LGBTQ+ Wellness and Support
Mental Health Support
EcoMap appointments are one-time sessions designed to evaluate and enhance a student's support networks, especially related to sexuality, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and culture. These sessions do not count against a student's session limit (8 sessions) for the year.
Gender-Affirming Evaluation and Documentation is available at Counseling Center during a course of one-at-a-time treatment. Although the updated WPATH Standards of Care no longer require an evaluation from a mental health provider in order to access HRT or affirming surgery, these evaluations may still be required by insurance companies to establish "medical necessity."
The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists has a provider directory that is searchable by race, gender, and location, and maintains links to a collection of useful resources.
The Trevor Project, an LGBT crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline, is available 24/7: 1-866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline is a crisis line run for and by trans people: 1-877-565-8860
The LGBT National Help Center provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat, and email peer-support, as well as information about local resources in cities & towns across the United States. They also operate the LGBT National Hotline, which is available to all ages from 4pm-12am Monday-Friday & 12pm-5pm on Saturdays: 1-888-843-4564
Trans and Non-Binary Supports
Gender-Affirming Evaluation and Documentation is available at Counseling Center during a course of one-at-a-time treatment. Although the updated WPATH Standards of Care no longer require an evaluation from a mental health provider in order to access HRT or affirming surgery, these evaluations may still be required by insurance companies to establish "medical necessity."
The Campus Map includes markers for all-gender bathrooms. The Office of Student Diversity Programs also has a list of all-gender bathrooms on their website.
Point of Pride provides financial aid and direct support for members of the trans community. Programs include the Annual Trans surgery Fund, HRT Access Fund, Electrolysis Support Fund, Thrive Fund, and free chest binders.
The National Center for Transgender Equalityprovides information about a wide variety of topics, and includes three particularly useful resources: aHealth Coverage guide, an ID Documents Center, and a link to the Transgender Legal Services Network.
Local Community Organizations
Skidmore Pride Alliance is a student organization that serves as a community and discussion group for topics and issues surrounding sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity/expression. They meet regularly and host events throughout the semester to connect with the queer community on campus as well as the rest of the Skidmore community.
Saratoga Pride has a website where you can find news of particular interest to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, as well as announcements of events and a directory of local resources.
The Pride Center of the Capital Region is the oldest continually run LGBTQ community center in the United States. They offer a number of support groups, trainings, and events (including an annual gala). They also maintain a robust list of resources in the Albany area.
Planned Parenthood of Saratoga Springs offers education, resources and referral assistance, as well as hormone replacement therapy (HRT): 1-518-584-0041
In Our Own Voices is an organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBTQ people of color and their family and friends.
The GLBT National Resource Database maintains a searchable directory of social and support services, community centers, youth groups, and more.
GLMA (previously known as the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association) has a directory for finding LGBTQ+ medical providers, as well as resources related to LGBTQ+ health and healthcare.
Legal Support
Lambda Legal is the nation's oldest and largest legal organization working for the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project advocates for transgender legal and civil rights. The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination or violence.