Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth with Affirming Care
The search for informed, compassionate mental health providers can be daunting for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. All too often, they encounter professionals who lack the necessary understanding of LGBTQ+ issues or who outright express non-affirming attitudes. At pivotal moments, this lack of accessibility can feel insurmountable, steering youth away from therapy altogether.
Our objective at Prism is to remove the guesswork by directing youth and parents to providers who are affirming and aware of the unique needs of LGBTQ+ populations. Accordingly, we’ve created the Prism Mental Health Network, a directory of affirming, LGBTQ-competent therapists in our area.
Are you an LGBTQ+ young person (or the parent of one) looking for a referral?
Are you a licensed mental health professional interested in joining our network?
If your answer to either question is YES, let us know at [email protected]
Access Support Through The Prism Healing Fund
In 2022, we launched the Prism Healing Fund, an initiative that supports the mental health and well-being of underserved LGBTQ+ youth. Through the fund, and in collaboration with Lifelines Counseling Services and Collins Counseling Associates, Prism aims to foster a healthier, more supportive community where every individual can access the mental health care they deserve.
Special Thanks to Healing Fund Partners and Sponsors
STI/HIV Testing
In collaboration with AIDS Alabama South and the Mobile County Health Department, Prism provides confidential on-site STI/HIV testing and education tailored for LGBTQ+ high-schoolers. Our mission extends beyond testing; we aspire to combat stigma associated with HIV and foster the well-being of HIV+ youth. We firmly believe that effective control of STIs/HIV involves dismantling barriers that impede access to testing and care. Moreover, we advocate for the empowerment of interested youth through comprehensive education on STIs, safe sex practices, and available resources to prevent HIV transmission.
Rapid Support for Trans Youth
The Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP) represents a groundbreaking regional effort, spearheaded by the Campaign for Southern Equality, to offer rapid response support to families of youth affected by anti-transgender healthcare bans in the South. As proud partners in this initiative, we are unwavering in our commitment to the well-being of trans youth and their families. Through STYEP, we aim to counteract the negative impacts of discriminatory legislation by providing direct assistance, mitigating barriers to affirming healthcare access for trans youth across the region.
Learn More About STYEP
Other Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
These are some of our favorite organizations and services providing support for LGBTQ+ youth. Whether you’re seeking a listening ear, professional advice, or a community that truly gets it, these resources were made for you, wherever you are, whenever you need them.
An online community for LGBTQ+ teens, offering facilitated, chat-based discussion groups on a variety of topics.
iMi
Guides built for and with LGBTQ+ teens that offer interactive content on identity exploration and self-care.
The Trevor Project & TrevorSpace
The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth under 25, including a 24/7 crisis hotline, chat, and text services.
A grassroots hotline and microgrants organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
Aims to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth globally through storytelling and community building.
Provides confidential peer support, information, and local resources through hotlines and online chat for young LGBTQ+ individuals.