Business Details
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support in New York City
Rainbow Heights has dedicated over two decades to supporting LGBTQ+ New Yorkers living with mental illness. Our mission centers on providing affirming, innovative treatment advocacy and peer support services in an environment built on hope, recovery, and partnership. As a drop-in program, we offer structured yet flexible opportunities for socialization, personal growth, and community building. Our services include specialized support groups, daily hot meals, transportation assistance, and cultural competency training for healthcare providers. With 96% of members reporting improved mental health treatment consistency and 79% experiencing reduced psychiatric symptoms, our model demonstrates measurable impact.We maintain strict confidentiality and impose no attendance requirements, allowing members to engage at their own pace. Our team includes certified Peer Specialists who share lived experience with mental illness and recovery, creating authentic connections that foster trust and understanding. Through initiatives like our CORE Services and E/Quality Care Trainings, we extend our reach to both individuals and systemic providers, addressing gaps in LGBTQ+-affirming mental healthcare. The organization operates as a complementary resource to clinical treatment, never replacing professional psychiatric care while offering critical supplemental support.
Services
Support Groups
Evening Meal Program
Community Resources
CORE Services
Cultural Competency Training
Highlights and features
- We specialize in serving LGBTQ+ individuals with mental health challenges
- Our certified Peer Specialists share lived experience with recovery
- 96% of members improve mental health treatment consistency
- Free daily hot meals and transportation assistance available
- Cultural competency training for healthcare providers included
What people say
Supported me a lot
Enjoying my independence
Established myself here
Security license achievement
Safe place to be yourself
Services
Support Groups
Structured group sessions addressing specific mental health challenges while incorporating LGBTQ+ identity affirmation. Members gain coping strategies through shared experiences and professional facilitation. Our groups focus on building community while addressing recovery needs unique to queer individuals.
Evening Meal Program
Daily nutritious meals provided to members participating in daytime activities. This program addresses food insecurity while creating opportunities for social connection in a welcoming environment that respects both mental health and LGBTQ+ identities.
CORE Services
Wraparound services including peer specialist support, psychosocial rehabilitation, and family training programs. These services help members develop life skills, improve communication, and build stronger support networks that respect both their mental health needs and LGBTQ+ identities.
Cultural Competency Training
Free educational programs for healthcare providers covering LGBTQ+ mental health needs. Training includes terminology, treatment approaches, and strategies for creating affirming environments that address the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in recovery.
Community Resources
Assistance connecting members with housing, employment, and healthcare services. Our staff helps navigate systems while advocating for LGBTQ+-affirming care, with additional support for transportation and technology access to reduce barriers to participation.
People
Christian Huygen
Executive Director
Clinical psychologist leading Rainbow Heights's mission to provide LGBTQ+-affirming mental health support services in New York City.
Randy Killings
Director of Member Services
Certified Peer Specialist managing membership intake and community engagement initiatives for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking mental health support.
Eddie Hardaway
Director of CORE Services
Licensed Master Social Worker overseeing supplemental recovery services that help members develop life skills and community connections.
Daniel Garza
Board Chair
Psychiatrist and community health leader serving as board chair, bringing expertise in LGBTQ+ mental healthcare delivery.
Monica Amey
Lead Peer Specialist
Certified mental health professional providing peer support services grounded in shared lived experience with recovery and LGBTQ+ identity.
Questions
What services does Rainbow Heights Club offer?
We provide peer support groups, daily hot meals, transportation assistance, computer access, and cultural competency training for mental health providers.
Is there a cost to join Rainbow Heights Club?
All services are completely free of charge with no financial obligations or attendance requirements.
Who qualifies for membership?
LGBTQ+ adults aged 18+ living in NYC with a mental health diagnosis who are currently seeing or willing to connect with a mental health professional.
How does the intake process work?
Your therapist can fax recent psychosocial documentation to our office, followed by a tour and intake appointment with our Director of Member Services.
Can I keep my current mental health providers?
Yes, our services complement existing treatment plans without requiring any changes to your current care providers.
Videos
