Coming Out for LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Studies show that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts compared to their straight and cisgender peers. These statistics are even higher for members of the bisexual and transgender communities.
We hope this page elevates the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. We also hope this shows LGBTQ+ youth that we hear them, their lives have value, and we are here to support them. No one person’s challenges are the same as another’s, but collectively we can end the stigma around mental health and create real change for the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources
LGBTQ+ youth are more at risk of struggling with mental health given stressors such as unsupportive families, hostile school conditions, bullying from peers, and a lack of adequate resources. To be clear, mental health disparities for the LGBTQ+ community have nothing to do with being LGBTQ and everything to do with how society treats the community.
Whether you’re dealing with a crisis, struggling with major stress, concerned about someone’s mental health, or need to refer a patient, you’ll find helpful LGBTQ+ resources below.
The Trevor Lifeline is an initiative of The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7/365. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline.
Trans Lifeline is a peer support hotline run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. Their operators are located all over the U.S. and Canada, and are all trans-identified. If you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, even if it’s just about whether or not you’re trans, call the Trans Lifeline.
The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, developed by Grant Halliburton Foundation, is a free helpline offering guidance, information, resources, and support for mental health and addiction. Whether you’re seeking resources for yourself or for someone else, call our free helpline Monday–Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Se habla Español.
Q Chat Space provides online discussion groups for LGBTQ+ teens ages 13 to 19. It is not a forum. It is live and chat based; there is no video or audio. Everyone is chatting during the same pre-scheduled time. Conversations are facilitated by experienced staff who work at LGBTQ+ centers around the country. Q Chat Space facilitators are NOT mental health professionals.
Black LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health is more important than ever. The Trevor Project has been supporting Black LGBTQ youth in crisis expressing a wide range of emotions over the senseless and unjust violence against Black Americans. No matter where you’re located, it’s possible current events are impacting your mental health in ways you might not realize.
Elevate LGBTQIA+ Mental Health supports positive mental health among LGBTQIA+ children, preteens and teens. The website aims to uplift and educate about queer struggles and show young people that they’re not alone. The website also features personal stories, celebrations of queer celebrities, pride information, mental health resources, fictional books, global views, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and friends who want to learn more.
North Texas LGBTQ+ Resources
Youth First is one of the only LGBTQ-focused programs in North Texas that addresses the challenges LGBTQ teens face at home, school and in the community.
Youth First serves LGBTQ and allied youth, ages 12-18 and equips them with the tools and resources they need to live an authentic life through year-round, free programming that decreases high-risk behaviors, reduces social isolation, and increases self-esteem.
Resource Center is the primary lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) and HIV/AIDS service organizations in North Texas.
The Resource Center provides accepting and affirmative counseling services for the LGBTQIA+ and allied community in Texas. The center also offers support groups that provide a space for social connections, emotional support from others, and facilitated discussions, including Gender-Affirming Support Groups, THRIVE (50+), and Parents of LGBTQIA+ Youth.
Rainbow Roundup is a nonprofit organization that promotes acceptance in all aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families and allies, to serve and strengthen the community through social activities, education, and connecting resources to individuals.
Stats, Studies and Surveys on LGBTQ+ mental health
National Survey On LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2023
This ground-breaking survey provides new insights into the challenges that LGBTQ youth across the country face every day, including suicide, feeling sad or hopeless, discrimination, physical threats and exposure to conversion therapy.
