What support is out there for LGBTQ+ people

Advice and Information - 2 February 2023

Mental health problems are very common amongst lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. We have put together a guide on how you can get the support you need if you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help.
LGBT+

Did you know that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more than twice as likely to have a mental health disorder, or experience depression and anxiety. Poor mental health may be linked to experiences of discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, bullying, social isolation or rejection due to your sexuality. 

What support is out there? 

There is a lot of advice and support available to you. Talking with a trained therapist may help if you: 

  • Are having difficulty accepting your sexual orientation 

  • Need help to cope with other people's reactions to you 

  • Feel like your body doesn't reflect your true gender 

  • Are currently transitioning 

  • Are trying to cope with bullying or discrimination 

  • Are feeling depressed or have low self esteem 

  • Are having suicidal thoughts or considering harming yourself 

Talking therapies: 

There are different types of talking therapy treatments available on the NHS include: 

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) 

  • Guided self help 

  • Counselling 

  • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy 

To read more about talking therapies click here  

When should I get help?  

You should be able to get help as soon as you feel like you need it. There are currently long waiting times for NHS services, so don’t wait until you feel at a crisis point to reach out for help. 

If you feel at a crisis point already, you can always contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Telephone: 116 123 

Email: jo@samaritans.org 

Website: Visit their website 

If you are experiencing an emergency or feel like your life might be in danger, please call 999 

Support for you 

Many organisations offer specialised mental health advice for people in the LGBTQ+ community. Here are just a few: 

  • Consortium - Supporting projects around the country. 

  • Galop – Advice and support for people who have suffered hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. 

  • Gendered Intelligence - Offers advice on gender diversity and improving the lives of trans people. 

  • Imaan – Supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims. 

  • LGBT Hero Forums – Provides a safe space to talk about life issues. 

  • LGBT Foundation – Offers talking therapy programmes. 

  • Mermaids – Offers a helpline and web chat services supporting transgender people and parents of transgender children. 

  • Mind LGBTQ – Mental health support from Mind specifically for LGBTQ+ people. 

  • MindLine Trans+ - Mental health support line for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid and non-binary. 

  • Mind Out - Mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people. 

  • Pink Therapy – Online directory of therapists who specialise in the LGBTQ+ community. 

  • Stonewall – LGBTQ+ charity, who provide advice on a range of topics. 

  • Support U – Confidential support phone lines for advice and information. 

  • Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – Listening service via phone, email and online chat. 

  • THT Direct – Offers sexual health advice and information.

  • VODA app - The LGBTQIA+ Mental Wellness App

Tell us your story 

Did you get the support that you needed? 

Your story could help someone like you 

Get in touch today