Find answers and general information quickly.
1. Our Heart: The Mission
No Sides Only Love is our intentional, evidence-based approach to building safety and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals. It does not ask people to be neutral in personal beliefs, but recognizes that while navigating some of the most defining moments of their lives, perceived judgment can prevent access to life-saving support. We focus on shared humanity, reduce barriers to care, and equip people with the skills to heal, grow, and author their own future.
No. While we specialize in LGBTQ+ care, our doors are open to anyone navigating the complexities of identity and family…or just life in general. We serve individuals, partners, and family members who need a safe space to process their experiences and build stronger connections.
No. Our goal isn't to dictate your spiritual path; it’s to help you find alignment and peace. We respect your faith traditions as much as your identity. Your therapy is about your values.
Absolutely not. We understand that identity development can be a complex journey for the entire family. We will meet you and your family exactly where you are—without judgment. We don't require parents to have "all the answers" or a specific political stance. We only ask that you show up with love and a willingness to stay connected to your child. We believe that you love your child and that by knocking on Encircle’s door, you are seeking ways to walk with your child as they navigate challenges and learn to be their best selves.
2. The Brain: Neurodiversity & Specialties
We do, and we love it. We recognize that many in our community are neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, etc.), and we celebrate that beautiful intersection.
We don't try to "fix" your brain to make it more neurotypical. We work with your sensory needs, communication styles, and executive functioning. If you need to fidget, stand up, or take breaks during a session, we’re here for it. We move away from pathologizing and toward self-understanding and thriving.
A Note on Our Environment:
While we deeply value the individual, please be aware that our in-person environments are vibrant, active, and communal homes. In-person sessions often include the ambient sounds of other community members nearby. We are unable to accommodate some specific sensory needs or provide highly controlled environments.
We encourage you to consider whether these communal settings are the right fit for your sensory needs or if Telehealth might provide a more regulated environment for your therapeutic journey.
3. The Money: Scholarships, Insurance & Stewardship
Our scholarship program is 26 sessions of therapy per awardee, and is made possible by the incredible generosity of private donors—individuals and organizations who believe deeply in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families. Their donations build the bridge that allows the most vulnerable in our community to access life-saving care.
Because these funds are a gift from private donors, we act as strict stewards of their generosity. We treat these funds with fiscal and clinical integrity so we can serve as many people as possible. This is why we require income verification (W-2s/pay stubs) and proof of a Medicaid application (approval or denial) within the last few months.
No. Scholarships are intended to help you for 26 sessions of specialized care that was previously out of reach. Because donor funds are finite and the program is highly competitive, scholarships cannot be relied upon as a permanent funding source. We work with scholarship grantees from day one to find a sustainable long-term plan, whether through insurance or our community resource partners.
Utilizing insurance is often the most sustainable path for long-term care. We currently accept, amongst others:
- SelectHealth, BlueCross BlueShield, Molina, Cigna, Medicaid (some plans), University of Utah Health, PEHP & EMI, and UnitedHealthcare.
- Our administrative team is available to support you as you navigate your benefits and understand your coverage under your insurance plan.
- Aetna
BCBS
Cigna
EMI
Medicaid (ONLY State, SelectHealth, Integrated U plans)
Molina (Sandra ONLY)
PEHP
SelectHealth
Tricare (Malia ONLY)
University of Utah & HMHI
UHC
UMR
4. The Path: Intake & Clinical Boundaries
After you fill out our intake request, our Intake Coordinator reviews your information. They will determine your needs and pair you with a clinician whose specialties and schedule align with your specific goals.
We provide specialized care for individuals aged 12 and older.
- Ages 12–17: All legal guardians must complete the intake forms. All legal guardians are required to consent before treatment can begin.
Ages 18+: You may complete the application for yourself.
To ensure our clinicians work within their highest expertise, there are several specific services we do not provide:
- Court-Ordered Therapy or Custody Evaluations: We do not provide treatment mandated by the legal system, nor do we participate in legal proceedings or custody recommendations.
- Letters of Support for Minors: Due to current legal regulations and clinical stewardship, we do not provide letters for those under 18. However, we enthusiastically provide letters of support for adults (18+). Encircle Therapy complies with all current Utah law.
- Specialized Sensory Accommodations: Our physical environments are not equipped with quiet rooms or accommodations for sensory needs. In-person sessions often include the ambient sounds of a busy home and other community members.
- Formal Psychological Testing: We do not offer formal diagnostic testing, including ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, etc. We do not provide psychological or medical services.
- Administrative Support Letters: We do not provide letters for Social Security disability, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), or other non-clinical administrative requests.
- Medical or High-Acuity Treatment: We do not offer medication management (psychiatry), 24/7 crisis monitoring, or primary treatment for eating disorders, active mania/psychosis, or substance use disorder. Encircle Therapy does not provide services that require medical oversight or residential stays.
5. The Agreement: Policies & Expectations
Our clinicians dedicate their time and expertise to you. To honor their professional time, we enforce a standardized late/no show fee. Maintaining this boundary allows us to retain high-quality clinicians and keep our doors open for the entire community.
Chemistry matters. If, after a few sessions, you don't feel a "click," we encourage you to tell your therapist and have a simple conversation about your perspective. You may also contact the Intake Coordinator who helped you get started originally. They will help you transition to a different clinician within our team without any hard feelings. We want you to have the right therapist for your therapeutic work.
6. The Growth: Groups and Internships
We believe that healing happens in connection, not in isolation. Group therapy is one of the most meaningful ways to experience "your people" while receiving professional clinical support.
Groups offer a powerful combination of therapy and community at a significantly lower, more accessible price point than individual sessions.
Our groups are offered periodically to ensure they are high-impact and well-facilitated. They typically run in Fall, Winter and Spring cohorts. Groups fill up quickly, we encourage you to follow our social media channels for announcements on upcoming topics and registration dates.
Yes. We hire and train a small, select number of second-year clinical interns each year. Our internship is rigorous and rewarding. We provide paid clinical hours, experiential immersion in all areas of Encircle, and exceptional, structured supervision. The recruitment cycle for new interns typically begins in January and/or February.
If you are a graduate student looking for a specialized placement, please watch our social media and website during the beginning of the year for application windows.
7. Our Homes: Encircle Community & Locations
- Youth and young adults ages 12-25
- Adults ages 26+
- Parents, families & allies
*Youth under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. - We always recommend visiting our Location Calendars for additional event and age information.
In an effort to increase the safety and security of our spaces, starting in March 2024, every guest entering our homes will need to check in at the entrance.
Please bring a picture ID (minors can use a school ID, adults will need a government issued ID) in order to check in when you first come in. IDs will be used to verify identity and age due to age requirements for some of our programs. This will only be required during your first visit when you create your account for the first time. Once you return for services, you will only be asked to check in.
Every first-time visitor will be asked to create a profile and enter important demographic information that will be kept on file (see below to learn how we protect identity and information shared with us). In addition, Encircle will ask survey questions tied to our outcomes (social support, validation, and bridge building) to assess the effectiveness of our services.
In order to enter our spaces and access our resources, it is required to create a profile the first time you visit and then check in at the door each time you return.
How does Encircle protect my identity and information?
We understand the sensitivity of the information you are sharing and are committed to handling this information with care. Check-in responses, which include identifying information such as your name and date of birth, are password-protected and can only be viewed internally by Encircle staff.
In addition to allowing Encircle staff to actively keep track of who is in the home for safety purposes, we use this data collection to help understand program use and areas for improvement. The survey questions allow us to see who is using our services and what your experiences have been like, so we can best meet the needs of guests.
Encircle is responsible for reporting some demographics and outcome data externally, including some grant funding that is crucial for our services to continue. Any data that is reported outside of Encircle will be aggregated and de-identified, meaning the information you have shared will not be able to be linked to you individually.
Encircle is committed to privacy and security, including keeping your data safe while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality. We safeguard guest information by keeping our computers and tablets up-to-date with the latest software, and ensure compliance with safety and security regulations. Additionally, we have strict access rules and provide thorough training to our team to make sure your data stays safe and secure.
What if my legal name is different from the name I currently use?
At Encircle, we understand the importance of identity, and using the correct name and pronouns. We strive to provide gender affirmation and mutual respect in our welcoming and safe spaces. The profile you will create with us will ask for the name and pronouns you want to use at Encircle, and will be the only names used by our staff and guests. Your ID is only needed to verify age and identity (in case of an emergency).
We invite you to tour the Encircle location closest to you, meet our Programs Team, and connect with our resources. We are confident you will feel welcomed and loved by visiting one of our locations. To visit us, click here.
There are several ways to get involved with Encircle, from volunteering and interning, to partnering and donating, every contribution helps!
Please submit your request here for a training, speaker, tabling event, etc.
- Visit our therapy web page here.
- If you need to reschedule an appointment, or if you have any questions regarding Encircle Therapy, please email scheduling@encircletherapy.org.
- Keep in mind that response time is within 24 to 48 business hours.
- Sign-up to receive daily updates from Encircle! We promise to not spam you. (add an SMS icon next to each location)
- You can also visit our Location Calendars for location-specific event details.
Service animals are welcome. Note that this is different from an Emotional Support Animal. ESAs are not service dogs.
If your question wasn’t answered, please contact us.
