June is Pride Month and it’s important to understand the barriers to mental health treatment the impact the LGBTQ+ community Many years of research have identified health and mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals, showing they experience higher rates of mental health problems compared to the heterosexual, cisgender population. If you’re a mental health care provider, it’s crucial that you understand what gender-affirming care really is.
Where to find support? Here are some helplines and resources for support.
- If you are an LGBTQ young person in crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, you can contact The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors 24/7 at 866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.
- Call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration National Helpline at 800-662-4357.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741-741.
- If you’re at immediate risk: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional. Consider calling 911 or your local emergency number if you can’t get in touch with them.
- Learn more and find resources from Mental Health America: mhanational.org/pride.