Dear Community, we know the month of January has felt like an entire year (to say the least!) Still, we’re so happy you’re here. It’s not easy to exist in a world full of uncertainty, and we think you’re doing an amazing job of being resilient.

Our team has put together this guide of some of the most important hotlines and ‘warm’ lines working in the U.S. Please share it with your friends, family and community, or save it for later.

First of all, what is a crisis hotline? Hotlines, often operating 24 hours a day, are staffed by trained counselors who serve folks facing an immediate or imminent risk such as mental health emergencies or intimate partner violence. Operators are mandated to call the police or emergency services if they believe someone’s life is at risk.

Conversely, ‘warm’ lines (also known as peer support lines) are phone, chat, or text lines that provide support to those who may be experiencing distress or loneliness. These lines aim to provide alternatives to police intervention and avoid using police in most cases. A list of local warmlines can be found at https://www.warmline.org

Now, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are in need crisis resources more than ever. These essential hotlines serve the LGBTQIA+ community in different ways.

The Trevor Project

• What is it?: A hotline staffed with LGBTQ affirming crisis counselors serving queer, trans, questioning & non-binary youth.
• Hours: Available 24/7
• How to Get Help: Text START to 678-678, Chat on their website at https://chat.trvr.org, or call 1-866-488-7386

Trans Lifeline

• What is it?: A confidential 24/7 peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning people.
• Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM PST
• How to Get Help: Call 1-877-565-8860 for U.S. and (877) 330-6366 for Canada

LGBT National Hotline

• What is it?: A confidential safe space where callers of any age can speak about issues with sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
• Hours: Monday through Friday from 11 AM – 8 PM PST & Saturday 9 AM to 2 PM PST
• How to Get Help: For adults, call 888-843-4564. For youth, call 800-246-7743. For LGBTQ+ elders: call 888-234-7243. Coming Out Support Hotline: https://lgbthotline.org/coming-out-hotline/

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous & People of Color. Often, folks who are part of minoritized ethnic or cultural groups are better served from an individual within their own community. In addition to prioritizing affirmation of LGBTQ+ identities, we also must remember to affirm & uplift our communities of color.

CALL BLACKLINE®

• What is it?: A space for peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences for folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens.
• Hours: n/a
• How to Get Help: Call 1 (800) 604-5841 or download the Call BlackLine® App.

StrongHearts Native Helpline

• What is it?: 24/7 warm line dedicated to helping Native Americans who are experiencing intimate partner violence.
• Hours: 24/7
• How to Get Help: Call 1-844-762-8483 or chat online: https://strongheartshelpline.org/get-help#CallorChatOnline

These crisis lines work all across the United States and are open to all.

National Crisis and Suicide Lifeline

• What is it?: The 988 Lifeline is a hotline for everyone. Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance.
• Hours: Available 24/7, 365
• How to Get Help: Call, text, or chat 988. Deaf & HOH accessibility available. Note: This line WILL call police or emergency services if deemed necessary.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

• What is it?: A confidential 24/7 peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning people.
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m
• How to Get Help: Call 1-800-950-6264 or text “helpline” to 62640

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

• What is it?: A free, confidential, 24/7, treatment referral and information service for individuals facing substance use.
• Hours: 24/7
• How to Get Help: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Los Angeles—we got you! Check out these LA-specific crisis lines & warm lines.

LA County Crisis Text Line

• Text “LA” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for free crisis support via text message.

LA’s ‘Warm Line’

• What is it?: Los Angeles County’s first after-hours telephone line for individuals with mental health challenges, staffed entirely by peers with lived experience. They are available to listen when traditional mental health services are closed.
• Hours: Monday to Friday 2:30 PM to 10:00 PM; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• How to Get Help: Call (888) 448-9777 (Will only work if you are calling from CA.)

Thank you for reading the GenWell blog. You can read more about our team here. If you or a loved one is struggling on the journey with gender identity, we ask you to reach out via our contact form or call our office at (818) 855-1105. Your journey to your most authentic self starts here.

—The Gender Wellness of Los Angeles Team