Flourish Resources

This list offers a variety of resources for teens and parents alike. Find information for mental health treatment, crisis resources, guides for using social media wisely, responding to online negativity, and resources specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and parents of LGBTQ+ youth. 

Resources for Mental Health 

Reaching Out During a Crisis
  • Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a LGBTQ+ organization that operates a 24/7, confidential hotline with trained counselors. Call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or go to their website to chat with someone online: www.trevorproject.org. (Website)
  • Trans Lifeline: The Trans Lifeline’s hotline is a 24/7, confidential peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers. Call 877-565-8860 to reach the Trans Lifeline. (Website)
  • 988 Lifeline: 988 is the national suicide and crisis lifeline. Their 24/7 hotline has trained counselors available that can connect to local resources when needed. Call 988 to reach the lifeline. (Website)
  • What to Expect When You Call a Crisis Hotline: This article contains excerpts from the New York Times and NPR detailing important things to know about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line, including what you should expect when you call. (Article)
  • Crisis Text Line: The Crisis Text Line is a volunteer-run, confidential crisis counseling hotline that operates exclusively via text messaging. Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. (Website)
  • Re:Solve Crisis Network: Re:Solve Crisis Network is a 24/7, confidential hotline in Pittsburgh, PA. Trained counselors are available to talk via phone or in-person at their offices, and they have mobile support teams available to come to homes within Allegheny County. You can reach Re:Solve at 1-888-796-8226. (Website)
  • Getting Help in a Crisis: This video provides some tips from a teen on how to get help in a crisis and how to set up a plan to prevent a crisis from happening. (Video, 4 minutes)
  • Advocating for Yourself: In this video, a teen talks about how to be a good advocate for yourself when reaching out during a crisis. (Video, 2 minutes)
  • Talking to Someone in a Crisis: In this video, a teen shares ideas about who to talk to during a crisis and how to talk with them. (Video, 1 minute)
  • Call BlackLine: Call Blackline is a hotline for peer support geared toward the Black, Black LGBTQ+, brown, Native, and Muslim communities. Here's what Call BlackLine says you can expect when you contact them. Call or text 800-604-5841 to reach Call BlackLine.
Finding Mental Health Treatment
  • Strategies for Asking for Help: In this video, a teen describes their experiences in reaching out for help to cope with depression and suicidal thoughts. They suggest some strategies for asking for help. (Video, 4 minutes)
  • SAMHSA's Helpline and Treatment Locator: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration operates a free, 24/7 national helpline that offers information and confidential referrals for mental health treatment at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). You can also visit their website to see their online treatment locator to find a therapist near you: Home - SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.  (Website)
  • Psychology Today: Psychology Today offers a quick and simple online tool to find a therapist in your area that’s right for you. Their tool can find therapists focusing on LGBTQ+ mental health and other specializations. (Website)
  • Map of Programs for Gender-Expansive Youth: The Human Rights Campaign has put together an interactive map of comprehensive care programs for gender-expansive children and adolescents. Such programs typically have providers from different specialties to meet varied physical and mental health needs for transgender and non-binary youth and their families. (Website)
  • Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation: Hugh Lane is a Pittsburgh-based LGBTQ+ organization that provides programming to improve mental health and wellness for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. (Website)
  • STAR Center: For those in the Pittsburgh, PA area, the Services for Teens At-Risk (STAR) Center offers outpatient and intensive outpatient services for teens with depression, anxiety, and who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They offer services both in-person and online. (Website)
  • To Write Love on Her Arms: A mental health and suicide prevention resource. They have stories of others’ experiences, self-care tips, and a resource for finding a therapist in your area.

Resources for LGBTQ+ Teens

Legal Resources for LGBTQ+ Discrimination
  • Know Your Rights: This guide from Heart Mob gives some essential advice on what your rights are and what you should expect when reporting online harassment to law enforcement or taking legal action. (Article)
  • National Center for Lesbian Rights: NCLR is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of LGBTQ+ people and their families. (Website)
  • American Civil Liberties Union: The ACLU is an organization committed to equal rights and, in some cases, will provide legal services for LGBTQ+ experiencing discrimination. (Website)
  • Lambda Legal: Lambda Legal is a national nonprofit dedicated to recognizing civil rights of LGBTQ+ people. They provide legal assistance and representation to students facing discrimination, harassment, and censorship based on LGBTQ+ identity. (Website)
  • Transgender Law Center: The Transgender Law Center is a civil rights organization advocating for transgender communities. (Website)
LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations
  • GLSEN: The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) provides advocacy for LGBTQ+ students in school settings. (Website)
  • OutProud: OutProud is a national coalition that offers advocacy, information, resources, and support to LGBTQ+ youth. (Website)
  • PFLAG: Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) is a national nonprofit that provides resources and plans for making schools safe for LGBTQ+ youth. (Website)
  • National Center for Transgender Equality: National Center for Transgender Equality is a social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy. (Website)
  • Pennsylvania Equality Project: Pennsylvania Equality Project is a Pennsylvania state LGBTQ+ rights organization offering resources, education, and advocacy. (Website) 
Resources for Connecting with Other LGBTQ+ Youth
  • Trevor Space: Trevor Space, run by the Trevor Project, is an affirming international community for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24. This online community offers a space to explore queer identity, get advice, and find support. (Online forum)
  • LGBT National Help Center Youth Chat Rooms: The LGBT National Help Center offers moderated chat rooms for youth ages 19 and younger. LGBTQ Teens Chatroom: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7-10pm EST; Trans Teens Chat: Thursdays and Fridays 7-10pm EST. (Chatrooms)
  • LGBT National Help Center Youth Talkline: The LGBT National Help Center offers a confidential hotline for youth to receive one-on-one peer support Monday through Friday from 4pm-12am EST and Saturdays from 12pm-5pm EST. Call 800-246-7743. (Hotline/Talkline)
  • Q Chat: Q Chat space is a community for LGBTQ+ teens to connect with like-minded peers. (Online forum)
Resources on Positive LGBTQ+ Identity
  • imi: imi is a website with LGBTQ+ curated resources to reduce stress, explore queer identities, and reduce stigma. (Website and app)
  • The Coming Out Handbook: The Trevor Project released, “The Coming Out Handbook,” that has helpful insights on exploring your identity and ideas for how to come out in a way that protects you and your relationships. (Article)
  • Black & LGBTQ: The Trevor Project released a guide, “Black and LGBTQ+ Approaching Intersectional Conversations,” that addresses unique considerations for Black LGBTQ+ people and considerations for positive mental health. (Article)

Resources for Navigating Social Media Wisely

Protecting Your Wellbeing on Social Media
  • Protecting Your Space and Wellbeing on Instagram: This guide from the Trevor Project gives some guidance on how to positively engage with LGBTQ+ inclusive content on Instagram. (Article)
  • Guides for Multiple Social Media Platforms: This resource from Right To Be offers a comprehensive guide across a variety of social media platforms, drilling down on what each platforms policies are, how to report harassment, and how to block and control what content you see on social media. (Article)
  • Using Social Media with Balance: This website gives some ideas for how to find balance with social media use. It offers some ideas for how to limit social media use, when needed, and how to spend your time in a way that prioritizes your wellbeing. (Article)
  • Taking a Break from Social Media: Social media has many benefits, but sometimes when negative things happen online we want to take a break. This website has some strategies for settings some limits with social media. (Article)
  • Bystander Guide: Part of creating a safe online space is also about being kind to others. This guide will help you to learn how to stand up when people are being hateful to others on social media. (Article)
  • Self-Care for Bystanders: When we see others being hateful online, it can leave it an impact on us too. This guide has some practical tips for self-care when you are seeing and speaking up when others are targeted by hateful comments online. (Article)
  • Social Media Safety Index: This resource by GLAAD reviews how safe the major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok) are for members of the LGBTQ community and provides further recommendations. (Article)
  • How to Filter Out Negative Content: This guide from Consumer Reports explains how to filter out hate speech, violence, and hoaxes from your social media feed to maximize online safety. (Article)
Guidance on Responding to Negative Online Interactions
  • Understanding and Responding to Online Harassment: HeartMob created a guide for understanding online harassment and a brief protocol on how to respond. Also check out their self-care guide for people experiencing harassment. (Article)
  • Cyberbullying Research Center Tips for Teens: The Cyberbullying Research Center has a variety of tips for teens in dealing with online negativity of different forms. See the “Responding to Cyberbullying” info sheet for 10 quick tips for dealing with cyberbullying in the moment it happens. (PDF library)
  • Dealing with Online Trolls: This is a guide from the Center for Countering Digital Hate that has practical guidance for dealing with online trolls. See Page 9 for some quick tips on what to do if you’re targeted by trolls. (PDF)
  • What to Do if You've Been Doxed: This guide gives some practical ideas of what to do if you’ve been doxed, referring to your public information being released online. (Resource article)
Reporting and Seeking Support Following Negative Online Interactions
  • Talking to Parents: This website gives some ideas about how to talk with parents about negative online interactions. (Article)
  • How to Report on Social Media: This website gives ideas for when it might make sense to report someone on social media and how to report across a range of social media platforms. (Reporting Resource)
  • Cyber Tip Line: The Cyber Tip Line is a spot to report if someone has threatened or intimidated you to post nude photos or to do something sexual online. They are available 24/7 at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). (Reporting Resource)
  • Image Abuse Helpline: The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative has a 24/7, free hotline for people who have been targeted by image-based sexual abuse, such as having sexual images posted online without consent. Reach them at 1-844-878-2274. (Reporting Resource)
  • STOMP Out Bullying: STOMP Out Bullying runs a chat line for youth, ages 13-24, who have experienced bullying and cyberbullying. Their free and confidential services are available Tuesdays from 7pm – 12pm EST and Wednesdays from 8pm – 12am EST. Go to their website to join the chatline during those hours. (Website)
  • PA Bullying Prevention Consultation Line: The Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention operates a bullying prevention consultation line for students in Pennsylvania and their families. Their free hotline is staffed by prevention experts, who consult on how to respond to both in-person and cyberbullying. Reach their hotline at 866-716-0424. (Reporting Resource)
  • Safe 2 Say: Safe2Say is a resource for students in Pennsylvania for anonymous reporting of a number of issues, including in-person bullying and cyberbullying. (Reporting Resource)
  • LGBTQ Harassment in Schools: An ACLU resource regarding tackling LGBTQ harassment in schools; know your rights and what your options are. (Article)

Resources for Parents

Resources for Parents on Teens' Social Media Use
Resources for Parents on Teens' Mental Health
  • Tips for Family and Friends: In this video, a teen gives tips for family and friends who are supporting a teen facing mental health challenges. (Video, 1 minute)
  • How to Support Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: In this video, a teen shares their experience and gives tips about how a caregiver can be helpful for teens having suicidal thoughts. (Video, 2 minutes)
  • AACAP Facts for Families: The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has guidance for caregivers of teens experiencing stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and other mental health issues, as well as guidance for when to seek help for your child. (Guide)
  • Facts about LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide: This is a brief report that gives factual information about the epidemiology and reasons for LGBTQ+ youth suicide. (Article)
Resources for Parents on How to be Supportive to LGBTQ+ Teens
  • Guide to Being an Ally: The Trevor Project released a very helpful guide to being an ally to transgender and nonbinary young people. (Article)
  • Caregiver AFFIRM: Caregiver AFFIRM is a group-based program for caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth to help build an action plan and key skills to better support LGBTQ+ youth in their care. Currently, this program is offered virtually to any caregiver through the Hugh Lane Wellness Center in Pittsburgh. (Web-based group meetings)
  • Guide for LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Prevention: This guide gives evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, such as warning signs, risk factors, talking about suicide with LGBTQ+ populations, and how to help. (Article)
  • Guides on Sexual Orientations: These are resources aimed to promote understanding and support for youth who have various sexual orientations. (Article)