Meet Steven Haden | Social Worker, Entrepreneur, & Nonprofit Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Haden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for You:Flourish, a Denver-based social impact venture, was born out of a deep commitment to addressing the pressing mental health needs within the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing the stark challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing appropriate mental health support and services, we envisioned a platform that would serve as a beacon of empowerment and resilience.

At You:Flourish, we understand that LGBTQ+ individuals encounter unique obstacles in their mental health journeys, from enduring stigma and discrimination to facing limited access to inclusive healthcare services. These challenges often result in disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation within the community. Our initiative seeks to bridge these gaps by offering tailored digital mental health and wellness support.

Through collaborative efforts with the nonprofit Envision:You, we aim to provide a seamless connection between LGBTQ+ community members and trusted mental health professionals. Additionally, we envision fostering a supportive network of peers and allies, acknowledging the crucial role of community in healing and resilience.

Our platform will feature specialized wellness content co-created by and for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that the resources provided resonate with the lived experiences of the community. This approach is informed by community-centered research conducted in partnership with the National Mental Health Innovation Center at CU Anshutz and VXVY Mental Health, both Colorado-based organizations.

The research findings underscored the urgent need for mental health support among LGBTQ+ individuals, with alarming statistics revealing high rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and adverse childhood experiences. Despite these challenges, the overwhelming majority of respondents expressed a willingness to utilize a vetted directory of professionals competent in treating LGBTQ+ people, highlighting a clear demand for accessible and inclusive resources.

In essence, You:Flourish embodies a commitment to empowerment, inclusivity, and resilience, striving to create a safer and more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to flourish and thrive.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
You:Flourish launched our groundbreaking wellness platform in April, marking a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ wellness and behavioral health support. Tailored specifically for the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community, this product is set to revolutionize mental health care accessibility, starting with Colorado residents and soon expanding nationally.

In a landscape where LGBTQ+ individuals often face barriers to mental health support due to discrimination and stigma, the You:Flourish app emerges as a beacon of hope. Research underscores the urgent need, revealing stark disparities in mental health outcomes between LGBTQ+ and straight/cisgender peers. With over half of LGBTQ+ adults reporting poor mental health and concerning rates of depression and suicidal thoughts, the demand for dedicated support is clear.

Drawing from my own lived experiences, I spearhead this initiative with a deep understanding of the community’s struggles. I envision You:Flourish not only as a support network but as a transformative force for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking solace and connection.

Partnering with AppIt Ventures, a woman-owned software company in Denver, for development and leveraging the expertise of GLMA and Wisdo Health, You:Flourish ensures a comprehensive and affirming experience. Key features include a vetted provider directory offering access to healthcare professionals committed to LGBTQ+ affirming care and a robust wellness support system featuring educational content, wellness resources, and coping strategies.

By addressing critical social determinants of health and championing community empowerment, You:Flourish emerges as an indispensable tool in the quest for LGBTQ+ wellness. It stands poised to redefine the landscape of mental health and wellness support, offering hope and belonging for all who seek it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend or family member is visiting Denver, there are so many fantastic places to explore together! First, we could start our day with a stroll through the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens, where we can admire the diverse array of plants and flowers.

After that, we might head to the historic Larimer Square for some shopping and dining. This charming area is filled with boutique shops, galleries, and delicious restaurants, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.

For a taste of Denver’s vibrant art scene, we could visit the Denver Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of artwork spanning various cultures and time periods. We can spend hours exploring the galleries and admiring the diverse range of artistic expressions.

No visit to Denver would be complete without experiencing the stunning natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. We could take a scenic drive up to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, where we can marvel at the breathtaking rock formations and maybe even catch a concert if there’s one happening.

Overall, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Denver and throughout Colorado!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am deeply appreciative of the partnership with the Colorado Health Foundation for their generous support of You:Flourish and their unwavering belief in our vision to provide vital support for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those in underserved communities.

Website: www.you-flourish.com

Instagram: youflourishapp

Linkedin: You:Flourish

Facebook: You:Flourish