LGBTQ Health & Resources
Vaden Health Center provides a welcoming, safe environment for all students and is dedicated to LGBTQ inclusion in all of its services. Students are invited to request a therapist or doctor who has specialized training in working with LGBTQ persons. Providers will use whatever language students are most comfortable using regarding sex, gender, and identity.
Who qualifies for services at Vaden? Can my partner use Vaden services?
Spouses and domestic partners of LGBTQ students can use Vaden Medical Services on a fee-for-services basis. Couples counseling is available at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for registered students and their partners of any gender. There is no fee for brief couples counseling at CAPS.
Who has access to my records at Vaden? Will my parents find out?
Medical records are strictly confidential. By law, your parents, friends, professors, and school officials do not have access to them. Insurance companies will only have access to records if you are using insurance to pay for your health care, which is not required for brief therapy. Records can be released only with your written consent or by court order. If you have questions or concerns regarding these issues, you can discuss what is written in the medical record with your practitioner at the time of your visit.
How does CAPS support LGBTQ students?
A gift from Ric Weiland (Alum ‘76) has generously funded initiatives for students exploring sexual and gender identities at Stanford. The Weiland fund has supported CAPS, in partnership with the LGBT Community Resources Center (CRC), in the development of:
- specialized training for Vaden Health Center staff in sexual orientation and gender identity issues
- transgender-friendly healthcare at Vaden Health Center
- professional counseling services offered on-site at the LGBT-CRC
- a diverse array of student programs and activities
- the revision of Vaden policies and practices in order to better serve LGBTQ-identified students
- the development of campus community health initiatives
- a program devoted to the training of psychology interns and postdoctoral fellows in serving LGBTQ populations.
What are the major health issues facing LGBTQ people?
Most of what we know about health issues for LGBTQ people is based on research studies conducted with people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. It is important to keep in mind that the results of a research study are based on a subsample of a population, and therefore cannot be automatically generalized to every member of that population or community. Because of this, it may be that some of the health issues identified as gay or lesbian health issues in the lists below do not pertain to you just because you identify that way. For instance, while there is a higher rate of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), that does not mean that all MSM are at the same risk for HIV infection. MSM who abstain from sex, are in mutually monogamous relationships, only practice oral sex, or always use condoms, all have lower risks for HIV.
Generalizations about LGBTQ health necessarily rely on generalizations about LGBTQ identity and behavior. The lists of health concerns in this section are, therefore, not prescriptive, but for your information, and should not replace individual consultations with one’s health care provider(s).
Click below for specific information on:
- Transgender Health
- Glossary of Transgender Terms
- Intersex Health
- Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Health
- Women Who Have Sex with Women (WSW) Health
- Asexuality
- FAQ’s
FAQ's
Click on a questions below to see the answer
Q. Are there therapists at CAPS who have a specialized background working with LGBTQ-identified students?
Yes, there are several CAPS therapists who have a background in or are currently receiving specialized training and supervision regarding working with LGBTQ students. During your CAPS triage appointment, inform the clinician you are speaking with that you would prefer seeing a CAPS therapist with a specialization in this area. When you show up for your first appointment, you will be connected with a LGBT specialist for the length of your treatment at CAPS.
Q. I am an LGBT identified student and am seeking medical services, what do you suggest?
Most health care providers at Vaden consider themselves “Generalists” with regard to their training rather than labeling themselves with a “specialty.” Although, any LGBT identified student seeking treatment at Vaden Medical services may request to see an LGBT sensitive provider. The Medical Services director, Dr. Robyn Tepper is currently participating in an LGBT focused bi-monthly supervision rotation, and could assist connecting any LGBT identified student with an LGBT sensitive provider.
Q. I am looking for an LGBTQ-friendly therapist in the community that takes my insurance. How can I get started?
You may choose to contact your insurance provider and inquire as to whether or not they have LGBT specialists in their network. Also, you can call CAPS at 650/723-3785 and ask for a referral. CAPS triage clinicians will make every effort to match you with an LGBT specialist within your insurance network and will assist you with any questions/concerns you may encounter during this referral process.
Q. I think I might be gay, but I’m not ready to talk to my friends or family about it yet. How can I get support without “outing” myself everywhere?
A. We understand that the coming out process can be a complex and sometimes stressful process. Therefore, we are committed to providing LGBT identified Stanford students with the highest level of care. Our individual brief counseling services as well as our Coming Out support group is entirely confidential and free of charge.
Q. I have some questions (about sex) that I would prefer to have answered anonymously. Is there a way I can do that?
A. Try San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI) at [email protected] or call 415-989-SFSI (check web for phone hours). They provide free, accurate, anonymous, non-judgmental information about sex, and they are educated in all aspects of human sexuality, including safer sex, sexual behavior, sexual identity and gender identity.
The Sexual Health Peer Resource Center, located on the 2nd floor of Vaden Health Center is committed to providing sexual health resources and peer counseling to Stanford students. They’re entirely student-run and funded, and all of their supplies and information are either free or really cheap.
Q. I am a queer-identified student of color. Where can I find some support/community at Stanford?
A. There are a number of campus organizations for queer-identified students of colorsuch as Black and Queer at Stanford (BlaQS), La Familia de Stanford, and Queer and Asian (Q&A). Check out the LGBT Community Resource Center’s website for a full list. You can also contact [email protected] to be added to their email list, which serves to keep queer people of color and the different organizations they belong to in contact with each other.
Q. Can I get an HIV test without anyone knowing?
A. The Wellness and Health Promotion Services offers free and anonymous HIV testing, counseling and education through HIV*PACT (HIV Peer Anonymous Counseling and Testing). For an appointment call (650) 498-2336, ext. 1, or DROP IN to the East Clinic or West Clinic at Vaden (First Floor) and request an anonymous HIV test appointment. When scheduling your appointments, please use an anonymous name.
Q. Where can I find resources on coming out?
A. Stanford offers many resources for individuals in the coming out process. The LGBT Resource Center offers an extensive library of books, magazines and DVDs. Stop by and chill out in the welcoming space, or make an appointment with one of the professional or student staff members. Visit LGBT CRC’s website for a list of organizations, programs, email lists and calendar of events.
Stanford’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is also a great resources for students in the coming out process. CAPS offers evaluation and brief counseling, in addition to a support group dedicated to individuals in the coming out process. Visit CAPS for more details and to schedule an intake appointment.
Q. How can I meet other LGBT-identified people at Stanford?
A. Stanford has a variety of LGBT organizations on campus that target various religious, academic, and cultural interests. There are many LGBT-specific events throughout the years such as Q-Spots (a LGBT meet and greet), Queer Parties, Queer formal, and a drag ball. Check out the LGBT Community Resource Center’s website for a complete list of organizations.
If you’re a freshman, a great way to get involved is to become part of Community Academic Support and Advising (CASA). This official program offers support and advising for the LGBT and allied frosh through weekly lunches offered each Wednesday from noon to 1:00pm at the LGBT-CRC throughout the year. CASA offers opportunities to meet new people with shared experiences and connect to campus resources CASA lunches range from guest speakers and panels, small discussions, and relaxation time. Discussion topics include coming out, family life, dorm life, stereotypes, relationships, academics, and mental health. Special CASA events include dinner outings, ice cream trips, movie nights, and an annual day trip to San Francisco in the spring.
Another way to meet LGBT identified people on campus is through LGBT Personal Access Links (LGBT PALS) a searchable database containing the names of Stanford faculty and student affairs staff who have volunteered to serve as points of contact within their departments or offices for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning students. LGBT PALS also contains the names, locations, and personal statements of LGBTQ alumni. Faculty and teaching assistants may also input information about courses with significant LGBT content.
Q. If I am not out, can I still attend the coming out group at CAPS?
A. Yes! All are welcome. CAPS offers a weekly confidential support group open to all individuals who are in the coming out process, regardless of what stage they are in. The support group takes place each week on the second floor of Vaden Health Center. Contact 650-723-3785 for more details.
Q. My spiritual/religious/cultural beliefs conflict with my sexual identity. Are there resources offered at Stanford that can help?
A. Stanford is committed to welcoming students of all sexual and gender identities, as well as all religious and non-religious traditions. In keeping with that commitment, there are a number of resources at Stanford to help individuals dealing with spiritual, religious and cultural conflicts.
The Office for Religious Life provides leadership, services, and programming in matters of religion, spirituality and ethics. Currently, the Deans for Religious Life represent the Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalists traditions and it is their responsibility to support all religious traditions represented at Stanford. They strive to ensure that students, faculty and staff, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to honest, lively, thoughtful and supportive contexts in which to pursue their spiritual journeys. Visit The Office for Religious Life website for a description of their mission, events, and services.
Sometimes it helps to talk with a non-biased professional about such issues. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to help students who experience a wide variety of personal, academic and relationship concerns. CAPS offers evaluation and brief counseling including personal, couples and group therapy. Visit the CAPS page or call (650) 723-3785 to make an appointment.
