The LGBTQ+ community has a higher risk of developing mental health issues due to the discrimination and lack of support they often face. Members of the LGBTQ+ community need to have access to mental health resources that understand and support them.
LGBTQ+ youth are at risk of attempting suicide. A recent survey of 35,000 respondents aged 13-24 found that 42% had seriously thought about it in the past year, with many feeling unsafe and isolated due to discrimination from family members or peers who don’t accept their sexual orientation/gender identity.
Related: Talking To Your Kids About Suicide – 10 Helpful Tips
Mental health is a topic that deserves attention, and few things can be more important than supporting those who struggle. Fortunately for you (and them), there are several resources out in the world now to help address this need! Here are some mental health resources to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Crisis Resources
The following hotlines can help if you or someone you care about are experiencing a crisis.
Crisis Text Line
Text LGBTQ to 741-741
The Crisis Text Line is a free text service that will connect you with someone who can offer support in an emergency. It’s available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week!
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
The Trevor Project is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth. They have a 24/7 hotline that you can call if you need someone to talk to.
Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860 (US) or 1-877-330-6366 (Canada)
Trans Lifeline is a transgender-specific service that offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention to people in the US & Canada. The organization operates 24/7, with staff who are all transgenders themselves for those looking for someone they can trust during difficult times or if it becomes necessary due to life-threatening situations like homicide victims coming out as LGBTQIA+.
LGBT National Hotline
1-888-843-4564
When you’re feeling like there’s no one who understands your struggles, the LGBT National Hotline can help. They offer confidential support for anyone concerned about their identity or coming out process as well as other concerns including bullying and safe sex!
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free and anonymous resource for anyone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. You can access their online chat service to speak confidentially about your situation, where you’ll find specialized counselors that understand the issues LGBTQ+ people face just like them! They also offer resources on how friends/family members could help if needed-so take advantage of this chance now while it lasts because time never seems quite right when someone close suffers from mental illness.
Online Resources
The internet is a fabulous place to find resources for people who identify as LGBTQ+. There are even some great websites that provide information on how you can get involved and help others in the community!
GLAAD
Founded in 1985, GLAAD is the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization that works to accelerate the acceptance of the queer community. They have many resources available on their websites, such as a Glossary of Terms, tips for being an Ally, and a list of LGBTQ+ friendly TV Shows & Movies.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
NQTTCN is dedicated to increasing the accessibility of professional counseling services for queer and trans people of color. They have a database of queer and trans therapists of color across the United States that you can search by location.
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Student Action
The GLB Education Network connects educators with common goals such as creating safe learning environments where all types of individuals feel welcome—both inside the classroom walls but also outside during extracurricular activities like sports teams. They offer training programs designed especially around what it takes to create these kinds of profound changes within schools by providing tips on starting movements from scratch which includes everything ranging from persuasive speechmaking techniques
The presence of an anti-homophobia group like Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) offers significant protection for both LGBTQ+ students and straight peers.
GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality
GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality strives to connect people who identify as LGBTQ with welcoming healthcare professionals. The site has a provider directory so you can find someone in your area and be confident that they’ll offer excellent care, no matter what kind of identity or orientation YOU have!
True Colors United
The True Colors United works to end LGBTQ+ youth homelessness by providing resources for teaching, advocacy, and fundraising.
Therapy Services
If you’re in need of therapy services, there are many online and phone-based options available to LGBTQ+ people such as:
LGBT National Help Center
Offers free and confidential emotional support via telephone (1-888-843-4564) or online chat from 3 pm to midnight EST daily.
Pride Institute
Pride Institute is a recovery program for LGBTQ+ people who are struggling with substance use and addiction. They offer both residential as well outpatient treatment options that can be tailored to the needs of your situation, such as their family therapy or sexual health programs (which include referrals).
Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling is a nonprofit organization that offers online therapy to members of the LGBTQ+ community. With over 20 years of experience, they have counselors who not only specialize in helping people who identify as Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning Non-Binary Vegan; but also offer insight into issues such as stress depression anxiety sleep problems trauma relationships self-esteem interpersonal conflicts – all while adhering strictly by evidence-based practices.
Support Groups
There are many support groups available for LGBTQ+ people. Here are a few:
PFLAG
PFLAG is a national organization that offers support for families and friends of LGBTQ+ people. With over 400 chapters in the United States, there’s likely one near you that you can join. PFLAG also offers resources such as books and guides on how to be supportive, as well as information about coming out, transgender 101, and more.
Q Chat Space
Q Chat Space is an online support group for LGBTQ+ people ages 13-19. It’s a safe place to chat with other queer teens about anything that’s on your mind, from coming out to bullying to dating and more. The group is moderated by counselors, so you can feel confident that the advice and support you receive are professional and trustworthy.
Youth Resources
There are many resources available for LGBTQ+ youth. Here are a few:
It Gets Better Project
The It Gets Better Project is a global effort to empower LGBTQ+ youth and let them know that it does indeed get better. The project offers resources such as an extensive video library, articles, blogs, and more.
LGBT National Youth Talkline
1-800-246-7743
The LGBT National Youth Talkline is a free and confidential phone line for lesbian gay bisexual transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth ages 13-24. They offer support, information, and referrals to local resources. The talking is open Monday-Friday from 4 pm-12 am EST/1 PM-9 PM PST.
Love Is Respect
Love Is Respect is a national nonprofit organization that provides support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth who are in abusive relationships. They offer a 24/7 crisis hotline (1-866-331-9474), as well as online chat and text services (3 pm-11 pm EST/12 pm-8 pm PST).
The National Runaway Safeline
The National Runaway Safeline is a national crisis hotline for youth who are thinking of running away or have already run away from home. They offer support, resources, and referrals to local shelters and services. The hotline is open 24/7 at 1-800-786-2929.
How Mental Health Resources Can Help
Mental health resources can provide support, information, and referrals to LGBTQ+ people who are struggling with mental health issues. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the many organizations listed above. With so many options available, there’s sure to be a resource that can help you or your loved one in their time of need.
Other Ways to Get Help
If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to a mental health resource, there are other ways to get help. You can:
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member about what you’re going through
- Call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- Reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional
- Visit an LGBTQ+ resource center in your area
No matter what you’re going through, know that you are not alone. Some people care about you and want to help.