By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
Suicide prevention resources that speak directly to specific communities can often make all the difference. Mental health organizations across the country offer specialized support, including hotlines and peer-led services, designed to meet the unique needs of men, women, LGBTQ+ individuals and youth.
Tina Field, a longtime crisis counselor and leader at Baltimore Crisis Response Inc., has spent more than a decade providing immediate support to those in crisis. She says that creating space for people to be heard without judgment is often the most powerful form of intervention.
“A lot of people really talk themselves into safety. They need somebody to listen and not shame them for their feelings or not immediately call 911 when they say they’re having thoughts of suicide,” she said. “Many times, just being able to get it out and be heard and accepted will start to move them toward safety.”
Regardless of your age or gender, 988 is a national help hotline for those having suicidal thoughts, or are considering self-harm. Here are specialized helplines and support services available across the United States, listed by community focus:
Support For Men:
Men Therapy
A mental health campaign built to connect with men using relatable language, humor and practical tools.
Tip: Take the “head inspection” self‑assessment on their site to understand your stress, depression or substance abuse and find ways to reach out for help.
Website: Mentherapy.org
Phone: 988
Movember- Mens Mental Health
Movember encourages open conversations and funds programs focused on early intervention and social connection.
Tip: Reach out to someone who’s been distant with a simple “How are you really doing?” to spark an honesty‑based conversation.
Website: us.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health
Phone: 988
HeadsUpGuys
This site provides self-help tools specifically for men dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Tip: Keep a daily mood journal to identify patterns and recognize when to seek extra support.
Website: headsupguys.org
Phone: 988
Support for LGBTQ+ individuals:
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project offers 24/7 crisis support by phone, text and chat for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24.
Tip: You don’t have to wait for a crisis, you can reach out just to talk or process feelings.
Website: thetrevorproject.org
Phone: 1-866-488-7386
Text: Text “START” to 678-678
Trans Lifeline
A peer-led hotline for trans people, offering emotional support from volunteers who understand their lived experience.
Tip: If you’re trans and struggling, talking to someone who shares your identity can be uniquely validating.
Website: translifeline.org
Phone: 1-877-565-8860
LGBT National Help Center
Offers free and confidential peer support through phone, chat and youth-specific lines.
Tip: Use the talklines to practice asking for help, even if you’re not sure what you need yet.
Website: glbthotline.org
Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
Support For Women:
STOPS (Sisters Taking On the Prevention of Suicide)
Provides peer groups and mental health first aid training tailored to women who support others living with mental illness.
Tip: Sharing your experience with others who’ve been through similar loss or struggle can reduce shame and isolation.
Website: helpstopsuicides.org
Phone: 988
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA)
TWLOHA connects people to mental health services and promotes healing through storytelling.
Tip: Telling your story, even in a journal or anonymously, can help process emotions and begin recovery.
Website: twloha.com
Phone: 988
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Provides critical guidance and crisis tips for women with suicidal thoughts.
Tip: If experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911, utilize the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, seek a medical emergency department, or reach out to someone who can help you access support.
Website: https://womensmentalhealth.org
Phone: 988
Support For Teens and Children:
Teen Line
Peer‑to‑peer helpline via phone, text or email, run by trained teens.
Tip: Reach out even when you think your issue is small. Teen Line is there because no concern is too small.
Website: Teenline.org
Phone: (800) 852-8336
Text: Text “TEEN” to 839863
Teen Link
Teen Link is a confidential peer-to-peer support line staffed by trained teen volunteers. It provides a safe space for youth to talk about mental health, relationships or anything they’re struggling with.
Tip: If you have a friend who tells you they are thinking of killing themself, take that person seriously. Don’t keep a secret that may end a life. Tell a trusted adult.
Website: crisisconnections.org
Phone/ Text: 866‑833‑6546
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS)
Offers toolkits and resources for teens, families and educators.
Tip: Use their Mental Health Crisis Toolkit to recognize early warning signs and respond effectively.
Website: sptsusa.org
Phone: 988