6 LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Resources in Virginia and Nationwide
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Pride serves as a time of increased solidarity, recognition, and equality for the LGBTQ community. It also provides an opportunity to look back on the history and major achievements of the past 50 years.
As a cisgender heterosexual woman, I acknowledge that Pride Month is not for me. Instead, it's a time for reflection on the ways that I can continue to learn and provide support. Understanding that mental health resources are essential for everyone, this blog aims to highlight some valuable services available both locally in Virginia and nationwide for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Local Resources in Virginia
Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP)
The VAVP offers direct services to LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing violence, harassment, and discrimination. They provide counseling, support groups, and advocacy.
2. LGBT Life Center
Located in Norfolk, Virginia this center offers comprehensive health and wellness services, including mental health counseling, support groups, and case management for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
3. Side by Side
This Richmond Virginia-based organization provides support to LGBTQIA+ youth through counseling, peer support groups, and advocacy. They focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for young people. Check out their fun merch as well!
National Organizations
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth. They offer a 24/7 crisis hotline, text, and chat services, as well as educational resources and advocacy.
2. Trans Lifeline
This peer-support crisis hotline is run by and for trans people. It offers direct emotional and financial support to trans individuals in crisis.
3. The FedUp Collective
The FedUp Collective’s “mission is to make visible, interrupt, and disrupt the disproportionately high incidence of eating disorders in trans and gender diverse individuals through radical community healing”
Access to mental health resources is essential for everyone, and these local and national resources contribute to a more inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Whether you're in Virginia or elsewhere in the country, these organizations offer crucial support to those in need.
Contact Us
Emilee Young is an eating disorder dietitian and founder of Embrace Nutrition Counseling. She supports all ages and genders in healing their relationship with food and embracing their natural body size. She specializes in binge eating disorder and works from a Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating framework.
Embrace Nutrition Counseling provides virtual nutrition counseling to residents in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Including Virginia Beach, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, and Richmond Virginia.
Services offered include support for:
Eating disorders
Disordered Eating
Eating challenges related to anxiety, depression, and trauma
Perinatal Care
