About the Belonging Lab

The Belonging Lab is a San Diego County–based non-profit 501©3 on a mission to prevent suicide and promote mental health through community, connection, and creativity.

Founded by a group of young people who had each lost — or almost lost — someone they loved to suicide or overdose, The Belonging Lab exists because we’ve lived what too many others are going through. We know how painful disconnection can be. And we believe healing starts by rebuilding belonging.

The Belonging Lab designs and runs community-based mental health programs that are peer-led, culturally relevant, and rooted in lived experience. Our initiatives include:

  • Stay Café (Will Launch 2026) – a first-of-its-kind mental health third space, blending coffee, creativity, and connection in a welcoming café setting

  • Peer support training (TBD) and Mental Health First Aid (TBD) programs for schools, workplaces, and communities

  • Original research on gaps in local mental health services, school-based support, and youth wellness access

  • Consulting and advocacy for cities, school districts, and orgs ready to reimagine how they support mental health