Resources

Local support: helplines, clinics and groups

Sometimes the right next step isn't reading, and it isn't coaching either. This is a directory of real services — crisis helplines, sexual health clinics, and support groups — organised by city, so you can find someone near you who does this for a living.

Every listing was checked against the organisation's own published page. Details change, so confirm hours and numbers on their site before travelling. If you're in immediate danger, call your local emergency number — and read what to do if your relationship feels unsafe.

41 resources shown

Atlanta

Helpline · United States

Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV)

Atlanta 24-hour crisis line offering safety planning, shelter and advocacy for domestic violence survivors.

404-873-1766padv.org/contact-us-2

Boston

Helpline · United States

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)

24/7 hotline supporting survivors of sexual violence — including assault by a partner — and their families.

800-841-8371barcc.org/get-help/call-now

Chicago

Denver

Dublin

Houston

Helpline · United States

AVDA — Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse

Houston nonprofit providing legal advocacy, counselling and crisis support for survivors of domestic abuse.

713-224-9911avda.org

London

Clinic · United Kingdom

56 Dean Street

Free NHS sexual health clinic in Soho specialising in STI and HIV screening, PrEP and LGBTQI+ care.

020 3315 5656www.dean.st

Los Angeles

Manchester

Support group · United Kingdom

Manchester Women's Aid (Pankhurst Centre)

Advice, safe housing and one-to-one support for women and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse in Manchester.

www.manchesterwomensaid.org/i-need-support

Minneapolis

New York

Helpline · United States

NYC Family Justice Centers (ENDGBV)

City-run centres connecting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence to safety planning, shelter and legal help. Call 311 to be routed, or 911 in an emergency.

www.nyc.gov/site/ocdv/get-help/get-help.page

Philadelphia

San Francisco

Helpline · United States

SF Domestic Violence Consortium

Coalition that routes San Francisco residents to member domestic violence agencies for counselling, shelter and advocacy.

415-864-4722dvcpartners.org

Clinic · United States

San Francisco City Clinic

Free, city-run sexual health clinic providing STI and HIV testing and treatment for anyone 12 and over, regardless of residency.

628-217-6600www.sf.gov/cityclinic

Seattle

Sydney

Toronto

Helpline · Canada

Assaulted Women's Helpline

24/7 crisis line for women experiencing abuse across Toronto and Ontario, with counselling and referrals.

1-866-863-0511www.awhl.org/contact-us

International — national & international

Directory · International

AASECT Referral Directory

Searchable directory of AASECT-certified sex therapists, counsellors and educators — useful when the issue needs a licensed clinician rather than a coach.

www.aasect.org/referral-directory

Support group · International

Recovering Couples Anonymous

12-step fellowship for couples rebuilding communication, trust and intimacy. Meetings are listed on their site; contact is through local groups.

recovering-couples.org

Support group · International

Sex Addicts Anonymous

12-step fellowship for people recovering from compulsive or addictive sexual behaviour. Contact is through local meetings and intergroups.

saa-recovery.org

Support group · International

S-Anon International Family Groups

12-step fellowship for partners, family and friends affected by someone else's compulsive sexual behaviour.

sanon.org

Support group · International

Al-Anon Family Groups

Mutual-support meetings for family members and partners affected by someone else's drinking — often a factor underneath sexual and relational distance.

1-888-425-2666al-anon.org

United States — national & international

Helpline · United States

National Domestic Violence Hotline

US 24/7 hotline connecting survivors to support, safety planning and local resources. Call, chat online, or text START to 88788.

1-800-799-7233www.thehotline.org

Looking for a coach or therapist instead?

If nothing here is a crisis and what you want is help with desire, communication or reconnection, start with the intimacy coach directory or the guide to choosing one.