LGBTQIA+ individuals need inclusive and affirming mental health support tailored to the unique challenges they may face. Below are resources that can support general mental health and well-being for LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, in addition to tailored crisis intervention and suicide prevention resources, and resources for families too.
Helpline (951) 686-HELP
LGBTQIA+
Immediate Crisis
If you or someone you care about is in emotional distress or crisis and needs immediate help, call the Helpline at 951-686-HELP anytime to speak with trained professionals confidentially and for free. They can assist you in accessing mental health services in Riverside County. The National Crisis line is also available, call or text 988 24/7. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
Mental Health Urgent Care
If you are having a mental health crisis, and need counseling and nursing, or psychiatric medications, you can call or walk into a Riverside County 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care location (locations and more info available here). Whether you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, all services are voluntary and do not require an appointment, open 24/7, and available to all regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth and young adults, ages 13–24, over the phone, online and via text. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Trevor Lifeline: (866) 488-7386
TrevorText: Text the word “START” to (678-678) to text with a trained counselor.
TrevorChat: Confidential chat service with a trained volunteer counselor.
It Gets Better Project
This website is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It’s a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support and learn about resources.
Preventing Suicide Among LGBT Youth Kit for Workshop Leaders
This free workshop kit is designed to help staff in schools, youth-serving organizations, and suicide prevention programs take action to reduce suicidal behavior among LGBT youth. Topics covered include suicidal behavior, risk and protective factors, strategies to reduce risk and ways to increase school or agency cultural competence.
Family Acceptance Project
This community research, intervention, education and policy initiative works to decrease major health and related risks for LGBT youth, such as suicide, substance abuse, HIV and homelessness – in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities. The site offers online videos and research-based information on how families can help support their LGBT children.
What’s Up Safehouse
A 24/7, free, anonymous mental health crisis texting line. Get immediate support from a licensed mental health professional. Dedicated to helping support the residents of Riverside County through issues surrounding anxiety, substance abuse, depression, school pressure, peer pressure, LGBTQ struggles, relational issues, suicidal thoughts, bullying, and any other issue that is causing trouble.
Text SHHELP to 844.204.0880 24/7 for immediate support and resources.
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people.