Meet Jordan Costen

We recently connected with Jordan Costen and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I discovered my purpose through intentionality and thoughtful reflection—long before I even realized what was happening. In college, I noticed a flyer seeking volunteer tutors for a local high school. I signed up without hesitation, unaware that this experience would become the foundation of my calling. I spent the entire school year tutoring, and by the end, I was hooked. I continued mentoring and tutoring throughout my twenties, always eager to stay involved.

After starting graduate school and moving to a new neighborhood, I began to think more deeply about how I could give back to my LGBTQ+ community. Having experienced mental health challenges as a child, I understood how vital community and support are for young people. When I researched local organizations where I could volunteer, I found none. This led me to imagine what it might look like to create a space specifically for LGBTQ+ youth.

That idea took root and grew into founding a nonprofit dedicated to providing positive programming for LGBTQ+ youth. Starting that organization helped me define my purpose and continues to shape the work I pursue today. It remains a guiding force in every project and initiative I take on.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a therapist, the founder and leader of a nonprofit, and a mental health speaker. These roles collectively shape how I spend my time each day and reflect my commitment to improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

As a therapist, I work with LGBTQ+ clients across the lifespan, from early adolescence through older adulthood. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space where individuals can openly address mental health challenges that disproportionately affect our community, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidal ideation. Many clients share that they avoided treatment in the past due to fears of being misunderstood, misgendered, or judged. My purpose in this work is to ensure that highly marginalized and stigmatized communities receive compassionate, competent care that supports their movement toward improved mental and emotional wellness.

As a mental health speaker, I enter schools, organizations, and community spaces to discuss the importance of mental health and the value of therapy. Despite ongoing progress, stigma surrounding mental health treatment persists. My work focuses on dispelling misconceptions, presenting research on the benefits of therapy, and sharing evidence-based tools that support marginalized and minority populations. Ultimately, my goal is to shift the narrative and push back against the stigma that continues to silence so many. If you would like a speaker to discuss the significance of mental health for marginalized communities or are seeking a therapist, please reach out to my email, [email protected]
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From a nonprofit perspective, Safe Space NOVA’s mission is dedicated to providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth. We aim to address and reduce the effects of social stigma, bullying, and the unique challenges these young people face. Our programming includes social activities, affirming community spaces, and comprehensive sexuality education, all of which have proven to be critical, well-received, and deeply impactful for the youth we serve. These resources are essential to the mental health and overall wellbeing of LGBTQ+ young people, and they continue to shape the heart of our organization’s work. You can follow the work we are doing at Safe Space NOVA via our website and donate as well (www.safespacenova.com).

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that have been most impactful for me are being intentional, ambitious, and steadfast in both my beliefs and my approach to leadership. Intentionality is essential because it requires planning, thoughtful reflection, and a willingness to move forward with purpose based on an idea that begins only in your mind. Many people hesitate at the point between vision and action, but I move past doubt by grounding myself in my “why” and mapping realistic paths to bring an idea to life. This requires time and patience, but when you are willing to invest those things, the rewards can be profound.

Ambition, as I define it, means refusing to settle. Years ago, I could have stopped pursuing the idea of building a nonprofit that would serve the LGBTQ+ community, especially given how well I was doing in my career at the time. I was receiving bonuses, recognition, and all the typical markers of success. Yet something was missing, and I felt compelled to search for what that was. My ambition would not allow me to remain comfortable in a role that didn’t fulfill me, and that drive ultimately led me to build something meaningful.

Finally, being steadfast has been crucial. For me, this means staying committed to your vision regardless of the doubts, opinions, or inconsistencies of others. I always had a clear sense of what I wanted to create and how it could come together, even when others couldn’t see it. That belief alone was enough to keep me moving forward. Had I given up, my life today would look very different. Remaining steadfast made all the difference.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parent and caregiver network was both traditional and nontraditional. I was raised in a single-parent household, supported heavily by the involvement of my grandparents. In many ways, five people truly shaped the person I am today. One of the most important lessons they instilled in me was the transformative power of education and knowledge.

My grandparents, each of whom identified as African American, a community historically denied equal access to higher education due to discrimination and systemic racism, all earned college degrees. Remarkably, three of the four went on to earn doctorates. Their achievements not only established them as leaders within their community but also shifted how they were perceived and the opportunities available to them. Their accomplishments served as a powerful example of what education can unlock.

Growing up, I was taught that education is a differentiator, something that can empower you to bring your ideas to life. I often joke that in my household, the question was never if I would go to college, but where I would attend. Carrying forward that belief in the power of knowledge, I make it a point to learn as much as I can about any subject I engage with so I can be effective, informed, and impactful.

To this day, I continue that practice. I have earned multiple degrees and certifications to ensure that I am able to provide the highest level of support to both my therapy clients and the individuals served through my nonprofit work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jordan-l-costen-alexandria-va/1026055
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affirmativeguy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-costen-lcsw-cctp-ccatp-092a7725/