Women’s Services

Women’s Services at The Center provides a diverse group of programs, resources, discussion groups, and social offerings for women ranging from literature to health issues. The mission of Women’s Services is to create a safe space where LBTQ women and their allies will have access to important resources and referrals regarding health care, social services, and community activities. It’s a place for all women from all walks of life to strengthen and enhance their quality of life. Each month, more than 150 women access support and resources through this program, which offers a diverse array of educational and social programs, and also administers the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of The Center’s services are virtual. Please reach out to women@thecentersd.org for specific information during this time, or see calendar below.

THE CENTER'S SERVICES

Engagement

Engagement opportunities include discussion groups, social offerings for women from literature to interviews of notable women from the community, and Ballroom and Latin dance.

ESSENTIAL SUPPORT

Programs to promote individual wellness, quality of life, and building community with a coming out group and a women’s discussion group, referrals to resources for health issues and social services, educational and social programs, and more.

Critical Services

Critical health and social-support services and collaborations with other agencies, including connections to Behavioral Health and mental health services, connections to housing, including the Toni Atkins Lesbian Health Fund which is accessed by more than 150 women each month.

HIV Testing & Education

The Center’s Sexual Health & Wellness program offers rapid HIV testing for individuals and couples, prevention support, healthcare linkage, education and resource referrals. We utilize 4thGen rapid testing technology using the Determine HIV-1/2 antibody/antigen test and offer enrollment in the UCSD Early Test study which can detect acute (very early stage) HIV infection as soon as one week after potential exposure. Click here to learn more.

relationship violence treatment and prevention program (RVTP)

Group and individual counseling is offered to both offenders and survivors struggling with relationship violence. The Center's RVTIP is certified by the County of San Diego Probation Department and provides a 52-week group counseling intervention for voluntary as well as court-mandated individuals to receive treatment for same-gender/genderqueer relationship violence. Groups include: Men’s Group, Women’s Group, and Transgender & Nonbinary Group. A weekly Relationship Violence Survivor’s Support Group – All Genders is offered as well. For more information about these services, please contact our On Duty Staff at 619.692.2077 x208 or onduty@thecentersd.org. You may also contact Steve Carroll at 619.692.2077 x139, or scarroll@thecentersd.org.