Finding local resources, like an LGBTQ help hotline, that can help with crisis intervention and the mental health of LGBTQ youth is easier now. There are support resources, that offer suicide prevention services, peer support, and other services to both young people and the elderly.
While most people commonly use the abbreviation LGBTQ to refer to the sexual orientations, a better abbreviation would be LGBTQIA2S+ which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit.
Furthermore, there are apps that support the LGBTQ community. These apps help them feel included and give them a sense of belonging.
The apps include:
- The Trevor Project
- TransEquality.org
- Quist
- Lexicon (formerly Personals)
All the applications above provide the LGBTQ young people with an interaction place that ensures safety and privacy as they socialize.
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The national suicide prevention lifeline is a national network that offers online chat every day of the week. Crisis intervention is at the core of this program as it seeks to deal with everyday issues that can lead to committing suicide.
There are support groups available to the young people who require these services.
Hotline: (800) 273 8255
The Trevor Project
A leading national organization, this program offers intervention and suicide prevention support to LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project offers suicide prevention phone service to young people who are aged between 13 and 24.
A trained Trevor counselor works with the LGBTQ community to provide information and solutions to any issues they are going through.
Hotline: (866) 488-7386
Crisis Text Line
If there is an ongoing issue that needs attention, the Crisis Text Line provides support that is free and confidential. The program runs 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. One can text with a trained crisis counselor on matters such as domestic violence.
The crisis text line: Send START to 741 741
LGBT National Hotline
The LGBT national hotline offers confidential support to people of all ages. The project provides email peer support with factual information on valuable resources. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender listening line.
Peer listening line: (888) 843-4564
The expression of one’s sexual orientation without stigma is the path to healing and happinessSage LGBT Elder Hotline
Available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, the Sage LGBT Elder Hotline has trained counselors that speak both English and Spanish.
Hotline: 877 360 LGBT (5428)
Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
Transgender people or young people struggling with gender identity can receive free and confidential assistance. The gender identity crisis hotline helps young adults navigate through sexuality identities as they try to understand themselves.
All these thoughts can be taxing on their mental health and hence the importance of the information hotline.
Hotline: (877) 565- 8860
Topic Specific Hotlines
Although the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning youth undergo sexual identity crises, they also face other issues. These issues include homelessness, mental health, relationship concerns, and workplace issues.
Pride Institute
Mental health is one of the main concerns in the Pride Institute. The trained counselors provide the LGBTQ youth with an information hotline and help with substance abuse. Regardless of how deep one is in substance abuse, the program will help them get clean.
Hotline: (800) 547-7433 24/7
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network
If a sexual encounter occurs without consent from both parties, the victim can report the issue to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). The program will help bring the culprit to justice and help the victim achieve a positive mental health status.
Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE/ (800) 810-7440 (TTY)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Equipped with trained counselors, this program provides technical assistance to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities. Experiencing any kind of violence just because people do not accept one’s gender identity is unacceptable.
Hotline: (800) 799 7233/ (800) 787- 3224 (TTY)
The True Colors United
True Colors United operates by providing shelter and support to homeless youth. Many young people in the LGBTQ community lack support due to stigmatization. Therefore, True Colors United supports LGBTQ young people with a safe space to recollect themselves and their thoughts.
The program also offers referral services.
Hotline: (212) 461-4401
What is the Purpose of a Crisis Hotline?
A crisis hotline is the bridge between trauma and healing for the LGBTQ youth.Whether it is an identity crisis hotline or it’s a hotline addressing sexual violence, crisis hotlines are essential. A crisis hotline serves the purpose of providing help to anyone in the LGBTQ community. The support can be in terms of information that might address things like where one can go for emergency shelter in a specific state.
Recognize and Rise provides information that is helpful in obtaining services that can help prevent suicide and promote mental health. When a person feels like they have reached the end, Recognize and Rise provides the bridge to safety, inclusion, and recognition.
