Lady Gaga Offers More Than Just a Show in San Jose

Lady Gaga is set to offer more than just a racy, upbeat show when she performs Thursday night at San Jose's HP Pavilion Arena during her "Born This Way Ball" show.

As has become her typical modus operandi, Gaga set up beforehand, offering local mental health referrals to fans, a.k.a. her Little Monsters.

Hours before her 7 p.m. concert was to kick off, her troops had closed down Autumn Street behind the theater, setting up tents and booths for fans seeking help. Some of the service providers included the National Council for Behavioral Health, Mentoring USA, Campus Pride.

"I think she's always so dedicated to her fans and I love it. It always has so many elaborate different things," Lady Gaga fan Sierra Stewart said.

There was space to accommodate about 400 people, all all the mental health experts work in the Bay Area so that relationships can continue if connections are made at the Gaga pre-show. No actual counseling is conducted at the pre-show, but Gaga tries to create a space where bonds can be formed.

Local communities have been very "accepting and excited" about these efforts, said Dr. Susan Swearer, chair of the research advisory group for the Born this Way Foundation.

Five ways to prepare for Lady Gaga's show

 "At the BornBrave Bus you have access to professional private or group chats about mental health, depression, bullying, school &friends," Gaga wrote on a Facebook post. "There will also be food and games, DJ White Shadow and Lady Starlight will DJ with host BREEDLOVE to keep the experience fun."

She clarified that the BornBrave Bus will be "a place where mental health + depression are taken seriously w/ no judgment, FREE real help available to all."

"I feel like most kids don't look for help because they feel embarrassed so mom + I wanted to break the stigmas around 'help' and make it fun," she wrote.

A look back at Lady Gaga's outrageous fashions

Gaga has also shown herself to be a philanthropist in other ways, too. In November, she donated $1 million to the Red Cross to help after Hurricane Sandy.

Gaga's next stop is Staples Center in Los Angeles, where she is set to perform on Sunday and Monday. To see her full tour, click here.

Contact Us