Frequently Asked Questions

 
Q: What services are provided at Hearts and Ears?

Hearts and Ears is a 501c3 non-profit organization that uses the peer support model and group activities to provide a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ people 18 and over dealing with behavioral health and to find support and information from people with shared identities and experiences to develop healthy ways of coping and dealing with behavioral health challenges.

Q: What is peer support?

Peer support links people with shared identities, shared behavioral health problems, and shared realities through peer-run support groups, one-on-one support, social activities, and resources. Peer support also involves outreach in the community and passing along information to help find health professionals, legal aid, and other local organizations. Through providing these services and this space, we support people in advocating for themselves and their needs.


Q: What is a warmline?

A warmline is a peer-run phone network that allows people the need to talk about how to handle difficult experiences related to their gender identity/expression and/or sexual orientation, behavioral health challenges, and daily life. This does not replace crisis hotlines, but is a non-threatening, voluntary resource for people that just need someone to listen or talk to.

You are welcome to call us at 410-523-1694 during normal operating hours. If we are not available, leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you need to talk with a hotline immediately please call Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc, a multi-service crisis intervention center providing 24-hour crisis intervention services, shelter, transitional housing, and community education. Crisis intervention program services are available to anyone in need 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 410-433-5175 or 410-433-5255. If you need emergency medical attention, call 911.


Q: What type of insurance does Hearts and Ears take? Do I need insurance?

Hearts and Ears offers free services that do not require health insurance. We are not a clinical behavioral health center and do not offer therapy, psychiatry or medication management services.


Q: Are people who are LGBTQIA+ automatically mentally ill due to them being LGBTQIA+?

Not all people in the LGBTQIA+ community deal with behavioral health challenges. However due to stigma, bullying, harassment, and/or lack of support from family and friends, and other obstacles they face on a daily basis, they do tend to experience behavioral health challenges at higher rate than their cisgender, straight counterparts.


Q: Do you offer trainings on inclusivity and sensitivity towards LGBTQIA+ people?

Yes. If you would like for someone to come speak at your organization, please call 410-523-1694 during normal operating hours, or email our Executive Director at kenjiretsu@heartsandears.org