Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI) is proud to advocate for accessible, inclusive mental health care for all. We understand that for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community, finding resources tailored to their unique experiences and needs can be a challenge. That’s why we’re dedicating this blog post to sharing a list of resources available in Central Pennsylvania for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking support.
Support Groups
LGBT Center of Central PA
The LGBT Center employs four full-time staff: an Executive Director, a Director of Training & Education, a Director of Youth Programs and a Youth Programs Coordinator. With this small but dedicated team, the Center serves over 2,000 people each year across Dauphin, Cumberland, York and Lancaster counties, and seeks to be responsive to the changing needs of our communities in our programming and our strategic priorities.
GLO
GLO is a community resource center for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults of color, centering the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ men of color and trans women of color. They provide free and confidential STI/HIV testing on-site, virtual therapy, access to PrEP and a variety of other social services. GLO is committed to reducing the community’s HIV viral load by testing and linking individuals to HIV care and prevention.
Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition
The Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition is committed to building a supportive and enriching community abundant in opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and those with a stake in creating a more inclusive Lancaster County.
PFLAG York
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, or PFLAG York promotes the health and well-being of all lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queer individuals and their parents, family and friends through support, education and advocacy. They provide the opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and act to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. PFLAG York will not give up until society accepts all its members as equals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Rainbow Rose Center
The Rainbow Rose Center fosters an environment of inclusion, equity and health where all LGBTQ+ community members thrive in York County. They envision an inclusive community where all York County individuals feel safe and welcome in their everyday lives.
TransCentralPA
TransCentralPA is committed to providing advocacy and caring support for transgender individuals, their significant others, families, friends and allies. TransCentralPA also provides gender education and information to businesses, organizations, educational institutions and governmental agencies. Their monthly gatherings provide a safe and nurturing place for members and guests to meet together to better understand, accept and take pride and joy in their transgender lives.
Mental Health Assistance
Call BlackLine
Call BlackLine provides a space for peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences for folx who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. Call BlackLine prioritizes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color).
- (800) 604-5841
LGBT National Help Center
All of LGBT National Help Center’s support volunteers identify as part of the LGBTQ+ family, and are here to serve the entire community, by providing free and confidential peer support, information and local resources through national hotlines and online programs.
- LGBT National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
- LGBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
- LGBT National Senior Hotline: (888) 234-7243
SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline
Talk and be heard at the SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline. They connect LGBTQ+ older people who want to talk with friendly responders ready to listen. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.
- (877) 360-5428
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people. Their counselors will listen without judgment. All of your conversations are confidential, and you can share as much or as little as you’d like.
- (866) 488-7386
- Text ‘Start’ to 678-678
Trans Lifeline
Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support and resources they need to survive and thrive.
- (877) 565-8860
“In the journey towards mental wellness, remember you’re not alone. Reaching out isn’t a sign of defeat, but a victory over stigma. At PPI, we’re your allies, steadfast in the belief that everyone deserves understanding and compassionate care.”
– Ruth S. Moore, director of community engagement, diversity & inclusion
If you’d like to learn more about the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute’s approach to LGBTQ+ mental health, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, (866) 746-2496 or through our website. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can access the care and support they need.