- Recent research revealed a glaring gap in the mental health care for LGBTQ youth.
- This lack of treatment has fuelled soaring rates of depression, anxiety, and body image issues in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community and harboring a spectrum of unconventional sexualities can be extremely tough in a world that is hell-bent on protecting and preaching traditional notions of gender and sexuality aka heterosexuality.
Hate crimes and homophobia constitute common everyday experiences for the members of this community. Because of this, members of this community are often susceptible to the development of a large number of mental health disorders.
Research shows that approximately half of LGBTQ communities report experiences of depression and three in five report social anxiety. It was also found that one in eight LGBTIQ+ individuals aged 18 to 24 had attempted suicide.
Additionally, nearly half of transgender individuals—particularly teenagers and young adults—had contemplated ending their own lives. Experts claim that mental health disorders like body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and substance use disorders are at an all-time high in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Are The Affected Individuals Availing LGBTQ Mental Health Services?
Fortunately, for the rising number of laws that legitimize LGBTQ rights and the growing mental health awareness about the LGBTQ community’s mental health, there is a burgeoning need for LGBTQ mental health services. However, studies conducted across the world, even in countries having a conducive environment to varied sexual orientations, reveal that mental health care for LGBTQ youth is lacking.
For instance, an analysis of over 8,000 facilities providing mental health services to youth in 2020 revealed that only 28% offered services specifically designed for LGBTQ individuals, a slight increase from 2014.
Availability of LGBTQ-specific services varied across states, with coastal states generally having higher availability compared to rural states. On a per capita basis, all states had fewer than 10 youth-serving facilities with LGBTQ-specific services per 100,000 children.
Additionally, a report by The Trevor Project found that despite a high desire for LGBTQ mental health services, particularly therapy, 54% of those who sought counseling did not receive it, citing reasons such as the inability to pay for services.
Addressing The Gap In Mental Health Care For LGBTQ Youth
Addressing the significant gap in mental health care for LGBTQ youth is crucial for their overall well-being and mental well-being. Efforts must be made to increase the availability and accessibility of LGBTQ-specific mental health services in youth-serving facilities across the country.
This can involve implementing targeted training programs for mental health professionals to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally competent and inclusive care.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns and advocacy can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in the LGBTQ community and encourage open dialogue about the specific challenges and needs faced by LGBTQ youth.
Collaboration between mental health organizations, LGBTQ organizations, and policymakers is essential to develop comprehensive strategies that address the unique mental health concerns of LGBTQ youth and ensure that they have equal access to quality mental health care.