You deserve support in more places than one
Therapy is one kind of support, these are some others. Peer-led, community-grounded, and available right now.
A good therapist isn't the only form of support worth having. The resources below are warmlines and peer support lines — staffed by people who get it, often from their own experience. They're not crisis lines. They're for the moments when you need to hear a human voice, talk something through, or just not be alone with it.
When you need someone to talk to
Trans Lifeline Peer support by and for trans people. Staffed by trans operators. 📞 877-565-8860 | translifeline.org
The Fireside Project An emotional support warmline for anyone going through a hard time — not just crisis. Call or text. 📞 503-NEW-FIRE (503-639-3473) | firesideproject.org
The GLBT National Hotline Free, confidential peer support for LGBTQ+ people of all ages. 📞 1-888-843-4564 | glbthotline.org
The Black Line A warmline by and for Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color — grounded in community, not crisis intervention. 📞 1-800-604-5841 | callblackline.com
Wildflower Alliance Peer support for people navigating mental health and emotional distress — including those who've had difficult or harmful experiences with the mental health system. Community-led and non-coercive. wildfloweralliance.org
For the longer work
Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACA) A free, peer-led fellowship for people who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes — and who are still feeling the effects in their adult relationships and sense of self. ACA uses a 12-step framework, which won't resonate with everyone, but for the right person it can be one of the most powerful ongoing supports available. In-person meetings in Denver and online meetings available worldwide. acawso.com
If things feel urgent
These resources are specifically for moments of crisis or immediate safety concerns.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988, available 24/7.
Colorado Crisis Services — 1-844-493-8255. Walk-in crisis centers and mobile response available across Colorado. coloradocrisisservices.org
In Denver
The Center on Colfax
Denver's LGBTQ community center — a gathering place, advocacy organization, and direct services hub all in one. The Center offers counseling, support groups, housing assistance, crisis support, and programs for LGBTQ+ youth and adults. If you're looking for community in addition to or instead of therapy, this is one of the best places to start.
If you're looking for a therapist and wondering if Emerald Lake might be a fit, you're always welcome to reach out. And if therapy isn't the right next step right now, that's okay too. These resources are here regardless.