Why LGBTQ+ Mental Health is Important

We support and are proud of our LGBTQ+ patients, colleagues and healthcare providers. While LGBTQ+ healthcare challenges may be unique, we can help by providing resources, encouraging conversations around stigma and educating communities around mental health treatment tools.

Double Stigma: Depression in the LGBTQ+ Community

People who identify as LGBTQ+ often experience a double stigma in which they feel they are not accepted.

  • within the mental health community due to their LGBTQ+ identities
  • within the LGBTQ+ community due to mental health issues including depression

Potential Impacts of Double Stigma

Some LGBTQ+ individuals may feel they need to hide their sexual orientation from mental health providers. The effects of double stigma can be harmful, particularly if a member of this community experiences this kind of discrimination when they seek treatment — which we know is critical to mental health.

2.5x

LGBTQ+ individuals more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance misuse compared with heterosexual individuals 1

31%

Approximate amount of LGBTQ+ older adults report depressive symptoms

4x

The rate of suicide attempts is four times greater for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth than that of heterosexual youth 1
  1. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Cultural-Competency/Mental-Health-Disparities/Mental-Health-Facts-for-LGBTQ.pdf

Depression Treatment

It’s important for anyone struggling with depression to seek treatment. However, we recognize that depression in the LGBTQ+ community may come with different challenges.

Practitioners trained to look for and address the first signs of mental health issues in LGBTQ+ youth can help mitigate the damaging effects of severe depression.2

Clinicians are essential in addressing mental health issues specific to gender and sexual orientation. The GeneSight test can help your doctor make informed medication treatment decisions by using your DNA.

  1. https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/lgbt/reports/2010/12/09/8787/how-to-improve-mental-health-care-for-lgbt-youth/

Learn more about how the GeneSight Psychotropic test can inform your doctor about genes that may impact how you metabolize or respond to medications used to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD and other psychiatric conditions.

Committed to Better LGBTQ+ Mental Health

We are committed to the LGBTQ+ community and their mental health needs. Please visit this page often to see new content for both patients and healthcare providers.

PATIENT

It’s Critical to Talk About LGBTQ+ Mental Health

As we observe Pride Month, we are mindful of the disproportionate number of members of the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with depression, and the stigma associated with LGBTQ+ mental…

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HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Pride (and Prejudice) in LGBTQ+ Mental Health Treatment

Pride Month is different this year. Most parades are canceled. There will be far fewer celebrations, and those who attend them should keep a socially acceptable distance. For many members…

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a paper rainbow heart representing LGBTQ mental health
PATIENT

Seeking Better LGBTQ Mental Health

Depression is an important issue in the LGBTQ community. We believe there isn’t a more important time than Pride Month–observed in June to recognize the contributions of LGBTQ individuals on…

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Helpful Resources

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a multimedia support network for LGBTQ youth providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a comprehensive resource for more than 23 million people in the U.S. who live with mood disorders, providing education, tools, peer support and a wealth of inspiring stories.

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Mental Health America

Mental Health America works locally and nationally to raise awareness about mental health and ensures that those at-risk for mental illnesses and related disorders receive proper, timely and effective treatment. MHA offers unique educational materials created specifically for the LGBTQ audience.

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The GeneSight Team Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride

  • Pride 1
  • Pride 2
  • Pride 3
  • Pride 4
    Pride 1
    Pride 2
    Pride 3
    Pride 4

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      The stories shared on this page are individual patients’ personal experiences with GeneSight. Others may not have the same experience or outcome. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications.

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