You may sometimes feel like you are alone. But you’re not, and there are people you can talk to now.
DENVER — Members of the LGBTQ+ community often spend part or all of their lives trying to gain acceptance in their communities. This makes the situation all the more devastating when these same people become targets of violence.
Being able to handle the news is never easy when you hear about shootings like the one that took place at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday night or at the Pulse in Orlando in 2016.
While the victims, their friends and families suffer the hardest, the pain felt by the rest of the LGBTQ+ community is very real, as they see themselves and their community under attack yet again.
It can sometimes seem hopeless, but there are people you can talk to so you don’t feel so isolated. You don’t have to go it alone; there are people who want to help.
The Helpline provides a safe, anonymous and confidential space where callers can talk about a variety of issues which include, but are not limited to: dating issues, gender and/or sexuality identities, relationship problems, bullying, problems at work, HIV/AIDS anxiety, information on safer sex, suicide and much more. Dial 1-888-843-4564.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, confidential assistance to people in crisis 24/7, simply by dialing 988 Where 1-800-273-8255.
The Trevor Project aims to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth. TrevorLifeline/Chat/Text: 24/7 support by phone, text or online chat.
Colorado Crisis Services
There are four ways to get confidential and immediate help: by phone at 1-844-493-8255, by text message (text the word “TALK” to 38255), Going through an online chat service, or at Metro Denver, North, Southeast Region and West Rim walk-in centers. Many of these services are available 24/7.
Qualified counselors are available to help you with relationship issues, depression, bullying, stress, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, family crisis and more.
This advocacy organization hosts a variety of mental health screening in English and Spanisha mental health toolkit for schools, a page dedicated to new products mental health researchas well as many activities throughout the year.
Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Behavioral Health
By using this link, you can find the community mental health center closest to you. All centers accept Medicaid and most have sliding payment options for those without insurance.
REAL Center for Gender Diversity
The TRUE Center for Gender Diversity at Children’s Hospital Colorado is a comprehensive care center specifically designed for gender-diverse children, teens, and young adults. For more information contact720-777-TRUE(720-777-8783) or email TRUE@childrenscolorado.org.
The Foundation for Equality for Trans Youth
The Trans Youth Equality Foundation (TYEF) provides education, advocacy and support to transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families. Its mission is to share information about the unique needs of this community, partnering with families, educators, and service providers to help foster a healthy, caring, and safe environment for all transgender children. You can find information for parents and legal guardians here.
Here is a list of inclusive hotlines for the LGBTQ+ community provided by the Human Rights Campaign:
ADDICTION RESOURCES
Find meetings across Colorado as well as program information and other A.A. services and events.
A division of UCHealth, CeDAR offers 30- to 120-day residential treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs, medically supervised detoxification programs, and recovery management.
Denver Health STEP Program
The Substance Abuse Treatment, Education and Prevention Program was created specifically to help teens and young adults ages 11-24. It offers a 12-week outpatient program on the Denver Health campus and several Denver public schools.
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