Free, confidential, 24/7 U.S. crisis counseling by phone, text, and chat for LGBTQ+ young people under age 25.
Audience
LGBTQ+ young people under age 25 in the United States; especially relevant to Mello Zone members ages 18 to 24
Coverage
United States
Availability
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Service type
LGBTQ+ youth crisis counseling by phone, text, and web chat
Overview
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide-prevention support specifically for LGBTQ+ young people. Its trained counselors are familiar with identity, family rejection, bullying, isolation, and other experiences that can make a crisis feel harder to explain to a general service.
Important distinction
This page is an independent Mello Zone orientation profile. It does not mean Mello Zone operates, supervises, endorses, or guarantees this organization. The provider remains responsible for its own service, eligibility, staffing, privacy practices, availability, and outcomes.
Contact methods
Phone, text, chat, email, locator, and website options can serve different needs. Availability notes are shown on every card.
Phone
1-866-488-7386
24/7/365
A live voice connection with a trained crisis counselor.
Text
START to 678678
24/7/365
Free crisis support by text. Message and data rates may apply.
Chat
thetrevorproject.org/get-help
24/7/365
Browser-based chat plus a quick-exit feature on the official site.
Website
thetrevorproject.org
Online anytime
Research, identity guides, ally education, and advocacy information.
What it can help with
What to expect
A trained counselor who understands common LGBTQ+ youth experiences
A confidential conversation by phone, text, or chat
Questions about immediate safety and what brought you to the service
The freedom to share as much or as little as you can manage
Possible calming exercises or additional affirming resources while waiting or after the conversation
Limits and fit
History
1994
Milestone 01
The Academy Award-winning short film Trevor portrayed a gay teenager experiencing bullying, rejection, and suicidal thoughts. Its creators learned there was no national LGBTQ youth crisis line to place after the broadcast.
1998
Milestone 02
The Trevor Project was founded on March 25. When HBO aired the film on August 11 with the new Lifeline number, more than 1,500 calls arrived that night.
Today
Milestone 03
Trevor now combines crisis services with research, public education, advocacy, and resources for supportive adults and allies.
Impact
These figures and examples are attributed to the provider's own public reporting. They do not guarantee an individual result.
Phone, text, and chat are available every day of the year in the U.S.
The demand arrived immediately when TrevorLifeline first appeared on HBO in 1998.
TrevorLifeline marked its 25th anniversary in 2023.
Impact in practice
Trevor's impact report shares the story of Tyler, who reached out while isolated and struggling with his gay identity. He credited Trevor counselors and his mother's support with helping him move toward coming out and later advocacy. Mello Zone summarizes the account rather than reproducing the person's words, and readers can review the full story on Trevor's official report.
Source: The Trevor Project Impact ReportPrivacy and device safety
Official links and connected reading
Mello Zone directory statement
Mello Zone is not a crisis center, healthcare provider, counseling service, treatment locator, or substitute for licensed care. This profile summarizes publicly available information and provides direct links to the independent organization.
