Health & Human services

The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department (LBDHHS) is dedicated to promoting the well-being of LGBTQIA2S+ communities. LBDHHS provides support by connecting folks to affirming resources and providing education materials to empower individuals to make healthy decisions.  We highly encourage you to the explore the resources listed below of local, state and national agencies available to provide affirming support for LGBTQIA2S+ communities. 

• Helpline and Peer Support

  The Trevor Project

  • The Trevor Project offers anonymous, confidential and free services to help support the LGBTQIAS2+ with immediate social support. The Trevor Project also provides resources to learn about different topics such as gender identity, suicide, sexual orientation and more. 

  Trans Lifeline

  • Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. They can be contacted by phone at (877) 565-8860.

  THRIVE Lifeline

  • THRIVE Lifeline is Trans-led and operated volunteer run and operated group of certified suicide interventionists who offer support during times of acute mental health crises. THRIVE staff also support callers dealing with stress navigating identity, orientation, or barriers to academic and professional entry. THRIVE Lifeline offers 24/7 judgment-free, confidential text messaging to individuals aged 18+. THRIVE can be reached by text only at (313) 662-8209.

  Desi LGBTQ Helpline for South Asians

  • The Desi LGBTQ Helpline is a peer support helpline for South Asian LGBQ/TGNB+ individuals. Trained volunteers are available to talk between: Thursdays, 8-10 PM Eastern (5-7 PM Pacific) and Sundays, 8-10 PM Eastern (5-7 PM Pacific). Volunteers can be reached at (908) 367-3374 to talk.

  Call BlackLine

  • Call BlackLine provides a space for peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences for folks who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens. Call BlackLine® prioritizes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). BlackLine can be reached at (800) 604-5841.

  SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline

  • SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline is a service that provides an open space to connect with older LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing similar challenges. If you feel like you need someone to listen or talk to, contact their hotline at 877.360.5428. 

• Social Support Services

  Social support groups are an important way to connect, share experiences, and feel the comfort of community. Our department has provided a list of social support groups that offer an inclusive and safe space for individuals to have open conversations. 
   
  The LGBTQ+ Center Long Beach
  • The LGBTQ+ Center Long Beach provides many social support groups to help provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for all individuals identifying in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Groups are facilitated by staff or peer-led and offered both virtually and in-person for ages 16 and up. All support groups are free to attend and not require a RSVP, unless otherwise stated.

  Gender Spectrum

  • Gender Spectrum is an online resource provided to connect others with a safe space to create open conversations and support each other. This resource is available for pre-teens, teens, parents, caregivers and other family members and adults. 

  Bienestar

  • Bienestar in Long Beach offers weekly support groups for those that need a space of support. Groups are focused on specific communities such as people living with HIV/AIDS, transgender women, and more. For more information regarding support groups, contact Bienestar at 866.590.6411.

  PLFAG Long Beach 

  • Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) provides peer support groups (in-person and online) to support parents, caregivers, and loved ones of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. For more information about the Long Beach PLFAG chapter, please email the chapter at pflaglb@yahoo.com. 

  Atlantic Alano Club

  • The Atlantic Alano Club provides 12-step recovery meetings (in-person and online) and associated events for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in Long Beach. For more information about meetings and events can be found at their website.
    
    

• Transgender Inclusive Care

  It's important to find providers that consider and actively listen to your health needs and concerns. It may be challenging for those who are searching for gender inclusive care and unsure where to begin. Finding providers who can understand, support, and provide a safe space is essential. Our department has provided a list of transgender inclusive care options to help you choose. 

  Kaiser Transgender Careline

  • Kaiser Permanente members can contact the Kaiser Transgender Careline to get connected to gender-affirming health care providers. Members can reach the careline by calling (323) 857-3818 or visit their website.

  Trans Wellness

  • APLA Health center in Long beach offers health services specifically for those who identify as transgender and are led by transgenders. Some services that are offered through the wellness program are gender-affirming hormone therapy, mental health services with trans certified therapists, and more. For more information regarding the Transgender Health Services, call 213.201.5000

  Transgender Health Services CSULB

  • CSULB Student Health services offers support to students who are seeking information, resources, and referrals to support their health and wellbeing. The student health services offer free appointments to be seen at the clinic and provide discounted cost for tests and medication. For more information regarding the services, call 562.985.4771. 

  Trans Health Bienestar

  • Bienestar in Long Beach provides many services committed to fight stigma, discrimination, and equal access to quality healthcare for those who identify as transgender. Some services include prevention education, mental health resources, and more. For more information or if you have any questions about the program, call 866-590-6411 ext. 503.

  Memorial Care Medical Group

  • The Family Medicine Residency Program’s Transgender & Non-Binary Clinic at Long Beach Memorial Center provides services such as gender reaffirming care, primary care, and more. The clinic is committed in making sure improvements are made within the health care and well-being of the transgender community. For more information or if you have any questions about the services, call 562.933.0050 
    
    

• Mental Health Resources

  While the LGBTQIA2S+ community is resilient, many folks continue to struggle with their mental health. It is important we acknowledge the challenges that the LGBTQIA2S+ community faces and find the support to feel heard. 

  The LGBTQ+ Center Long Beach

  • The LGBTQ+Center Long Beach provides many ways that help approach challenges the community faces, such as trauma, anxiety, depression and more. Those eligible for services must be ages 13 and up. The center is unable to accept insurance for services currently. For more information and on how you can get started call 562.434.4455

  Earthlodge Center for Transformation

  • The Earthlodge Center for Transformation is a spiritual sanctuary for people to transform their trauma into healing and justice. They serve LGBTQIA2S+ folks, people of color, womyn, children & men who support the rise of the feminine. Their programming includes drum wellness circles, group meditations, gatherings, leadership programs and more. You can learn more by going to their website.

  YWCA

  • The YWCA provides crisis support counseling services to individuals affected by sexual violence. They operate a rape crisis center and offer accompaniment services as needed. Their services are free, are offered in both English and Spanish, for all genders, ages 12+. The YWCA operates a 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-877-943-5778.

  APLA

  • APLA Long Beach Health Center - Behavioral Health Clinic (on the campus of St. Mary Medical Center) provides outpatient services for behavioral health, substance use, and medication assisted treatment. To schedule an intake, call the main number at 562.247.7740.

  C.A.R.E. Center

  • The C.A.R.E. Center provides outpatient services for social services, health education, housing assistance, and mental health. Applicants must be HIV+ and over 18. To schedule an intake, call the main number at 562.624.4999.

  Queer Works

  • Queer Works offers free telehealth therapy for TGI+ Californians of all ages. This resource includes free individual therapy, gender affirming letters, and relational/family therapy. Learn more about their free mental health program. 
    
    
  City of Long Beach Mental Health Resource
  
  • For more information about how to get connected to mental health services in Long Beach, visit the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Resource Page.

• HIV/STI Testing Facilities

  Location	Date & Time	Phone	Additional Info
  APLA Health 1043 Elm Ave. Suite 302	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday  8 am - 5 pm  Wednesday 8 am - 7 pm	562.247.7740	Provides HIV/STI testing Appointment is highly encouraged.
  Bienestar 2690 Pacific Ave Ste 300	Mondays-Fridays 10 am - 6: 30 pm	866.590.6411 ext 113
  The LGBTQ Center Long Beach 2017 E 4th Street	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10 am - 6 pm Thursday 12 pm - 9 pm Saturday  10 am - 4 pm	562.270.0851	Provides free HIV/STI screening. Appointments are highly encouraged
  The Long Beach Health & Human Services - Sexual Health Clinic 2525 Grand Ave	Mondays-Fridays  8 am - 4:30 pm	562.570.4315	Provides both HIV/STI testing. Appointment is needed.
  Out of the Closet Thrift Store 3500 Pacific Coast Hwy	Mondays - Saturdays  10 am - 7 pm  Sundays  10 am - 6 pm	562.494.0340	Provides free HIV testing
  TelePrEP Call Center	Call Center Hours: Tuesdays - Saturday  10 am - 6 pm	833-540-0473	The new TelePrEP Call Center is here to help all Los Angeles County residents with free or low-cost pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) for HIV prevention. PrEP is a daily pill or an injection given by a clinician every two months to help prevent HIV before exposure, while PEP is an emergency treatment taken after possible exposure to HIV. Whether you need general health information, want to start PrEP or PEP, or need STI testing, the TelePrEP Call Center is here to help you take charge of your health.

• HIV/STI Treatment Services

  Location	Date & Time	Phone
  Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services - Sexual Health Clinic  2525 Grand Ave	Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.	562.570.4140
  AHF - Long Beach Wellness Center  3500 East Pacific Coast Hwy	Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 11 am - 7 pm	562.494.4983
  Bienestar 2690 Pacific Ave, Suite 300	Monday - Friday 10 am - 7 pm	866.590.6411 ext. 113
  Care Center - Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center 1043 Elm Ave., Suite 300	Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 12 pm 1:15 pm - 4:30 pm	562.624.4999
  The LGBTQ Center Long Beach 2017 East 4th St.	Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 7 pm	562.270.0851

• Violence Prevention

  LA vs. Hate

  • LA vs. Hate offers support to victims and witnesses of hate incidents or hate crimes in LA County including free follow-up services and supportive resources in the community. Reporting is always confidential and can be made anonymously by calling 211 or visiting their website.

  Trans Defense Fund

  • The Trans Defense Fund is a mutual aid group that was created in response to the disproportionate violence that transgender women of color face. They provide safety kits and occasionally host self-defense classes to empower community members to defend themselves. You can apply for a safety kit by visiting their website.

• Food Bank

  AIDS Food Store

  • AIDS Food Store is a food bank that provides food for individuals living with HIV or AIDs who live in Long Beach.

• Resources for Parents of LGBTQIA2S+ Children

  Rainbow Families

  • Rainbow Families is a LGBTQIA2S+ community group for LBUSD families. The provide a space to foster support, understanding and celebration of LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families. You can learn more by visiting their page on Instagram @rainbowfamilieslongbeach.

  Resource Guide for Families of Transgender and Gender Diverse Children

  • Movement Advancement Project | Family Support: Resources for Families of Transgender & Gender Diverse Children.