Only 36% of LGBTQ youth who have wanted mental health care have received it [source]. One cause for this is difficulty in finding an LGBTQ-competent provider. Some providers are not trained to support the unique issues and concerns LGBTQ youth may be facing. Youth are there to receive quality care. But instead, they have to educate their care providers about their identities and needs.

LGBTQ Youth Face Additional Hurdles

In some cases, mental health providers have to approve youth to access physical trans care and surgeries. They may also have to approve name, pronoun, and gender changes on official documents. This is despite the fact that sexual orientation and gender identity are not mental health disorders. Many providers may choose to withhold approval. These processes and avoidable hurdles can leave a young adult feeling defeated, misunderstood, and rejected. We need health providers to understand and support the needs of LGBTQ youth. They are in a position to help youth find self-acceptance and validation.

Learn more about this topic and ideas for taking action below. Small steps – including teaching others about why pronouns matter – can make a difference.

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Key Stats

  • Nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth don’t receive wanted mental health care due to concerns related to the LGBTQ competence of providers. [source]

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LGBTQ Health & Well-being

Need help right now?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
800-273-8255

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