The LGBTQIA+ Community and Mental Health

This blog post will be one of a few posts that address mental health and service-seeking behaviors for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

First, let’s make one thing clear. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you identify as

LGBTQIA+. However, certain people who do not identify as such may try to make you think

otherwise. Folks who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community are often in need of

mental health services. They do not need mental health services purely because they are part of this community, but because this community is heavily marginalized. Often, those who identify as being part of this community are also part of other marginalized populations, which further contributes to stress, can increase the chances of traumatic experiences, and can put you at risk for negative mental health implications simply because you have chosen to be who you are.

Mental Health Services

If you are in a place where you are able to receive mental health services, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the main facets of therapy is that your therapist should be aiming to remove themselves (on a personal level) from your therapeutic interactions. This includes political/fundamental views, personal beliefs, opinions, etc. We do this so that we can have a clearer, more professional perspective of what you are bringing to our sessions. When it comes to counseling folks who identify as LGBTQIA+, some therapists may find it clinically beneficial to disclose their own identity or their own allyship with the community. This usually allows a greater sense of therapeutic rapport to be built which is essential to the counseling relationship.

Choosing a therapist is often difficult, and sometimes it can take a while to find someone who is the right fit for you. When looking for a therapist, consider what would make you more comfortable. Do you want someone who specifically lists specializations in working with LGBTQIA+ populations? Would you prefer someone who identifies themselves as being part of the community beyond allyship? If a therapist does not fit these criteria, it doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t be an effective therapist for you. Progress can certainly be made if you see a therapist who is not part of the community, but it may be easier for you to build a relationship with someone who has extensive knowledge and experience with the LGBTQIA+ population.

If you are hoping to focus on LGBTQIA+ issues in therapy, it would be beneficial for you to look for a therapist who is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Here are some suggestions to look over during your search for a therapist.

Barriers to Services

Individual factors often pose barriers to seeking mental health services. Maybe your family

hasn’t accepted that you identify as LGBTQIA+ and refuses to let you see a therapist. Or,

perhaps they want you to see a different kind of therapist in an effort to “convert” you. Other

factors might include financial/insurance difficulties, accessibility of services, negative past

experiences with treatment, and more.

If you are not able to see a mental health professional at this time, consider some alternatives. Most importantly, finding at least one trusted person for support can make a drastic difference in your journey to healing. They may be able to help you get connected with other resources, but ultimately, you would have at least one person in your corner to support and empower you.

Resources

The Mental Health America Organization has a great selection of Resources at the bottom of

their post about LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health. Many of which are free, discreet,

and accessible 24/7. There are more listed on the Human Rights Campaign website as well.

This post was written by Shannon France, MS, MHC-LP, and published by Mandevilla Mental Health Counseling, PLLC