Resources

updated as of November 2024

Central Ohio

Franklin County Youth Psychiatric Crisis Line (for ages 17 and under)

  • Contact: 614-722-1800

Clintonville Counseling and Wellness 

  • Provide counseling on topics related to LGBTQ+ identities/issues, gender dysphoria, depression, anxiety, OCD, self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth
  • Location and Contact Information:
    • 5354 N. High Street, Suite 206
    • Columbus, OH 43214

Syntero

  • Mental health, drug, and alcohol recovery.
  • Contact information:
    • 889.5722 ext. 133
  • Hours
    • Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Stonewall Columbus

  • Counseling, HIV/STI testing, support groups.
  • Location and Contact information:
    • 1160 North High Street (Corner of 4th Ave. and High Street)
    • Contact: (614) 299-7764
  • Hours:
    • Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Affirmations

  • Affirmations has become well-known for the special understanding we offer to people with diverse cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and racial backgrounds along with our dedicated work in the LGBTQIA communities.
  • Location and contact information:
    • 620 E Broad St,
    • Columbus, OH 43215
    • Contact: (614) 914-6690

State

Trans Ohio

  • to serve as a bridge to other LGBTQ+ and ally communities
  • to provide a focus for matters of concern to the Ohio transgender community and their allies by providing open, affirming, visible and tangible support
  • to promote opportunities and networking that increase awareness of the Transgender and gender-nonconforming community needs and concerns such, as discrimination and violence
  • to increase lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual, and ally understanding and cultural awareness of the Ohio Transgender community to help ensure that Ohio educational programs and services are inclusive and supportive of Ohio Transgender issues, perspectives, and concerns
  • to provide social activities that are inclusive of all LGBTQ+ and ally communities, access to safe-spaces, people, forums for confidential discussion, support, and local and national resource information
  • to foster Ohio Transgender community pride

Equitas Health

  • Equitas Health’s mission is to be the gateway to good health for those at risk of or affected by HIV; for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community; and for those seeking a welcoming healthcare home.

National

The Trevor Project

Here are some ways to get in touch with The Trevor Project, 24/7:

  • Text START to 678-678. You’ll be connected to a trained counselor and be able to message them privately
  • If you want to speak to a counselor directly and confidentially over the phone, you can call 866-488-7386
  • Or, if you want to chat online, visit TrevorChat.org

Trans Lifeline:

Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

  • Peer support hotline ran by and for trans people
  • Contact: 877-565-8860

National Lifeline: 988

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories. The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices.

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)*:

This crisis hotline is available 24/7 by phone or online chat and serves users of all ages across the United States. The hotline provides free and confidential resources to persons affected by abuse, sexual assault, rape, or incest.

To access this resource, call 1-800-656-4673 or visit online.rainn.org to chat live with a trained support specialist. LGBTQ+ specific resources can be found here.

LGBT National Hotline:

This free and confidential resource is available by phone from 4 pm-12 am Eastern Monday-Friday and 12-5 pm Eastern on Saturdays. Trained volunteers are available to support members of the LGBTQ+ community and provide a safe and affirming space to talk during operational hours.

To access this resource, call: 888-843-4564. More information, programs, and hotlines can be found on their website.

LGBT National Youth Talkline:

This free and confidential resource is available by phone from 4 pm-12 am Eastern Monday-Friday and 12-5 pm Eastern on Saturdays. Trained volunteers are available to support LGBTQ+ youth and provide a safe and affirming space to talk during operational hours.

To access this resource, call: 1-800-246-7743.

THRIVE Lifeline:

This trans-led and operated text-based crisis support resource is available 24/7 to anyone 18+. This 501(c)(3) grassroots organization explicitly focuses on supporting individuals belonging to marginalized communities.

To access this resource, text: +1-313-662-8209. THRIVE Lifeline also maintains a list of other resources, hotlines, and warmlines that provide (crisis) support to marginalized individuals; this list can be accessed via their website.

BlackLine:

This hotline is available 24/7, via call and mobile app, and provides peer-support, crisis-support, and an avenue to report vigilante and police misconduct. BlackLine is operated by and primarily for members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.

To access this resource, call or text: 1-800-604-5841. Users can also download the BlackLine app on their mobile device. For more information and FAQs, please visit their website.

DeQH Helpline:

The Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline for South Asians is a free and confidential resource that provides peer-support to individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and South Asian. The helpline can be reached between 8-10 pm Eastern on Thursdays and Sundays.

To access this resource, call: 908-367-3374. Callers can also choose to leave a message and request a call back if attempting to reach the hotline outside of operating hours. Additional information and resources, including local support groups, can be found on their website.

INARA Warmline:

This free and confidential warmline is operated by members of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity with the goal of supporting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQ+ Muslims. The warmline is available from 5-11 pm Central on Fridays and Saturdays.

To access this resource, call: 71-QTM-INARA (717-864-6272). Visit the MASGD’s website to access their online programming, additional resources, and more information about the organization.

SAGE LGBT x Hear Me (Elder populations)

This is a free, confidential, and anonymous mental health and wellness app that allows you to text one-on-one with volunteer listeners trained in LGBTQ+ and aging issues.

This service is available 24/7 and you can choose to be connected with a volunteer based on specific needs from the conversation, and you will be instantly contacted

Please visit the website for user-specific instructions on downloading the associated app, creating an account, and accessing resources. The SAGE Hotline also maintains a resource hub with additional information and materials for Older LGBTQ+ folks and their caregivers.

National Runaway Safeline*:

This crisis hotline is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat and primarily serves young people at-risk of running away or in active crisis situations across the United States. These resources are free, confidential, available for all ages, and provided in partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services. NRS’ trained counselors can help users find and/or access LGBTQ+ specific resources.

To access this resource, call or text: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929). Visit the website to access the live chat, forums, and additional resources. See here for NRS’ non-discrimination statement.