We’ve handpicked these resources to help our readers. If you need support, answers, guidance, or resources – reach out. These organizations, websites, and hotlines can help you.
Women’s Health
Planned Parenthood
Provides “high-quality, nonjudgemental, confidential health care” for women, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health. Largest US provider of reproductive care services, including breast cancer screenings, HIV screening and counseling, contraception and STD education, birth control, emergency contraception, and abortion. Free resources on these topics and more are available on site and in person at locations around the country.
Planned Parenthood National Hotline
1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
Available 24/7. Counseling for STDs, pregnancy, and other sexual health issues.
The Mayo Clinic
Medically accurate information about a range of women’s health issues and concerns. Ranging from sexual health to diet and exercise and cosmetics.
Health Finder
General resource to improve health and well being.
Sexual Health
It’s Your Sex Life
A public information campaign by the Kaiser Foundation and MTV to support young people in making responsible decisions about their sexual health. Great and information about preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, STDs/STIs, and reducing unintended pregnancy. Also has resources on healthy relationships and dating violence.
Scarleteen
Sex education for the real world. Inclusive, comprehensive, and smart sexuality information and help for teens and 20-somethings. Ask their sexperts and get answers to your questions.
Sex Etc.
Information about sexual health issues provided for teens, by teens. Get information, connect on forums, learn your rights, find testing centers, communicate with your partner, and more!
Smarter Sex
Encourages good decisions about sexual health with sex education, debunking myths, and questions to their Sexperts.
Stay Teen
Great resources and articles for teens about making informed decisions about their bodies and sexuality. Great information on your first time, birth control, waiting, and making informed decisions that are good for YOU.
STDs and HIV/AIDS
National STD and HIV Testing Resources
FAQs about STDs and HIV/AIDS and a search tool for finding local STD and HIV testing locations. Sponsored by the CDC.
Planned Parenthood
Comprehensive information on all the STDs.
Get Yourself Tested
“One in two young people will get an STD by age 25, and most won’t know it.” GYT shows that getting tested is an act of pride, not shame. Open dialogues about STDs are an important part of your sex life. GYT aims to reduce the spread of STD’s through protection, testing and treatment information, open communication with partners, and health care.
I Wanna Know
Information about sexual health and STDs. Sponsored by the American Social Health Association.
HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection. A few types can lead to cervical and oral cancer. It is easy to test for, prevent, and treat. Reduce your risks with information and prevention.
Gardasil HPV Vaccine
If you’re under 26, you can get vaccinated against HPV and reduce your risk of developing cancer. Gardasil’s website provides answers and resources to help with your decision.
Birth Control and Emergency Contraception
Bedsider
Comprehensive information about the different birth control methods, where to get them, and reminders when you need them most. Operated by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception
Answers to your questions and where to get it when you need it NOW. Contact their hotline at 1-888-NOT-2-LATE (668-2528)
How Plan B Works Video
A great video about how Plan B works to prevent pregnancy, and why it is NOT an abortion pill. By ASAP Science.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Options
Provides a helpful workbook which asks questions, provides answers, and explores pregnancy options in a non-judgmental and safe way. Provides open ended questions to help you get in touch with what you want, and resources to take care of yourself no matter what your choice is. Provides information about pregnancy, parenting, adoption, development, and pre-natal care; as well as answers on abortion, aftercare, birth control, and supportive resources.
Planned Parenthood
Provides “high-quality, nonjudgemental, confidential health care” for women, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health. Largest US provider of reproductive care services, including birth control, emergency contraception, and abortion. Free resources on these topics and more are available on site and in person at locations around the country.
Planned Parenthood National Hotline
1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
Available 24/7. Counseling for STDs, pregnancy, and other sexual health issues.
Backline
Provides tons of resources for pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption options in their “Need Help?” section. Also available at 1-888–493-0092.
Exhale After-Abortion Support
Premiere resource for emotional health and wellbeing after abortion. Provides and promotes emotional support, story sharing, and resources both online and offline. Free talk line also available at 1-866-4EXHALE (439–4253).
National Council for Adoption
Answers questions and provides extensive support and resources throughout the adoption process. Also available 24/7 at 1-866-21-ADOPT (23678) or [email protected].
Rape and Sexual Assault
RAINN
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. Recognized as the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organizations. Provides information, support, resources, and help to get you through. Carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims, and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Available 24/7.
Provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services 24/7.
Men Against Rape
“Creating Cultures Free from Violence” Their mission is to mobilize men and use their political and cultural strength to create a culture free from violence, particularly men’s violence against women.
Dating Violence and Abuse
Love is Respect
The ultimate resource for healthy relationships. Promotes and provides resources on healthy dating, communicating with your partner, conflict resolution, abusive relationships, and the different types of abuse. Provides support options and resources including safety planning, strategies to reach out, and legal help.
Love is Respect: National Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474 Available 27/7
1-866-331-8453 TTY
Designed for teens and young adults who are involved in abusive relationships. Trained peer advocates offer real-time one-on-one support including information, resources, and advocacy.
Break the Cycle
Dedicated to the prevention of dating abuse. Engages, educates, and empowers youth to build lives and communities free from domestic and dating violence. Teaches about the warning signs of abuse, building healthy relationships, safety planning, and legal services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Available 24/7
1-800-787-3224 TTY
Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, information, resources, and referrals to agencies nationwide.
LGBTQ
It Gets Better
Provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth, affirming that you are not alone, and that it WILL get better. Here, you do not have to hide your sexuality for fear of bullying. There are openly gay adults and mentors to share their stories and help you through the rough teenage years. The future is bright, and this project provides the resources and encouragement for teens make changes to improve their lives. Founded by columnist and author Dan Savage with his partner, Terry.
GLBT Near Me
The largest collection of LGBT resources on the web, and find the closest social resources including support, community center, youth groups, and more.
Amplify Your Voice
Information, resources, and activism for LGBTW youth.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
Strives to assure that youth are valued and respected in the school system and their communities.
The Trevor Lifeline
1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Available 24/7. Are you going through a difficult time? Feeling confused, lonely, or sad? If you’re a young person looking for someone to listen and understand without judgement, or if you’re feeling suicidal about issues related to sexual orientation and gender expression, the Trevor Lifeline is here to help. Provides support, crisis, and suicide intervention for LGBTQ youth. Don’t have access to a phone, or not in a location where you can talk (including hearing impaired)? Chatline also available online at http://www.thetrevorproject.org.
Feminism
Jezebel
A feminist news source and blog covering a variety of women’s interests, under the tagline “Celebrity, Sex, and Fashion for Women. Without the Airbrushing.”
Feministing
“Young Feminists Blogging, Organizing, and Kicking Ass.” Young women are rarely given the opportunity to speak on their own behalf on the issues that affect their lives and futures. Feministing provides a platform for young women to express themselves within a community of feminists and their allies.
Fem 2.0
“Society’s Issues. Women’s Voices.” This project aims to promote women’s issues, provide forums, connect with one another, unite voices, gather support, engage in advocacy, and draw attention to women’s issues.
Feminist Frequency
Representations of women in Pop Culture, Gaming, and Online cultures.
The Good Men Project
A Social Movement discussing what it means to be a “good man”. “A glimpse of what enlightened masculinity might look like in the 21st century… a cerebral, new media alternative to glossy men’s magazines”.
Eating Disorders
National Association of Anorexia and Eating Disorders
Provides information, answers, support, guidance, and treatment resources for those suffering from eating disorders, and their families and friends. Offers phone and email support, regional support groups, and related services and information. The ANAD Eating Disorders Helpline is open Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm, Central Time at 630-677-1330 or via email at [email protected].
Mental Health
Mental Health Association (MHA)
A comprehensive guide and information about a wide range of mental health topics and disorders.
APA Psychologist Locator
A tool to find a the right psychologist for you in your local area. Sponsored by the American Psychological Association.
Find a Psychologist
Another tool to find a psychologist in your area.
Psychology Today Therapists
Another tool to find a psychologist in your area.
Substance Use and Abuse
Erowid
“Documenting the complex relationship between humans and psychoactives.” Erowid is the largest online information source for reliable, non-judgemental information about psychoactive plants, chemicals, and related issues. It encourages individuals to treat psychoactives with respect and awareness, and educate themselves before making decisions. Provides academic studies, medical information, personal experiences, resources, and more. Hands down the best drug resource out there.
NIDA for Teens
Learn the science behind drug use and abuse. Informative fact sheets about various types of drugs, drug addiction, stories, celebrity commentary, and resources for treatment help. No scare-tactics or biased information.
Drug Free Support and Resources
Prevent, intervene, and get treatment for substance abuse.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
1-800-662-4357 Available 24/7
Find the nearest drug and alcohol abuse and mental health treatment centers and programs.
Addiction Resource
Helps people fight addictions so they can live healthier, longer lives.
Women’s Law and Legal Help
Women’s Law Project
1-215-928-9801
Promotes women’s equality through safeguarding rights and creating opportunities. Phone line offers free legal advice to women nationwide. The project helps women in a variety of topics, including sex discrimination and reproductive rights, through litigation, advocacy, and education. Based in Philadelphia.
Additional Resources
Dan Savage’s “Savage Love”
Open-minded, non-judgmental, and sex positive advice column from the syndicated columnist, author, and advocate Dan Savage.
Confi
Crowdsourcing big sister advice with expert info for your most sensitive health questions.
Helplines
Have a specific question, or need to talk to somebody right now? Somewhere, an operator is (literally) standing by. And most of them will even pay for the call.
STDs, HIV, and Sexual Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
National STD Hotline: 1-800-227-8922
National HIV & AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS (2437)
National Herpes Hotline: 1-919-361-8488
National HPV and Cervical Cancer Hotline: 1-919-361-4848
National Teenage AIDS Hotline: 1-800- 440-TEEN (8336)
CDC-INFO Hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
Counselors are available to answer questions about personal health issues, including HIV and other STDs. Online zip code tool to find local HIV and STD testing locations also available at www.hivtest.org and www.findstdtest.org. Not 24/7. Available Mon-Fri, 8am – 8pm EST.
Pregnancy and Emergency Contraception
Planned Parenthood National Hotline 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
Available 24/7. Counseling for STDs, pregnancy, and other sexual health issues.
Emergency Contraception Hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE (668-2528)
Pre-recorded information about emergency contraception, how it works, and where to get it.
Backline 1-888-493-0092.
Provides tons of resources for pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption options.
Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Pacific and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pacific.
Exhale After-Abortion Hotline 1-866-4EXHALE (439–4253)
A free, after-abortion talk line that provides emotional support, resources and information.
National Council for Adoption Hotline 1-866-21-ADOPT (23678)
Available 24/7 for information about adoption. Sponsored by the National Council for Adoption. Also available via email at [email protected].
Pregnancy Support and Advice 1-888-4-OPTIONS
Rape, Sexual Assault, and Dating Abuse
National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) Available 24/7.
Provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services 24/7. Can be accessed online at https://ohl.rainn.org/online
Love is Respect: National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474 Available 27/7
Designed for teens and young adults who are involved in abusive relationships. Trained peer advocates offer real-time one-on-one support including information, resources, and advocacy.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Available 24/7
Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, information, resources, and referrals to agencies nationwide.
LGBTQ
The Trevor Lifeline 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) Available 24/7
Provides support, crisis, and suicide intervention for LGBTQ youth. Non-judgmental listening and understanding.
GLBT National Help Center National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564 | National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
Available Mon – Fri, 1pm-9m and Saturday 9am-2pm Pacific Time
Provides telephone and email peer counseling services focused on coming out issues, relationship concerns, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safe sex, and more health and relationship issues. Counselors can provide local resources across the United States. Also available online.
National Teen Gay & Lesbian Hotline 1-800-347-TEEN (Thurs – Sun, 7 pm – 11:45 pm EST)
Eating Disorders
ANAD Helpline 630-677-1330
Provides information, answers, support, guidance, and treatment resources for those suffering from eating disorders, and their families and friends. Open Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm, Central Time. Also available via email at [email protected].
Eating Disorders Helpline 1-800-382-2832 Available 24/7
Suicide and Depression
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Available 24/7
Automatically connects you to your closest certified crisis center, with trained crisis center staff available 24/7 to listen to your needs and offer counseling, suicide intervention, and mental health referral information.
Suicide Helpline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) Available 24/7
Youth Crisis Helpline 1-800-448-4663 Available 24/8
General Crisis Counseling 1-800-785-8111
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 1-800-662-4357 Available 24/7
Find the nearest drug and alcohol abuse and mental health treatment centers and programs.