Dr. Jay Bettergarcia, Ph.D.
Director of the QCARES team
Our Goal
The Queer Community Action, Research, Education, and Support (QCARES) team started in 2015 and is directed by Dr. Jay Bettergarcia, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychology & Child Development at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
QCARES represents a team of professors, students, and community members conducting and using research to create queer and transgender social change and policy recommendations. We use community-based participatory action research to engage with individuals and communities as we seek to understand barriers to mental health care and develop innovative solutions. We connect with the community through training and education, research studies, and advocacy efforts.
QCARES Research!
Learn more about our research exploring queer and transgender mental health, minority stress & resiliences, and best practices for teaching and training professionals to provide affirming care!
Queer & Trans Therapy
Looking for queer and trans-affirming therapy? Check out Dr. Bettergarcia’s practice, The Center For Collaborative TRANSformations!
Connect with QCARES!
Interested in getting involved? Looking for a queer or trans-affirming training? Get connected to QCARES!
You can also find a list of SLO ACCEPTance trained providers HERE