The Trevor Project: U.S. Support and Suicide-Prevention Services for LGBTQ Youth

Services and programs

Core services are aimed at people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thinking and at those who support them. The organization operates several access points, often recognized by their program names:

• 24/7 crisis support: confidential helplines staffed by trained counselors for immediate intervention and safety planning.
• Text and chat counseling: online options for young people who prefer typed conversation over voice calls.
• Peer and community spaces: moderated online social platforms that let LGBTQ youth connect with peers and find resources.
• Education and training: materials and programs for schools, families, and professionals to improve prevention, recognition and response.

For program details and contact options, the organization maintains an official site and resource pages where people can learn how to reach help quickly: official website.

History and development

The Trevor Project was established in response to public concern over the themes of the Oscar-winning short film "Trevor," which depicted a young gay teenager who contemplated suicide. Volunteers and filmmakers launched a crisis response service that expanded over time. Since 1998 the organization has broadened its reach with new technologies, research initiatives, and partnerships with schools and health providers, adapting services to meet changing needs of youth and to improve accessibility.

Approach and impact

The group emphasizes immediate, compassionate crisis intervention along with longer-term prevention through education and advocacy. Counselors use active listening, safety assessment and referral practices, and the organization develops curriculum and training for parents, educators and clinicians. It also collects and shares research findings about risk factors and service gaps among LGBTQ adolescents. Information about training and outreach materials is available through resource pages: education and training.

Access, eligibility and how to help

Services are intended primarily for adolescents and young adults who are LGBTQ or exploring their identity, but many resources are also designed for friends, family members and professionals seeking guidance. Access options include phone, text and chat lines as well as moderated online communities. Those who wish to support the organization’s work can find volunteer, fundraising and donation information on official channels: support and volunteer. For specific helpline guidance and frequently asked questions, see the help pages: help and FAQ.

Notable distinctions

The Trevor Project is widely recognized as one of the first and most visible national organizations focused specifically on preventing suicide among LGBTQ youth. Its combination of direct crisis services, peer community building, education, research and advocacy has helped shape public understanding of youth mental health needs and has influenced policies and practices in schools, health systems and nonprofit networks.