are capable of solving their own problems if given a chance and some guidance.  Our peer counselors use active listening skills to help the client clarify his/her thoughts and feelings and to explore various options or solutions such as therapist referrals, short-term counseling, and groups.

As peers, we have the opportunity to share as equals with our clients. This means that, unlike some kinds of therapists, we can share our personal experience so that the client knows there are others who have been through a similar situation.

Referrals

At both Identity House Walk-In Centers, we make referrals when appropriate. Sometimes people just come in to talk, and that's all they need. But if you need more, there are three kinds of referrals:

Therapist Referrals

Referrals to therapists may be made only to therapists screened and accepted by Identity House, all of whom are listed in the Identity House Therapists and Resources Book.

 		 

Short-Term Counseling

Short-term peer counseling is for clients who may be having a difficulty in a certain area of their lives that can be resolved or alleviated without going into therapy. It is a theme-oriented program of sessions lasting eight weeks. Issues that do not fit this framework are not appropriate for short-term counseling referrals.

 

Groups

Sometimes the peer counselor will make a referral to an Identity House group. Identity House tries to provide groups as needed in the community. Theme-centered groups such as coming-out groups, older/younger women's/men's groups, and general discussion groups are offered. Open groups are led by Identity House peer facilitators.

 

WALK-IN CENTER

Saturdays and Sundays

6pm to 8pm

208 West 13th Street

 

and BY APPOINTMENT

Saturday nights at Middle Collegiate Church (see above for contact information)
 

PO Box 829, Murray Hill Station, New York City, NY 10156    Tel: 212-243-8181

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