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Mental healthcare plays an important role in the lives of individuals and the community. Unfortunately, there are many members of society that face challenges in receiving the care they rightfully deserve. The LGBTQ community is one such group that encounters these difficulties. There are several important aspects that are important to understand when exploring this issue.
Recognition of the unique challenges the LGBTQ community encounters when seeking mental healthcare is vital to improving mental healthcare services. These challenges include discrimination, trauma, social stigma, societal pressures, mental health issues, insurance coverage, and geographic barriers. Mental healthcare providers must intentionally work to understand these challenges in order to comprehend how these issues may affect the mental health of LGBTQ individuals.
It is important to acknowledge that many in the LGBTQ community may have experienced trauma or discrimination in healthcare settings during their lifetime. Many have been treated unfairly and harshly due to the belief that they do not fit “societal norms”. To address these issues, mental healthcare providers must work to create a safe and affirming environment that respects and supports the individual’s identity and experiences. Studies suggest that due to the negative treatment of LGBTQ individuals, they may be at higher risk for certain mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide risk. These specific needs must be addressed in order to provide appropriate treatment.
Additional barriers to accessing mental healthcare are lack of insurance coverage, financial issues, and geographical constraints. Mental healthcare providers can help to reduce these barriers to accessing care by providing affordable or sliding scale options and offering telehealth. Effective care must take these issues into consideration.
Ultimately, the most effective and important approach to mental healthcare for the LGBTQ community is understanding, empathy, and an overall commitment to providing safe and supportive care.
Suzette Castilleja-Decker M.Ed, LPC
Katrina Spivey, LPC, RPT
