Central Florida’s New Nonprofit Clinic Kickstarts Mental Health Counseling Program for LGBTQIA+ Community

ORLANDO, Fla. , April 23 /Businesswire/ - Beacon Health, Inc., a new nonprofit health clinic serving Central Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community, today announced its Shine The Beacon campaign, which aims to fundraise, drive awareness, and build support to kickstart its Behavioral Health Counseling program for those healing from trauma.

“Florida legislators continue to try and deny one of the most vulnerable communities healthcare. Whether it’s an attack on gender-affirming care or the latest License to Discriminate bill, LGBTQIA+ people are exposed to serious physical and mental health risks,” said Joseph Sivoli, executive director of Beacon Health. “Beacon Health is a full-service clinic comprised of Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Straight individuals that will provide Behavioral Health Counseling and Medical Health Services to those who need it – regardless of sexual orientation or their ability to pay. It’s time our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters receive the care and support they need and deserve. We’re here to lovingly and ethically answer that call.”

Sivoli, a gay man who grew up in an abusive household, experienced neglect and abuse of power firsthand when he finally attempted to receive counseling for his history of trauma. After a therapist inappropriately abused his relationship with him, Sivoli’s mental health worsened – until he connected with Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani, who gave him a platform to share his story and connect with others with similar experiences. After learning more about his community and the urgent need for better care, Sivoli created Beacon Health to serve as a clinic with zero tolerance for ethical violations.

Through its Shine The Beacon campaign, Beacon Health is seeking donations to employ trauma-trained therapists, provide consistent primary care, rent office space, purchase computer equipment and supplies, register to accept health insurance, and more to fuel its Behavioral Health Counseling program, which is set to begin in August.

“We’re asking Florida to show up for its LGBTQIA+ community and help Beacon Health begin serving those who need it most. Through our Behavior Health Counseling program, our mission is to help patients be kinder to themselves, set healthy boundaries, and ultimately heal from trauma and abuse. We don’t want another young person to walk this road alone. Your support will help us make that possible.”

To donate to the Shine the Beacon campaign, please visit its GoFundMe page.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Beacon Health, visit our Signup page.

Beacon Health’s mission is to provide comprehensive physical and mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community and provide support for people affected by trauma and toxic relationships.

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