We are
Gaylesta is the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender
Psychotherapists Association of the greater San Francisco
Bay Area. We were founded in 1987, established as an
unincorporated association in 1988, and incorporated as a
non-profit organization in 1997.
Our Charter is
• to promote awareness of mental health issues specific to
the LGBTQ communities;
• to provide value to the community through the services
of our members;
• to promote awareness among mental health workers of
cross-cultural issues such as race/ethnicity, age, ability,
nationality, sexual orientation, gender, and class;
• to promote the practices and careers of our members;
• to develop an exchange of information relating to the field
of mental health within the LGBTQ communities; and
• to provide opportunities for social and professional interaction
among our members and within the larger mental
health community.
Our Services include
• Seminars, Consultations, and Speakers offered by members
on such LBGTQ-related topics as homophobia, coming out, gay
marriage, HIV/AIDS, alternative families, parenting, gender identity, S/M/B/D, as well as how anxiety and depression affect our community.
• A Referral Service for community members looking for an LGBTQ therapist to meet their specific needs. Both a telephone consultation and on-line search are available.
• Annual fundraising events for LGBTQ service provider organizations.
•Maintaining a presence at many community events.
Explore Our Site
We want you to become familiar with who we are and what we offer! Use the navigation options at the right to learn about joining, events, and locating a therapist. We hope to help you find the services you need, or to see you soon at one of our events for members.
a vital and growing organization. Since its begining in 1987, Gaylesta has grown to include over 200 mental health professionals.
Our membership collectively offers a range of services, experience, specializations, and expertise.
We work to promote awareness of the special skills our members have to offer the LGBTQ communities and the general public. We do this through outreach, advertising, and public speaking; also through an online and telephone referral service through which our members can market their practices.
Beyond serving as a resource for those seeking therapy, we see ourselves as having a role in fostering the well-being of the LGBTQ communities.
