LGBTQIA Mental Health Resources

LGBTQIA mental health matters. If you are struggling, please know you are never alone and you are loved. If you need immediate help, please call the Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860. Here are some of our favorite resources made for folks in the LGBTQIA community:

COUNSELING

• Talk Space: This platform features thousands of licensed therapists who will provide guidance and support, and you can contact your therapist using a laptop or smartphone. The conversation will be synced across devices, so you can access help wherever you are. On Talk Space, messages can be sent 24 hours a day, and the therapist will respond one or two times per day.
• Pride Counseling: Focused on providing counseling for the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Counseling will match youth with a licensed therapist. They provide support for identity and mental health issues in a safe space. It’s possible to message a counselor 24 hours a day, as well as schedule counseling sessions.
• Better Help: Better Help has a large network of licensed counselors, and you can reach a counselor through messaging, chat, phone or video. For LTGBQ+ youth seeking online counseling, Better Help has affordable and convenient counseling services.
• Amwell: Providing LGBTQ counseling, Amwell offers face-to-face online therapy either on your computer or using a mobile app. Most sessions last around 45 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.
• Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is run by Trans folks for Trans folks with the goal to provide trans peer support and care for the community. Their hotline number is:  (877) 565-8860.
• Thriveworks: a counseling, psychology and psychiatry company in over 300 locations with online services. They have a broad network of in-network clinicians that represent a diverse pool of voices, LGTBQ+ counseling is a big part of their offering.

EDUCATION

• The Trevor Project: Offering a wealth of information to LGBTQ+ youth and allies, the Trevor Support Centeranswers frequently asked questions on topics such as gender identity and sexual orientation. You’ll also find the coming out handbook and resources for trans youth.
• The Gay Straight Alliance: From training youth leaders, supporting LGBTQ+ youth organizers, and supporting LGBTQ+ youth development, the Gay Straight Alliance Network unites teenagers across the country.
• It Gets Better Project: For inspiring stories from LGBTQ+ youth, the It Gets Better Project provides uplifting video stories created by LGBTQ+ youth around the world.
• PFLAG: For nearly 50 years, LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies have gathered through PFLAG to find and give support, provide education, and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. Ready to meet you wherever you are in your journey to LGBTQ+ acceptance and affirmation, find videos, trainings, and other materials at PFLAG.org.

COMMUNITY:

• Trevor Space: This international community is the world’s largest social networking site for LGBTQ+ youth. On Trevor Space you can create a custom profile, join a discussion forum and connect with people who are going through similar experiences.
• Gender Spectrum: This is an inclusive space for all LGBTQ+ youth. From resources and online consulting to online groups for teens and family members, they provide a community rooted in understanding and inclusion.
• Empty Closets: This online community offers a forum where you can join a chat, start a discussion, and find additional resources. Empty Closets will provide support to youth as they explore their sexual orientation.
• AVEN: The AVEN community promotes thoughtful and honest conversations about asexuality, and welcomes members who identity as sexual or asexual. AVEN allows you to connect with other youth through forums.
• Q Chat Space: Q Chat Space is a community for and by LGBTQ+ teens. Have fun, find support, build a community and chat with  like-minded folks!