LGBTQ individuals in the US face disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges; often in isolation and with heartbreaking consequences. In the past year alone, 41% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide, and over half of those who sought mental health care couldn’t get it.
Untreated mental health issues take lives. Among those who die by suicide, 46% have a known mental health condition, showing just how critical access to quality mental health care is. Yet, for the estimated 5.8 million LGBTQ Americans, systemic barriers and lack of affirming healthcare too often stand in the way.
Healthcare providers and payors have an urgent responsibility to address these inequalities through informed, inclusive, and compassionate care that truly supports LGBTQ communities.
Understanding the Challenges in LGBTQ Mental Health
Between 20% and 31% of LGBTQ adults have attempted suicide in their lifetimes, compared to only 4.6% of the general US population. Transgender individuals, in particular, face even greater risks: 40% have attempted suicide, and 1 in 5 young transgender or non-binary have done so in just the past year.
LGBTQ people are not inherently prone to mental health struggles; they are at a higher risk because of stigmatization, discrimination, and mistreatment within society. Research shows that family rejection alone raises the risk of suicide over eight times and depression nea. rly six times. Adding to this, 53% of LGBTQ individuals report feeling discrimination just for who they are, which has a considerable impact on mental health.
Obstacles to Getting Mental Health Care
For many, getting access to LGBTQ-affirming mental health care is a struggle. The Trevor Project found that although 81% of young LGBTQ people wanted mental health support, over half faced barriers to getting it; many fear they won’t be understood or will be discriminated against.
Sadly, their concerns are often justified. 1 in 3 LGBTQ adults report experiencing discrimination from mental health professionals, and 24% of transgender individuals have said they have had to educate their providers on trans issues just to receive adequate care. This largely stems from a lack of formal LGBTQ training and clinical preparedness, with most psychiatrists receiving less than five hours of training on LGBTQ issues as a part of their adult psychiatry residency program.
Insurance adds yet another hurdle, with 1 in 4 transgender individuals reporting issues with their coverage tied to their identity. Yet, we know that access to affirming care is powerful: research shows it can reduce suicidality by up to 73% and lower depression rates by 60% in non-binary and transgender individuals within just a year.
Best Practices for Improving LGBTQ Mental Health Care
To make a real difference and save lives, providers and payors need to create safer, more supportive environments, by providing all healthcare professionals with formal training on LGBTQ mental health concerns and inclusive language.
Telehealth services, particularly those designed to be LGBTQ-inclusive, can also help overcome barriers to care. Vita Health’s suicide prevention program, for example, is proven to reduce suicide attempts by 60% and deaths by 80%. Vita’s telehealth model meets people where they often feel safest (at home), offering privacy, flexibility, and the security of stigma-free care that’s as affirming as it is effective.
All of Vita’s clinicians are also trained to deliver evidence-based care to those battling with mental health challenges, and 22% identify as LGBTQ. This ensures culturally competent support to individuals often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems. All LGBTQ patients feel seen, safe, and spoken to by a professional who understands their challenges first-hand.
A Call to Action: Building a Future of Inclusive, Affirmative Care
Addressing the mental health and suicide rates among LGBTQ individuals begins within the healthcare community. Through culturally competent training, accessible telehealth solutions, and a commitment to empathy and inclusivity, we can create a future where LGBTQ individuals have the support they need.
To learn more about how Vita Health’s telehealth services can help you transform mental health care into a truly inclusive space, visit Vita Health today.
