SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Pride Center has a new counseling and wellness clinic, and an open house was held Thursday to celebrate the additional services the clinic will provide to the LGBT community.

The new clinic is located at the Utah Pride Center, 255 E. 400 South in Salt Lake City.

Mental health professionals at the center said they’re better equipped to help distressed LGBT youth and adults work through emotional issues.

Cappy Shapiro is a therapist and clinical social worker who spoke about the clinic.

“Having a space for LGBTQ people that’s specifically for them is really safe and affirming for our whole community,” Shapiro said. “And for some people who don’t feel safe elsewhere, or who aren’t out in general–in public, at work, with their families–this is a safe place for them to come and be authentically themselves.”

For more information about the clinic, visit the Utah Pride Center’s website.