June is Pride Month and it is focused on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for mental health, inclusion, and equality. It is important to understand the barriers to mental health treatment that 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 and cisgender population.

The Trevor Project recently released their 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, which was completed by 18,663 LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13 to 24) in the United States. The survey asked questions about the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people and about their ability to access care. Among all LGBTQ+ young people surveyed, 84% wanted mental health care in the past year. However, 50% of those young people were unable to access care. Additionally, LGBTQ+ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to affirming spaces and communities.

Here are some of the key findings from the Trevor Project's 2024 survey:

• 66% of LGBTQ+ young people reported experiencing recent symptoms of anxiety
• 53% of LGBTQ+ young people reported experiencing recent symptoms of depression
• 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year — including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people
• 12% of LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year

In recent years there has been a notable increase in the number of individuals seeking gender-affirming care. Correspondingly, there has also been a drastic increase in scientific evidence that clinicians need to be familiar with in order to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment for patients. Specifically, it is critical that psychiatric providers familiarize themselves with the criteria for gender dysphoria to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

>> View The Full 2024 National Survey from The Trevor Project

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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  
  • TrevorLifeline: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available. Call 1-866-488-7386
  • TrevorText: Confidential text messaging with a Trevor counselor. Text START to 678-678. Standard messaging rates may apply
  • TrevorChat: Confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor counselor. Access through a computer.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
• Find LGBTQ-Friendly Therapy: Information from Mental Health America (MHA) on how to find LGBTQ-Friendly Therapy.
• 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.

Reference:

Nath R et al. 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. The Trevor Project. West Hollywood, CA. 2024. www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024