Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community
Individuals in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQ+) community experience overwhelmingly high rates of mental health problems. It is often found that mental health challenges in this community are largely due to discrimination, bias, and stigma related to their orientation1.
In addition, members of this community may find it more difficult to access mental health resources than individuals who are not a part of this community, due to discrimination that they can face. Even when welcomed into a healthcare setting, workers in these environments may not understand specific needs of these individuals, in relation to their gender or sexual identity2.
Phone/Text Resources
Below you will find some resources that are specific to the LGBTQ+ community. Please note that the following resources are specific to the United States of America.
Transgender Community
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
This organization is ran by trans people and provides peer support for transgender individuals. They are a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide emotional and financial support to trans people, as well as connecting them with resources3.
LGBTQ+ Youth
LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
This talkline services youth up to age 25 through providing free and confidential peer-support, as well as local resources. Services can be provided over telephone, as well as through one-on-one peer-support utilizing online chat and email4.
The Trevor Project: Phone: 1-866-488-7386 or Text: Text START to 678-678
The goal of The Trevor Project is to end suicide among the LGBTQ+ community. This organization provides education relating to issues that are prevalent to LGBTQ+ youth and allies. They also advocate for policies and laws, which protect LGBTQ+ youth, provide peer support to youths in the LGBTQ+ community, and direct suicide prevention/crisis intervention services to support through phone, text, and chat. The numbers above show how to contact The Trevor Project through phone or text message5.
The Steve Fund Crisis Textline: Text STEVE to 741741
6.
The Steve Fund allows young people of color to text in to the service in order to be connected to a trained crisis counselor 24/7. The aim is to provide support to young people of color who are feeling stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed7.
Love is Respect: 1-866-331-9474
This organization provides resources to teens regarding healthy relationships and dating violence. While this site is not only for those in the LGBTQ+ community, there is a section specifically dedicated to LGBTQ+ teens. This section includes information about dating abuse and signs, supporting loved ones, personal safety, etc. They also have counselors available to provide education, give advice, or provide support8.
The National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929
The National Runaway Safeline provides resources and assistance to young people who have run away from home, as well as working with young people who feel unsafe in their home and have plans or thoughts of running away. They can provide resources for transportation, shelter, counseling, and plans for returning home9.
LGBTQ+ Adults
10.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously referred to as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a free and confidential service, which provides emotional support to individuals in suicidal crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in the United States. This organization involves a network of over 200 crisis centers11.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Text Line is a 24/7, text-based support for mental health and crisis intervention. For individuals who utilize this service, they will be texting with trained volunteers during moments of need12.
All ages
LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
This free service is available through telephone, online chats, and email peer-support. This service is not 24/7, however, their hours of operation are listed on their website. In addition to one-on-one support, resources and information are provided for cities and towns across the United States13.
Online Resources
Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Student Action. This is an organization that is specifically designed to assist students in initiating changes in their schools/communities. This resource can be utilized to implement a Gender and Sexuality Alliance in schools, which according to a study conducted in 2014, have been found to significantly reduce the risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ students.
GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality GLMA is an organization, which works with connecting LGBTQ+ individuals with healthcare providers who are welcoming of those in this community. Their site can be utilized to search the provider directory in order to find healthcare professionals in your area.
True Colors United. True Colors United places a focus on combatting homelessness among the LGBTQ+ youth. They provide learning resources, advocate on behalf of these youths, and come up with guides for those interested in fundraising to raise money in support of LGBTQ+ youths.
It Gets Better Project This organization works at reminding LGBTQ+ youth that regardless of their situation, there is hope for the future and while things may be grim right now, it will get better for them. The site includes personal narratives from LGBTQ+ individuals to offer encouragement and aims to show youths that they are not alone14.
Support Groups
PFLAG
PFLAG is an organization that aims to help parents, families, and allies support LGBTQ+ individuals. Through their site local chapters can be located or even started. PFLAG supports over 400 local chapters throughout the United States15.
Q Chat Space
Q Chat Space is an online support group for LGBTQ+ teens, which is facilitated by professionals. Members must be verified prior to joining the group and facilitators enforce rules, ensure safety, and guide conversations. This site is also available for Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ youth16.
Finding Help
If you are looking for a therapist with experience and knowledge of LGBTQ+ populations, our therapists through Online-Therapy.com provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
We have a variety of therapists who would love to help you with mental health concerns, while also keeping in mind your perspective as a member of this community. Our platform offers a complete online therapy toolbox which includes time with a personal therapist who can support you throughout your journey. If this is something you have interest in, we would love to hear from you.
References
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. About: Lifeline. (https://988lifeline.org/about/). Accessed on 08/23/22.
Crisis Textline. About Us. (https://www.crisistextline.org/). Accessed on 08/23/22.
Human Rights Campaign. Mental Health Resources in the LGBTQ Community. (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/helping-someone-with-an-eating-disorder.htm). Accessed on 08/20/22.
Kevin’s Song. Equity & Equality in Suicide Prevention. (https://kevinssong.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/KS-2022-Conference-Program-Booklet-FINAL.pdf). Accessed on 08/23/22.
LGBT National Hotline. About Us. (https://www.lgbthotline.org/about.html). Accessed on 08/23/22.
LGBT Hotline. LGBT National Youth Talkline. (https://www.lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline.html). Accessed on 08/23/22.
Steve Fund. About Us. (https://www.stevefund.org/About/). Accessed on 08/23/22.
The Trevor Project. Our Five Key Programs. (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/strategic-plan/). Accessed on 08/23/22.
Trans Lifeline. About: Trans Lifeline is run by and for Trans people. (https://translifeline.org/). Accessed on 08/22/22.
Very Well Mind. Mental Health Resources to Support the LGBTQ+ Community. (https://www.verywellmind.com/16-mental-health-resources-to-support-the-lgbtq-community-5188200). Accessed on 08/20/22.
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