{"id":20679,"date":"2023-07-01T11:24:15","date_gmt":"2023-07-01T16:24:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20679"},"modified":"2023-08-31T11:41:20","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T16:41:20","slug":"mental-health-in-the-lgbtq-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/mental-health-in-the-lgbtq-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the American Psychiatric Association, LGBTQ+ individuals are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/psychiatrists\/diversity\/education\/lgbtq-patients#:~:text=LGBTQ%20individuals%20are%20more%20than,misuse%20compared%20with%20heterosexual%20individuals.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more likely to experience mental health issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in their lives than individuals who are heterosexual and cisgender. In the case of depression and anxiety, LGBTQ+ individuals are 2.5 times more likely to experience these conditions than heterosexual individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a variety of stressors specific to the LGBTQ+ community that contribute to the heightened risk of mental health conditions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Coming out<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The act of coming out, or openly living as an LGBTQ+ individual, can be a stressful experience. During the coming out process, LGBTQ+ individuals may face rejection from family and friends, discrimination in the workplace, or even violence.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Violence and trauma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: LGBTQ individuals are at a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/press\/ncvs-lgbt-violence-press-release\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher risk of becoming victims of violent attacks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than their non-LGBTQ counterparts. This high risk, and the trauma responses that can come after an attack, can lead to a variety of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lack of mental health care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The number of facilities offering mental health care specific to LGBTQ+ individuals has <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamapediatrics\/fullarticle\/2805375?guestAccessKey=624ce4ae-f093-4010-8269-dedae44689e8&amp;utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=060523\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">only increased by 3 percent in the last ten years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For many of those in the LGBTQ+ community, finding mental health professionals who can provide LGBTQ+-conscious support is a difficult process.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Homelessness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, LGBTQ+ people <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalhomeless.org\/lgbtq-homelessness\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">face discrimination and harassment when seeking housing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Dealing with unstable housing situations and harassment from other residents and staff at homeless shelters can create high levels of stress for LGBTQ+ individuals.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each of these life events and stressors contributes to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-connection-between-mental-health-and-sexual-health\/\"><span>mental health of those in the LGBTQ+ community<\/span><\/a><span>. Those dealing with mental health conditions must be connected to the resources and LGBTQ-friendly mental health professionals that can help them to heal and thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prominent mental health concerns in the LGBTQ+ community<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community are at a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/namica.org\/lgbtqi\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher risk of developing mental health conditions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These conditions, including depression, anxiety and substance misuse, can have a long-lasting impact on a person\u2019s quality of life, especially if they do not receive the mental healthcare they need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stress felt within the LGBTQ+ community as a result of discrimination, prejudice, rejection, and violence is referred to as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5846479\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minority stress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These stressors are shared with other minority groups.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of these causes of minority stress, LGBTQ+ individuals also experience stress from years of concealing their identity and battling internalized homophobia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ people of color have additional stressors to cope with stemming from the effects of racism. The intersectional nature of minority stress can cause additional physical and mental health struggles to take hold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 30 to 60 percent of all LGBTQ+ individuals <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/adaa.org\/learn-from-us\/from-the-experts\/blog-posts\/consumer\/understanding-anxiety-and-depression-lgbtq\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">live with anxiety or depression during their lifetime<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/322510\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">physical and mental symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can impact a person\u2019s quality of life, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Physically, individuals may experience heart palpitations, dry mouth and numbness in the hands and feet during anxiety attacks. Mentally, anxiety can cause panic, fear, obsessive thoughts and nightmares.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to other mental health conditions, depression is one of the more common conditions with which LGBTQ+ individuals are diagnosed. According to the 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/survey-2022\/#anxiety-depression\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">58 percent of LGBTQ youth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> report experiencing depressive feelings in their day-to-day lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/322395\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression can have a significant impact<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on a person\u2019s physical and mental health. Depressed individuals often experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, decreased appetite, trouble concentrating, limited memory and headaches among other symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disordered eating<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating disorders can be brought on by some of the common stressors faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rejection from friends and family,\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discrimination and violence,\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety and depression.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These stressors put LGBTQ+ individuals at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaleatingdisorders.org\/learn\/general-information\/lgbtq\"><span>higher risk for developing disordered eating<\/span><\/a><span> and facing limited treatment options. While there are specific, diagnosed eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the term <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/what-is-disordered-eating\/\"><span>disordered eating<\/span><\/a><span> is used to describe harmful eating habits beyond these diagnoses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent dieting, food restriction, food guilt and other harmful habits may not warrant a diagnosis with an eating disorder, but those dealing with these habits can still benefit from mental health treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substance misuse<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, lesbian, gay and bisexual adults <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/research-topics\/substance-use-suds-in-lgbtq-populations\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">misuse opioids at nearly double the rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the general population. Similarly, 21% of LGBTQ+ adults have an alcohol use disorder, compared to 11% of the general population.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some individuals who feel they cannot seek mental healthcare, or have restricted access to mental healthcare, substance misuse can be a form of self-medication. However, substance misuse can lead to long-lasting mental and physical health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicide<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One in every five <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2022\/05\/05\/1096920693\/lgbtq-youth-thoughts-of-suicide-trevor-project-survey\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">transgender and nonbinary youth have attempted suicide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in their lives. Close to half of all LGBTQ+ youth have thought about committing suicide, a trend that is currently being addressed by counselors, nonprofits, and educators around the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These numbers are startling, and they are indicative of a widespread problem in the LGBTQ+ community. Untreated mental health conditions, discrimination, violence and barriers to treatment create situations where suicide occurs. However, even for those who cannot attend therapy, there are options, discussed in this article, that can provide emergency support for those considering suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does age impact mental health concerns in the LGBTQ+ community?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age can greatly impact an LGBTQ+ individual\u2019s life experiences. Older LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to face poverty and mental health struggles than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Some seniors end up hiding parts of their identity to avoid abuse and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/pi\/lgbt\/resources\/aging\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neglect when living in nursing homes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age also has an impact on young LGBTQ+ people, including those in middle school, high school, and college.\u00a0 LGBTQ+ kids, from an early age, can experience <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/research-briefs\/bullying-and-suicide-risk-among-lgbtq-youth\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">discrimination and violence in the form of bullying<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As they age, these experiences can cause trauma and mental health conditions that follow them <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/mental-health-in-college-a-guide-for-students-and-families\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">through high school and college<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and into adulthood, leading to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/preventing-self-harm-in-teens-a-guide-for-appropriate-intervention\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">self-harm<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barriers to mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/1-question-5-answers-how-are-providers-improving-care-for-lgbtq-patients\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare options for the LGBTQ+ community<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are always improving, there are still barriers that many people face.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These barriers to mental health care can lead to LGBTQ+ individuals suffering alone or in silence with mental health conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial and physical access to therapy and mental health services can be limited for some individuals. These access barriers include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a study from 2021, 12.7% of LGB+ individuals <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/aspe.hhs.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2021-07\/lgbt-health-ib.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">did not have health insurance coverage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compared to 11.4% of the general population.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rural residences may have limited mental health professionals in the local area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanprogress.org\/article\/discrimination-and-barriers-to-well-being-the-state-of-the-lgbtqi-community-in-2022\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employment discrimination<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and mental health struggles can cause situations of unstable income and financial constraints that limit access to mental healthcare.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transportation limitations and the impact they can have on access to regular medical appointments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While telehealth services have helped to overcome some of these accessibility barriers, even access to telehealth can be limited due to other factors, such as limitations in insurance coverage.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every insurance plan covers the costs of mental health services. For individuals living in rural areas, there are additional limits in coverage. Many health insurance plans don\u2019t cover telehealth services, including virtual therapy appointments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The costs of therapy, especially when not covered by insurance, can act as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamc.org\/advocacy-policy\/aamc-research-and-action-institute\/barriers-mental-health-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an insurmountable barrier for some LGBTQ+ people<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> looking for mental health help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Societal issues and attitudes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While therapy is becoming generally more socially accepted, there are still some subconscious barriers to overcome for some people as they consider seeking mental health services.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some LGBTQ+ people fear judgment from friends and family if they attend therapy, and may even view it as a sign of weakness within themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking treatment for mental health challenges<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When seeking treatment for mental health challenges, there are a variety of types of mental health professionals to choose from. These professionals offer different services, so understanding the differences between them is important for finding the best possible care. These professionals include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/therapist-counselors\"><b>Therapists<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Therapists are trained to provide therapeutic services to their clients through graduate degrees and licenses in psychology or social work.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychologists\"><b>Psychologists<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Psychologists are trained in specific sub-fields of psychology and have earned a doctoral degree in psychology or education.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/psychiatrists\"><b>Psychiatrists<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who have completed medical school and residency. Unlike therapists and psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe psychiatric medications as part of a patient\u2019s treatment plan.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Starting work with a therapist or psychologist can be an uncertain time, but it can provide many benefits and opportunities for growth. Additionally, your therapist or psychologist can refer you to a psychiatrist if you want to explore options such as psychiatric medication.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding an LGBTQ-friendly mental health provider<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For LGBTQ+ individuals, it is important to find a mental health provider who is LGBTQ+-friendly. This can mean a mental healthcare provider who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community or a provider who has experience working with and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With thorough research, you can find a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist who focuses in LGBTQ+ mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are you looking for?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most LGBTQ+-friendly therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists will indicate their experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals on any online profiles and pages they may have.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They may simply make a note of being \u201cLGBTQ+-friendly\u201d, or they may note that they specialize in working with minority populations or helping individuals dealing with issues such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/gender-dysphoria\/#:~:text=Gender%20dysphoria%20is%20a%20term,harmful%20impact%20on%20daily%20life.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gender dysphoria<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where to look for referrals?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When looking for referrals for LGBTQ+-friendly mental health providers, it is best to look for information from current patients and LGBTQ+ individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Local LGBTQ+ centers will certainly have resources and information about local mental healthcare providers. You can also check online groups, social media, and reviews left in online directories.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contacting a provider<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have found a provider you would like to work with, you can contact them to ask clarifying questions and determine if they are the right fit for you. Some questions to ask a potential provider include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What experiences do you have working with LGBTQ+ people?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are your specialties and research focuses?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What types of therapy do you use in sessions with clients?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are some red flags to keep an eye out for when starting with a new mental healthcare provider. If the provider suggests <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrc.org\/resources\/the-lies-and-dangers-of-reparative-therapy\"><span>conversion therapy<\/span><\/a><span>, this is a strong indication that they are not LGBTQ+-friendly. Conversion therapy is widely viewed as an unethical practice geared towards changing a person\u2019s sexual orientation or gender identity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting an LGBTQ+ loved one who is struggling<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have an LGBTQ+ loved one who is struggling, there are many ways you can support them, as well as actions to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In conversations with your LGBTQ+ loved one, do not:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Express judgment about the person\u2019s LGBTQ+ experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refer to your own religious or moral beliefs about people who are LGBTQ+.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Give the person the impression that being LGBTQ+ is a deviation from the norm.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Say things that are intended to reassure but are mostly unhelpful or patronizing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your focus when providing support for an LGBTQ+ individual should be to show respect, even if you don\u2019t understand or feel uncomfortable with their identity. Always respect their clothing, name, and <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/lgbtrc\/support\/gender-pronouns\/\"><span>pronoun choices<\/span><\/a><span>. If your loved one is lacking a sense of community or needs the help of resources or trained professionals, you can provide suggestions for helpful organizations and community events in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ crisis and suicide prevention hotlines<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While discrimination and violence are still serious issues faced by the community, there is a wide range of organizations and trained professionals who can provide support for LGBTQ+ people in crisis situations or those who are considering suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These LGBTQ+-inclusive organizations include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgbthotline.org\/youth-talkline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBT National Youth Talkline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1-800-246-7743<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/988lifeline.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1-800-273-8255<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgbthotline.org\/national-hotline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBT National Hotline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 1-888-843-4564<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Calling these hotlines can provide you with a source of support in crisis situations. The trained professionals who answer these hotlines can talk you through hard situations and refer you to additional resources that can help you cope with suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional LGBTQ+ resources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond crisis and suicide prevention hotlines, there are many different resources available to the LGBTQ+ community. These resources include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hrc.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human Rights Campaign (HRC)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The HRC provides resources for LGBTQ+ individuals interested in learning about sexual health, advocacy, and options for long-term care.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glma.org\/find_a_provider.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association\u2019s Provider Directory<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This directory is free to use and provides information on LGBTQ-friendly healthcare professionals in the United States and Canada.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetrevorproject.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Trevor Project<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This project provides a 24\/7 hotline, as well as educational resources about LGBTQ+ mental health.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/translifeline.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trans Lifeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This helpline is operated by transgender people, and is built to provide ongoing support for transgender people in crisis.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The LGBT National Help Center: <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This center provides chat rooms, call lines, and informational lists created to help educate LGBTQ+ people about mental health, LGBTQ+ history and media, and so much more.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These resources help LGBTQ+ people to find mental healthcare providers and other trained professionals and resources who can help them to live and thrive with their mental health conditions.<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to the American Psychiatric Association, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience mental health issues in their lives than individuals who are heterosexual and cisgender. In the case of depression and anxiety, LGBTQ+ individuals are 2.5 times more likely to experience these conditions than heterosexual individuals. There are a variety of stressors specific to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20680,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[41],"class_list":["post-20679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-mental-health"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Due to a variety of stressors, such as discrimination and violence, people in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience mental health conditions. 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