LOS ANGELES, CA — Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, a leading nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health, substance use disorder, and suicide prevention services. They offer specialized and affirming resources for LGBTQI+ individuals, addressing a critical need for inclusive mental health support among queer youth in the U.S.
According to The Trevor Project’s U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ youth, 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people. Despite this alarming statistic, more than half of queer youth did not receive the mental health care they needed.
Dr. Kristine Santoro, Chief Operating Officer at Didi Hirsch, emphasized the organization’s commitment: “We celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and are here to support individuals wherever they are in their journey with the resources they need to thrive.”
Our Third Place
One of the standout services provided by Didi Hirsch is Our Third Place, a drop-in center designed for youth aged 15 to 25. It offers a range of resources and support, including:
- Digital Recording Studio
- Art Studio
- Community Kitchen
- Relaxation Nook
- Showers and Laundry Facilities
- Private Spaces for Mental Health Therapy
- Substance Use Counseling
- Classes and Workshops on Life Skills
- Care Coordination (including housing, employment, and educational support)
Online Support Groups
To further support the LGBTQI+ community, Our Third Place offers new online support groups, including:
Peer Support Group: Fridays from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
T-Time: A support group for trans, nonbinary, and gender
nonconforming individuals, Fridays from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Teen Line
Teen Line is another crucial service provided by Didi Hirsch, offering a national hotline staffed by highly trained teen counselors, known as “Listeners,” supervised by adult mental health professionals. Teens can contact Teen Line for support with issues such as gender identity, bullying, suicidal ideation, and more.
Website: Teen Line
Phone: (800) 852-8336
Text: TEEN to 839863
For immediate and confidential support, individuals can reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 assistance. This service includes the option to connect with affirming counselors specializing in LGBTQI+ care by selecting option three.
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