Who we are

The Queer Community Action, Research, Education, and Support (QCARES) team started in 2015 and is directed by Dr. Jay Bettergarcia, Ph.D., assistant 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 social change and policy recommendations.

Our Goal

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.

See our RESEARCH page to learn more about work and the GET INVOLVED section to connect with us!

For undergraduates interested in gaining research experience: Please contact Dr. Bettergarcia at jbetterg@calpoly.edu