Resources
Crisis doesn’t allow for a lot of time to research, so I’ve compiled a list of resources that might be helpful.
MENTAL HEALTH
Crisis & Immediate Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org
Call or text 988. Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support for anyone experiencing mental health distress, suicidal thoughts, or emotional crisis. Available via call, text, and chat. Supports 240+ languages. Note: As of July 2025, the specialized LGBTQ+ youth option ("Press 3") was discontinued. LGBTQIA+ youth in crisis should contact The Trevor Project (see LGBTQ+ section below).
Crisis Text Line https://www.crisistextline.org
Text HOME to 741741. Free, 24/7 text-based crisis support. Particularly accessible for young people who prefer not to call.
SAMHSA National Helpline https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Call 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders. 24/7, available in English and Spanish.
Ongoing Support & Information
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) https://www.nami.org
The largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S. Offers education, peer support, and advocacy. Resources for individuals, families, and youth. Find a local affiliate through the site.
Child Mind Institute https://childmind.org
Research-based information on children's and adolescents' mental health, learning disorders, and anxiety. Includes a symptom checker, clinician finder, and resources for parents and educators.
JED Foundation https://jedfoundation.org
National nonprofit focused on mental health and suicide prevention for teenagers and young adults. Works with schools, communities, and individuals.
MentalHealth.gov (SAMHSA) https://www.mentalhealth.gov
Plain-language federal resource explaining mental health conditions, treatment options, and how to find help. Good entry point for people who are new to navigating mental health care.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) Resource Hub https://www.schoolmentalhealth.org
Run by the National Center for School Mental Health. Resources for students, parents, educators, and administrators around school-based mental health support.
LGBTQIA+
Crisis & Immediate Support
The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention specifically for LGBTQIA+ young people ages 13-24. Available 24/7 via phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and chat. This is the recommended resource for LGBTQIA+ youth in crisis following the elimination of the 988 "Press 3" option in July 2025.
Trans Lifeline https://translifeline.org
Peer support hotline run by and for trans people. Call 1-877-565-8860. Free and confidential. Not 24/7, check the site for current hours. No non-consensual active rescue calls (i.e., they will not contact emergency services without your consent).
LGBT National Youth Talkline https://www.lgbthotline.org/youth-talkline
1-800-246-7743. Peer support for callers up to age 25. Offers information, a listening ear, and connection to local resources.
Advocacy & Legal Rights
Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) https://transequality.org
Formed in 2024 from the merger of the National Center for Transgender Equality and TLDEF. Offers a comprehensive guide to rights across housing, healthcare, and employment. Legal and policy advocacy.
ACLU LGBTQ+ Rights https://www.aclu.org/lgbtq-rights
Legal information, case updates, and know-your-rights resources. Particularly useful for understanding current policy and legal challenges.
Lambda Legal https://www.lambdalegal.org
National legal organization advancing rights of LGBTQIA+ people and those living with HIV. Offers legal representation, a help desk, and policy resources.
Community & Support
PFLAG https://pflag.org
The largest organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ people and their families. Local chapters nationwide. Resources for coming out, family support, and advocacy.
GLAAD https://glaad.org/transgender/resources
Media advocacy organization. Their transgender resources page is a well-organized clearinghouse linking to a wide range of national support, legal, and community organizations.
Gender Spectrum https://genderspectrum.org
Support and education for gender-diverse youth and their families. Runs online support groups for both young people and parents/caregivers.
GLSEN https://www.glsen.org
Focused on LGBTQIA+ student safety and inclusion in K-12 schools. Offers educator resources, student organizing tools, and policy guidance.