Resources | SPARC Life

If you experience a negative online interaction and don't know where to go, we have you covered. If you are in crisis, please reach out to a helpline. If you need general information on mental health services or identify as LGBTQ+ and feel as though community resources could be helpful, please explore our compiled list of resources. Parents, if you need help talking to your child about their technology usage, don't hesitate to look into finding guides online.

Resources for Mental Health

Reaching Out in a Crisis

988 National Crisis and Suicide Lifeline: Crisis line open 24 hours, 7 days a week nationwide. Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 or live chat online via their website. The 988 line now has counselors specific for individuals calling from the LGBTQ+ community available 24/7.

Crisis Text Line: Crisis text line open 24-hours, 7 days a week. Text HOME to 741-741.

The Trevor Project: A safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. Call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. Or join Trevor Space for a safe and affirming place to chat with other LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-24).

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)

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.

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)

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: Offers general information on mental health & locates treatment services. Available (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm EST). Call 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727).

Psychology Today Find a Therapist: If you're looking for mental health treatment but don't know where to start, Psychology Today offers a quick and simple tool to help you take your first steps toward treatment.

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)

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)

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 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 for Negative Online Interactions

CHPDP Bullying Prevention Hotline: Hotline for bullying and negative online interactions that is run by prevention experts.

Cyberbullying Research Center: Tips, guides, and resources for teens, parents, and providers who need help addressing, coping with, or responding to negative online interactions. Check out the Cyberbullying Research Center Tips for Teens for suggestions on how to deal 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)

Crisis Text Line: A thorough breakdown of tips, explanations, and resources for adolescents and parents describing the signs and nature of bullying.

Bullies Out: Explanations for how to report bullying and negativity on different social media sites.

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)

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)

Resources for LGBTQ+ Teens

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 for 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)

LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations

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)

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)

Resources for Parents

Resources 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)

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 Teens' Social Media Use

Teens Perspective on How Parents can Help Following Bullying: A teen describes what bullying looks like today and ways they recommend parents help their teen feel heard and understood. (Article)

LGBTQ+ Teens Perspectives on Bullying and Harassment: LGBTQ+ teens share stories about bullying, harassment, and why the topic is important to their wellbeing. (Video, 4 minutes)

Cyberbullying Research Center Tips for Parents: The Cyberbullying Research Center has a variety of tips for parents to help them have informed conversations with their children about social media issues. (PDF Guides)

HeartMob Social Media Guides: HeartMob has created guides for Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Tiktok, Tumblr, Twitter, YouTube and Zoom, giving guidance on how the platforms work, how to use privacy tools, and best practices for online safety, gathered in one user-friendly location. (Guide)

PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center: PACER offers resources and support for parents of children with disabilities and information on resources regarding bullying prevention and safety. (Article)

Internet Matters: Internet Matters has a variety of tips and guides on social media and online harassment among teens. (Website)

Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media is an educational resource that offers families recommendations on entertainment and social media, including content guides. (Website)

Connect Safely: Connect Safely is an educational resource that has specific guidance for caregivers on teens’ social media use. (Article)

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Online Sexual Exploitation: The Center's explanation of and specific guidance related to online child sexual exploitation. They also have a hotline for support at 1-800-THE-LOST. (Article)

Resources Local to Pittsburgh

For Mental Health

Re:solve: Crisis line open 24-hours, 7 days a week for Allegheny County. Call 1-888-796-8226.

Safe2Say: Resource for students of the state of Pennsylvania that allows anonymous reporting on a number of issues, including in-person bullying and cyberbullying.

UPMC STAR Center: Mental health assessment and treatment center for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety toward the goal of youth suicide prevention. STAR can be reached via their website.

Steel Smiling: A Pittsburgh-based organization with the goal of bringing mental health awareness and support to members of the Black community.

For the LGBTQ+ Community and Allies

Trans YOUniting: Offers a variety of resources targeting black trans and gender expansive individuals such as housing and food assistance, connections with other LGBTQ+ services in Pittsburgh, and mutual aid funds.

QBurgh: Pittsburgh's LGBTQ+ directory highlighting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, advocacy opportunities, safe spaces, and more.

Pennsylvania's Youth Congress LGBTQ+ directory: A search engine that locates LGBTQ+-friendly community resources across the state of PA.

Dreams of Hope: A comprehensive list of Pittsburgh-based local and national resources for LGBTQ+ youth.

Pennsylvania Equality Project: A state-wide LGBTQ+ rights organization offering resources, education, legal advocacy and news, and conducting research.

SisTers PGH: A black- and trans-led organization serving queer, non-binary, and trans BIPOC in Southwestern PA with resources such as offering a safe, affirming space for all, emergency housing, medical referrals, rent assistance, and more.

Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation: An LGBTQ+-led Pittsburgh-based organization with goals of providing LGBTQ+ and HIV support and education to foster health and wellness. The variety of resources includes legal help and information for parents on how to affirm their children's LGBTQ+ identities. Can be reached at info@hughlane.org.

PERSAD Center: Provides affirming support and various services to youth that respond to the struggles uniquely faced by LGBTQ+ youth. There is a free after-school program that takes place in the Pittsburgh Gay and Lesbian Community Center on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Pittsburgh Equality Center: (Formerly GLCC). Serves as a bridge that promotes education, advocacy, and social justice for all LGBTQIA+ people and allies in Western Pennsylvania.

Project Silk: An innovative program directed towards African-American and Latino gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals in Pittsburgh between the ages of 13 and 29. The project provides a safe space, hosts community events, and links youth to medical care, HIV/STD testing, hormone treatment, counseling, housing, education, job training, and legal services.

PFLAG: A national organization offering support, education, and resources to LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and anyone interested in becoming an ally.

Community Resources

Community Empowerment Association: A structured, Pittsburgh-based organization with the goal of supporting low-income/marginalized families and communities through a positive network of other like-minded, motivated individuals. They provide services like job fairs, education on wealth building and home financing, and youth intervention to promote positive outcomes in the community.