The PRISM Program
Call or text 414-336-7974 to get connected with the PRISM Peer Support Warmline
PRISM’s Peer Support Warmline is staffed from 10am-10pm seven days a week. The warmline is fully confidential and as a result, we cannot provide callbacks or take voicemails. If you don't get an answer, please call back until one of our operators is available!
If you need immediate support, The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386 OR text START to 678-678) is a 24/7 crisis service for LGBTQ+ people. The Trevor Project at times uses restrictive interventions, like active rescue or wellness checks involving law enforcement or emergency services. You can ask if this is a possibility at any point in your conversation if this is a concern.
Support Group Options
Fill out this online support group interest form to have info sent right to your inbox!
- PRISM+ Virtual Group (16 and up)
- Tuesday nights, 7 - 8:30pm Central time
- Access the public Zoom link here (Meeting ID: 841 2055 4336)
About
The PRISM Program is a mental wellness resource for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin. We're a team of queer and/or trans Certified Peer Specialists trained to use our lived experiences with mental health and substance use struggles to support others in their recovery journey. PRISM stands for Peer Recovery in Supportive Mutuality. We see that connection based on community and solidarity has transformative power, similar to the way a prism refracts light to create a beautiful rainbow.
Currently, we offer free one-on-one support through our warmline as well as online and in-person support groups. We're hoping to offer in-person groups in Milwaukee and Madison soon!
Contact Information
- Call or text the Warmline at 414-336-7974
- If you can't get through, please call back or send a text message!
- Email us at prism@mhawisconsin.org
- Send us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram!
- Sign up for our quarterly newsletter for announcements and updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is peer support?
Peer support is person-centered and strength-based. A peer specialist offers support and guidance based on their own first-hand experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges. Peer specialists do not diagnose or prescribe treatment, but they can listen, validate, and help you set and reach your own goals in your healing journey. Peer specialists who identify as LGBTQ+ can use their own knowledge of LGBTQ+ specific needs to help others with things like coming out, finding gender affirming care, relationship issues, and more. Young LGBTQ+ people can learn a lot from older mentors who have faced similar challenges. Peer support can empower LGBTQ+ youth to heal themselves and navigate resources that they need.
- Why peer support for LGBTQ+ youth?
Sometimes, you need to lean on someone who understands what you’re going through. LGBTQ+ youth deal with certain burdens that their straight and cisgender peers do not, including the stress of coming out to friends and family members who may not fully understand their identity. As a population, LGBTQ+ youth report higher levels of depression and anxiety, social isolation, bullying, family rejection, substance use, and suicidal ideation and attempts than straight and cisgender youth. Stigma and discrimination against queer and trans* people is unfortunately still present in schools, healthcare, and the workplace. Despite historical homophobia and transphobia, the LGBTQ+ community is resilient! Many queer and trans* individuals thrive with the help of a supportive community.
- What am I expected to share during a warmline call?
Be prepared to share your name, phone number, county of residence, and whatever you want to share about what you're seeking support on. The peer specialist will ask you some questions to get to know you and what you’re looking for support with.
- Do I need insurance? How much does it cost?
There is no need for insurance and you will not receive a bill for contacting Prism. You do not need a specific diagnosis either.
- I’m worried about my privacy. What do you do with the information I share with a peer specialist?
All contacts to and conversations facilitated by MHA's warmline services are confidential and no identifying caller information will be shared with any third parties without the caller's consent. Prism Program warmline operators cannot see your caller ID and will not know anything about you unless you tell them.
- How long do calls normally last?
Call length depends on the needs of the caller and staff capacity. Most calls last 30 minutes to an hour.
- What if I’m looking for ongoing peer support?
Depending on your situation, the peer specialist may want to have more than one call or virtual meeting with you. As you get to know each other, you can decide together how often you’d like to meet and what goals you’d like to work on together.
- I am looking for peer support, but I am not in your intended age range (14-26). Can I also receive services from PRISM?
Yes! While we are focused on LGBTQ+ youth, we turn no one away due to age. We do our best to help older LGBTQ+ adults find community and resources for their healing too.
As opposed to a crisis hotline that focuses on measuring safety and intervening by active rescue, a peer support warmline provides emotional sanctuary and supportive conversation. The PRISM Program Warm Line is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used as a crisis resource. If you are in imminent crisis, one of the following resources will give a more immediate response:
- Your local county crisis line (PSW Crisis Line Directory)
- Trevor Project Lifeline (call 1-866-488-7386 OR text START to 678-678)
- Trans Lifeline (call 877-565-8860)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (call or text 988)