Mental Health Resources:

The LGBTQ Center OC’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Program (714-953-5428)
This program improves mental health and well-being by providing accessible, culturally competent and high-quality mental health promotion, disease prevention and mental health programming. Mental health counseling is available on a slide scale depending on income and is offered to youth and individuals, couples, and families. In addition to English, we have several counselors who speak Spanish, Vietnamese and Farsi. We encourage LGBTQ youth who have been bullied or are victims of violence to enroll in our mental health services to rebuild confidence and well-being.

The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386)
The Trevor Project is one of the first organizations to offer a lifeline specifically for LGBTQ youth and advocates are there to help. They specialize in young LGBTQ people’s mental health, and they’re available 24/7. They’re a great resource if you need help or just want to talk about your life.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
The Lifeline is a free, anonymous, 24/7 helpline and chat service for anyone struggling with issues related to suicide. The Lifeline has counselors specifically trained to be sensitive to LGBTQ issues. If you have suicidal thoughts, know someone at risk or just want to talk about the issue, reach out. This resource is for you.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline (800-950-NAMI)
NAMI offers a daily hotline that you can call to talk about mental health and to find resources in your area. The hotline is only open on weekdays, so if you have a more immediate need, it’s a good idea to reach out to a 24/7 resource like The Trevor Project.

Love is Respect (1-866-331-9474)
LGBTQ teens experience dating violence too, and it’s never alright. Many young LGBTQ people aren’t out to their families or communities and many anti-violence organizations lack expertise in helping LGBTQ people. Because of these circumstances, it can be hard to get help. Love is Respect has resources for LGBTQ youth to learn about healthy relationships and their counselors are available 24/7 to offer education, support or to talk through your options.

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (800-656-4673)
LGBTQ youth are at an especially high risk of sexual violence. Sexual violence is a difficult experience for any survivor, but it can be especially hard for LGBTQ youth who may not have support. Remember, your consent always matters and anyone who violates your consent — whatever their gender or sexual orientation — is in the wrong. If you’ve experienced sexual violence or you simply want to talk, you can call RAINN’s hotline anytime.

National Runaway Safeline (1-800-RUNAWAY)
The Safeline is available for all youth who feel unsafe at home, are considering running away from home or have run away. You can call or message 24/7 if you’re being bullied, abused, need help finding shelter support or just need to talk.