Resources for Underserved Communities

 If you identify as a member of an underserved community and [would like to seek therapy from those who provide inclusive services for specific cultural, ethnic, or vocational background, there are resources that can help.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides a list of national resources that have been reviewed for accuracy, mental health and community content, and ease of use. The resources are grouped by different ethnicity groups, cultures, and communities in an effort to help each user find a group or resource that fits their needs.

Mental Health America provides resources for BIPOC communities, organized by different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This source provides mental health resources, information, statistics, and education on historically underserved communities. These communities include: Black/African American, Native & Indigenous, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian American/Pacific Islanders, Arab. Middle Eastern/Muslem/South Asian and Multicultural Communities.

The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association complied a nationwide list of mental health and behavioral services for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The list is organized by each state, and contains names, cities, addresses, and contact information for each resource.

The Trevor Project provides LGBTQ community and family members with extensive resources. This includes research and information on suicide and interventions in the LGBTQ community, resources for supporting LGBTQ members, information on safety, and guides for finding LGBTQ-specific mental health support. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides a comprehensive list for LGBTQ+ related hotlines and resources. These include text and call hotlines, LGBTQ+ support services, and LGBTQ+ organizations. Additionally, they provide research and more in-depth information about the LGBTQ+ community and the challenges they face.

988 for the American Indian and Native Community:

988 – Extension 4 (Washington State)

The Native and Strong Lifeline is a groundbreaking service created for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, operated by Volunteers of America Western Washington. Accessible via option 4 on the 988 Lifeline, it caters specifically to these communities in Washington state. This program is staffed by crisis counselors who are have Native backgrounds or heritage and have strong connections to their culture. They are extensively trained in crisis intervention, with a strong focus on culturally relevant healing practices.

Individuals who communicate using American Sign Language (ASL)

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides ASL assistance for individuals experiencing crisis. To receive immediate support in ASL, you can take these steps:

1. Go to 988lifeline.org

2. Click on the "For Deaf & Hard of Hearing" link

3. Choose "ASL Now" on the following page

Alternatively, you can dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from your videophone to access crisis assistance for yourself or someone you care about.

988 In other Languages:

For crisis assistance in Spanish, you can reach out to the 988 Lifeline by calling, texting, or chatting and selecting option 2.

If you require support in a language other than English or Spanish, simply call the 988 Lifeline and specify the language you need. The Lifeline provides interpretation services in over 240 languages and dialects, accessible around the clock, every day of the year.

LGBTQ+ Youth Subnetwork Line:

The 988 Lifeline offers a designated service tailored to LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 24.

To receive supportive assistance from a crisis counselor who understands LGBTQ+ issues, individuals can reach out by calling, texting, or chatting with 988 and selecting option 3.

Veteran Support Lines:

If you're a Veteran experiencing a crisis or worried about someone who is, dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Alternatively, you can engage in online chat or send a text to 838255. The Veterans Crisis Line is available to Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their supporters. Enrolment in VA benefits or health care is not required to seek assistance.