Resources

Sexual Health

• Howard Brown is a series of health clinics that treat everyone and don’t discriminate. They particularly cater to the LGBTQ Community and its allies.
• Planned Parenthood has an extensive FAQ on almost any question about sex, contraception, and general health
• Pain with sex (or other penetration like using a tampon) is often a symptom of Vaginismus . While often a result of sexual assault or trauma, it can also be caused by fear of sex, anxiety, or a negative emotion about sex. It is very treatable with vaginal exercises and talk therapy.

Sexual Assault

'Two in four women and one in 6 men will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives, many of them multiple times. Research confirms we can cut our pain in half by sharing with others who understand. Sharing also provides new strategies and tips for coping with PTSD and other conditions that result from assaults. We must learn how to not only cope, but get past it and flourish in our society. Only with one another's help can we do this.'

--A sex therapist who happens to be treating someone on this project

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 supported by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). Callers can receive local resources for short-term needs and long-term support
• YWCA is a national resource for empowering women of all backgrounds and has a hotline for free, immediate, and discreet assistance in the event of sexual assault or domestic violence: Look up by location
• Chicago area sexual assault resources
• One in six men experience sexual assault or abuse in their lives. 1in6 provides resources specifically for men and boys who've been assaulted. They have a 24/7 Help Chat as well as weekly anonymous online group therapy.
• In the case of sexual assault, it's highly recommended to get a forensic exam (aka rape kit). Deciding to report and get examined is an incredibly personal decision that only the survivor can make. DNA evidence can be recovered within 72 hours of the assault, but there may be other evidence that lasts longer. This is the process of undergoing a rape kit.

Mental Health

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a 24/7 free & confidential hotline:1-800-273-8255
• There is no amount of pain or distress that is too little to seek help. There are many services available that offer sliding scale payments and flexible scheduling. Mental Health America helps find the right therapy options for people in any circumstances.
• BetterHelp is the largest online counseloring platform worldwide. They provide help for all varieties of issues -- catering to individuals, couples, and families. Once matched with a therapist, patients can message their therapist 24/7, and have a live video/phone/chat session each week (can be adjusted to different frequency, live sessions are charged 4 at a time).
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorder. Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth with its hotline (1-866-488-7386), text line (Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200), and its social network TrevorSpace.
• Sunshine Behavioral Health provides a guide for transgender people who struggle with mental health and substance abuse.

General Health

• Maven is a great resource for people who do not have time to take off work and go to the doctor. With online practitioners you can video chat a professional for general, sexual, and mental health issues and get a prescription and/or doctor’s note for your job.
• Nurx is an online birth control service that is free with most insurance, and provides birth control to those without insurance for as little as $15 a month. Their doctors will assess your birth control needs and desires, and ship your birth control to you with free delivery in discreet packaging.
• Planned Parenthood also offers Cancer Screenings and STD/STI testing. It's easy to schedule an appointment online, and they offer sliding scale payments for people regardless of insurance or employment status.

Pregnancy

• Despite rumors, Planned Parenthood also provides Pregnancy Services for all stages of pregancy, and all choices. Services include fertility information, pregnancy testing, prenatal care, childbirth classes, and adoption referrals.
• Planned Parenthood hosts an Abortion Access Finder that is simple and protects your information.
• The Adoption Network helps support pregant people considering adoption, as well as prospective adoptive parents across the US. Resources for birth mothers include counseling, medical expenses, financial assistance, and temporary housing. They also have a 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-367-2367