Practical, affirming care plans for queer youth, young adults, and families—without ongoing sessions..
When things feel overwhelming—emotionally, at school, at home, or across systems—Southern Queer Collective helps create clarity and stability through short-term care navigation and customized support plans.
This is not therapy.
It’s plan-based, non-clinical support designed to reduce harm, confusion, and escalation.
Belonging is the place where identity can rest and grow.
About Us
Hi, I’m Will — a clinical social worker, facilitator, and community builder. I’ve spent over a decade supporting LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and families in clinical, school-based, and community settings. My work has always been guided by one belief: we heal and grow best in community, in spaces where we can show up as our full selves without explanation or performance.
I founded Southern Queer Collective to create those spaces on purpose.
My background includes leading adolescent health programs, developing trauma-informed youth services, supporting caregivers of queer and trans young people, and training educators, clinicians, and community organizations in affirming, relational practice. I’m especially interested in belonging-based support — the kind that doesn’t fix or diagnose, but accompanies.
What We Do
Our work centers on three areas:
Care Navigation- Clear next steps across school, healthcare, family, and community systems—so decisions feel calmer and less reactive.
Personalized Support Plans- Practical, written plans tailored to each situation, such as crisis-prevention guidance, school advocacy tools, family communication support, and identity-affirming care plans.
Finite, Clearly Scoped Support- Short-term, structured engagements with defined goals and endpoints—offering meaningful help without creating ongoing dependency.
This approach sits between “do nothing” and therapy, providing an affirming, practical option when navigating complex situations feels hard to do alone.
Our Values
Equity- Challenging systemic barriers to fairness
Inclusion – Celebrating diversity and affirming LGBTQ identities.
Resilience – Building strength and adaptability in individuals and organizations.
Collaboration – Partnering for sustainable change.
Integrity – Grounding our work in transparency and accountability.
Compassion – Centering human dignity in all we do.
FAQ
Is this therapy?
No. Southern Queer Collective does not provide therapy, counseling, or clinical mental health treatment.
Instead, we offer short-term, non-clinical care planning and navigation, delivered through guidance and customized written support plans. This work is designed to complement—not replace—therapy or other mental health services.
Who is this support for?
This support is designed for:
queer youth and young adults (approximately ages 10–25)
caregivers and families seeking clearer ways to support their child
schools, clinics, and youth-serving organizations supporting queer youth
You do not need to be in crisis to seek support. Many families reach out because things feel stuck, confusing, or at risk of escalating.
What kinds of concerns do you help with?
Common reasons families or institutions reach out include:
emotional distress or escalating anxiety
school refusal, avoidance, or conflict
identity-related stress or lack of affirming support
caregiver overwhelm or communication breakdowns
navigating school, healthcare, or community systems
planning for transitions (school changes, returns after absence, college preparation)
If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, that’s okay—clarity is part of the process.
What does a Care Plan actually include?
Each Care Plan is customized based on the situation, but may include:
care navigation across school, healthcare, family, and community systems
1–3 personalized written deliverables, such as:
crisis-prevention and safety guidance
school advocacy and accommodation packets
family communication and boundary roadmaps
identity-affirming support plans
step-by-step navigation maps
transition and continuity plans
These plans are designed to be practical tools, not reports that sit unused.
How long does a Care Plan take?
Care Plans are short-term and clearly defined.
Timing depends on the scope and current capacity, but most plans are delivered after intake review and agreement on focus. Because this work is plan-based rather than session-based, support happens efficiently without requiring ongoing appointments.
Do you meet with clients live?
The primary service is planning and written guidance.
Occasional brief check-ins may be used when helpful, but regular sessions are not part of this model. This allows support to remain thoughtful, focused, and sustainable.
What happens after the Care Plan is completed?
Care Plans are designed to stand on their own once delivered.
When the agreed-upon deliverables are completed and key navigation questions are addressed, the engagement ends. There is no expectation of ongoing contact, though families or institutions may inquire about additional support if appropriate.
Do you provide crisis services?
No. Southern Queer Collective does not offer crisis response or emergency services.
If you or your child may be in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Can this support work alongside therapy or school services?
Yes. This work often complements existing supports.
Care Plans are designed to:
help families communicate more clearly with therapists, schools, or providers
reduce confusion and mixed messaging
support coordination across systems
We do not replace or duplicate clinical care.
How do institutions partner with Southern Queer Collective?
Schools, clinics, and organizations partner with SQC by contracting for a defined number of Care Plans per year, with clear scope and referral pacing.
This allows families to receive support at no cost, while giving institutions a predictable, ethical support option without creating additional ongoing programs.
Is this support confidential?
Southern Queer Collective treats all information with care and discretion. The specifics of confidentiality may vary depending on whether services are accessed through family self-pay or an institutional partnership.
Details are always discussed clearly before any engagement begins.
How do I know if this is the right fit?
This support is a good fit if you’re looking for:
clarity instead of ongoing processing
practical tools rather than weekly sessions
short-term, structured support
affirming guidance that respects queer youth
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to reach out and ask. Not every situation is the right fit—and naming that early is part of ethical care.
Contact us.
Southern Queer Collective
(917) 652-6448
Charleston, SC