Disparities in Mental Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Youth: The Role of Primary Care

Work Type

Poster

Abstract

Members of the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of mental illness than their cisgender and heterosexual peers.

  • Higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and ADHD.
  • 3.5x more at risk of attempting suicide and 2.6x more likely to self-harm.

The Minority Stress Theory posits that disparities are due to chronic internal and external stressors related to stigmatized identities.

LGBTQ+ youth face more barriers to accessing mental healthcare.

  • Fear of being outed, fear of talking about mental health, lack of caregiver’s permission, financial concerns, and previous negative experiences with providers.

There is an unmet need for provider training.

  • Less than 1/3 of providers feel comfortable taking a history regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Only 7% of providers were aware of available resources for LGBTQ+ youth.

Publication Date

5-15-2025

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