Attentive Counseling Services, LLC is the only LGBTQ+ owned and operated Mental Health Clinic in Rock County, Wisconsin. Marilyn Schuh decided to build the clinic because she wanted to create a safe space for people like her. She also founded Yellow Brick Road Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support and safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, for a similar reason. “I wish I had these same safe spaces to go to when I was younger,” Schuh tells GO. Since such spaces are rare, members of the LGBTQ+ community are often hard-pressed to find a place that is knowledgeable about their specific needs. It comes as a relief to know there are people like Schuh, and places like Attentive Counseling Services, where they can feel safe and welcome. “Facilitating these spaces where someone feels safe to start their healing journey and start loving themselves is the most rewarding work,” Schuh says. “It’s incomparable to anything else I’ve ever done.” Though the COVID shutdown took a toll on both the Counseling Services and the nonprofit, she says she’s “excited that both organizations made it out of the pandemic and are starting to see growth again.” That’s a good sign for the LGBTQ+ community, who rely on services like Schuh’s for their well-being. —NT
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