Where to find LGBTQ+ mental health support
Pride month is a great time to celebrate all things LGBTQ+, but it’s also an important time to recognise that things can be challenging as a member or ally of the community. Mental health problems can affect everyone, but they can play a big role in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals that might be discriminated against, confused, bullied or rejected.
Knowing where to get the right support is so important in making sure you can always feel confident to be you.
In the UK, there are lots of resources and organizations that provide LGBTQ+ mental health support and services. We’ve picked out some for you below, but remember that you can always head to iQ Feel Good so that we can guide you to the right support while you live with us.
NHS Mental Health Services
NHS mental health services can offer support for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing mental health difficulties in the form of talking therapies. You can speak with your GP (general practitioner) to access NHS mental health services or do a self-referral online.
NHS gender dysphoria clinics
The NHS has gender dysphoria clinics across the UK that offer support and treatment for transgender and non-binary individuals. These clinics offer a range of services, including counselling, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries.
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people based in Brighton and Hove, but they offer online support to LGBTQ+ individuals across the UK. They provide counselling, peer support groups, advocacy and online support services.
Stonewall
Stonewall is a UK-based LGBTQ+ rights organization that offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals. While they don’t provide direct mental health services, they offer guidance, information and signposting to mental health support organizations.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard is a confidential helpline that provides support and information to LGBTQ+ individuals. They offer a listening ear, signposting to local services, and information on a range of topics, including mental health support.
Online resources
There are plenty of online platforms and resources specifically for LGBTQ+ mental health support, offering articles, forums and directories of LGBTQ+ friendly therapists and counsellors. Even social media can have some safe spaces for queer people to get advice and feel supported by other people in the community.
Community centres
A lot of towns and cities across the UK have LGBTQ+ community centres that offer support groups, counselling services and social activities to get you involved with something new.
It might take a few goes to find out the support network that suits you, but there’s always something that will help you get to where you need to be. If you're in crisis or experiencing severe mental health difficulties, remember that you can always contact emergency services or go to your nearest A&E (Accident and Emergency) department for immediate support.
Don’t forget that as a resident at iQ, you also have support from our partners at Shout UK and Student Minds. For more info on wellbeing, check out iQ Feel Good.
