Research indicates that LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk for suicide, depression, and substance abuse. Many LGBTQ people experience stigma, discrimination, and even violence.
If you are experiencing mental health problems it is important to get help right away. The resources listed below can help you connect with mental health services in your area.
Statistics
- 5.6 percent of U.S. adults identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or something other than straight or heterosexual. (Gallup)
- 39 percent of the LGBTQ community reported having mental illness in the past year. (SAMHSA)
- LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens. (Anxiety & Depression Association of America)
- LGBTQ+ youth are more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and over four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual youth. (Human Rights Campaign Foundation)
- 48 percent of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4 percent of the overall US population. (National Center for Transgender Equality)
- LGB adults are nearly twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a substance use disorder. (SAMHSA)
- Transgender individuals are almost four times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a substance use disorder. (Transgender Health)
Organizations
- The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.
- Human Rights Campaign - By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, the Human Rights Campaign strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
- PFLAG - PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.
- COLAGE - COLAGE unites people with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual parent into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities.
- GLAAD - GLAAD works through entertainment, news, and digital media to share stories from the LGBTQ community that accelerate acceptance.
Online Support
- Pride Institute - Pride Institute is committed to providing LGBTQ+ people (ages 18 or above) with an inclusive and accepting place for recovery through evidence-based treatment for substance abuse, sexual health and mental health.
- Pride Counseling - By providing online therapy to the LGBTQ community, we make help accessible and accepting of everyone. We provide a platform for people to get the help they need discreetly, affordably, and conveniently.
- Ayana Therapy - Mental healthcare for marginalized and intersectional communities.
- Talkspace - Talkspace is therapy for all. Online counseling lets you connect with a licensed therapist from the privacy of your device — at a significantly lower cost than traditional, in-person counseling.
- BetterHelp - Tap into the world's largest network of licensed, accredited, and experienced therapists who can help you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more.
- Monument - Monument is the leading online alcohol treatment platform for anyone looking to cut back on drinking or stop altogether.
Apps
- Quist - Quist is a free app for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones that brings lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and HIV history to life.
- Refuge Restrooms - REFUGE is a web application that seeks to provide safe restroom access for transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming individuals.
- Trans Lifeline - Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis - for the trans community, by the trans community.
- TrevorChat If you are thinking about harming yourself - get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.
- HER - HER is one of the world’s biggest dating apps for LGBTQ+ women and queer folks.
- Lex - Lex is the text-centered social app that connects queer lovers and friends.
Podcast Episodes
Articles
Videos
Worksheets
Summary
The LGBTQ community can be affected by mental health problems just like anyone else.
Members of the LGBTQ community may experience trauma at some point in their life such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. This may lead to depression, anxiety or substance abuse.
Unfortunately, many LGBTQ people don’t feel comfortable reaching out to a mental health professional if they are having issues. They fear they will not be treated with respect or dignity and might even be discriminated against.
As a result, many people in the LGBTQ community suffer in silence and do not get the treatment they need. That’s why it’s important to have resources that you can turn to for information about LGBTQ mental health and finding support.