The pandemic has affected everyone's mental health, even those who had the advantage of safety and support. For LGBTQ+ youth who are already navigating a challenging time, the difficulties have been even more significant. The healthcare system wasn't designed to meet their specific needs, and the pandemic has made access to mental health care even harder. Few programs have been established to address these new challenges.
The pandemic has intensified existing barriers to mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting the urgent need for better access and support. We will look at how these challenges have evolved, what is being done to address them, and the broader impact on the community and efforts to improve the healthcare system for everyone.
Access to mental healthcare is crucial and can be the difference between life and death. Muneer Panjwani from The Trevor Project highlights that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 34, and LGBTQ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. Their latest survey found that 42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, with more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth affected.
Affirming healthcare not only saves lives but also improves mental health outcomes. Cathren Cohen from the National Health Law Program explains that gender-affirming care significantly benefits transgender youth, with studies showing it reduces depression rates.
The pandemic has worsened the existing challenges for LGBTQ+ youth, who already face high levels of stigma, discrimination, bullying, and family rejection, increasing their need for mental health support.
Abbi Coursolle from NHELP points out that LGBTQ+ youth often have fewer resources to tackle mental health challenges compared to adults. Here are some key statistics that highlight the greater mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals:
Navigating through a list of providers on an insurance website is challenging for everyone, but it's just one of the many issues queer youth face when trying to find mental health care.
Many LGBTQ+ youth need parental permission to access mental health care. In some states, minors (often under 14 or 16) require parental consent, and some states are pushing to require consent from both parents. This can be a significant barrier for those with unsupportive parents. Additionally, privacy laws often don't protect youth health information from being shared with their parents, making it even harder to access care discreetly.
Getting care outside of their parent's insurance can be very expensive, and most LGBTQ+ youth can't afford it. While some healthcare practices specialize in LGBTQ+ needs, like FOLX Health, many don't accept insurance or Medicaid. If many adults struggle with out-of-pocket costs, it's even harder for young people.
Even if a young person manages to get parental consent and afford care, the quality of that care can be problematic. LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination from providers, which can discourage them from seeking help. For instance, providers may use incorrect pronouns or create an uncomfortable environment, leading to poor experiences. Affirming care is essential for positive outcomes, but discriminatory practices can hinder these benefits.
Isolation, illness, and instability during the pandemic have worsened mental health for everyone, including LGBTQ+ youth. Panjwani shared troubling stats, noting that 70% of LGBTQ youth reported their mental health was "poor" most of the time or always during COVID-19, and only 1 in 3 felt their home was LGBTQ-affirming.
Many LGBTQ+ youth had to stay in unaccepting home environments and lacked access to supportive resources like school or extracurricular activities. Panjwani also points out that multiple minority identities can make challenges even more demanding. For example, among Black LGBTQ youth, 66% reported feeling depressed, 35% seriously considered suicide, and 19% attempted suicide in the past year.
Additionally, Courselle notes that the pandemic has reduced the number of providers available for non-COVID care, making it harder for young people to find suitable and affirming mental health services.
While you might expect new healthcare options to address pandemic challenges, telehealth's leading development has increased. Courselle explains that telehealth has improved access for some LGBTQ+ youth, especially those whose parents won't consent to in-person care.
Since mental health services are more accessible through video or phone calls than physical exams, finding remote providers has been more straightforward. Courselle notes that telehealth benefits younger youth who can't drive, allowing them to connect with services more efficiently.
However, telehealth has downsides. Many young people live with their families and may lack the privacy to speak openly with a provider. This issue is compounded by the increased time family members spend at home during the pandemic. Additionally, those with low income might not have access to the necessary technology for telehealth sessions.
Access to mental healthcare is crucial for the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, who face many barriers to receiving it. Being LGBTQ+ itself doesn't cause mental health issues; instead, it's the discrimination and societal debate surrounding their existence that contributes to these problems. As society progresses, there's hope that cultural changes will address these challenges. Although there are no new programs specifically for improving mental healthcare access for LGBTQ+ youth, there are actions we can take to support them.
Affirmation from various sources can positively impact mental health. Cohen notes that research shows each area of affirmation in a trans youth's life—whether from family, schools, friends, or faith groups—can improve their mental health outcomes. Affirming adults is crucial. Panjwani highlights that having at least one accepting adult can lower the risk of suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth by 40%. Social support from family and friends also reduces suicide attempts, and LGBTQ+-affirming schools can decrease these attempts by 35%.
Panajwani emphasizes the importance of high-quality, culturally competent mental health care for all, including LGBTQ+ youth from diverse backgrounds and identities.
We still have a long way to go in improving mental healthcare access for LGBTQ+ youth. While advocates work tirelessly to drive progress, each of us has a role in supporting these young people. Our actions and support can significantly impact their lives, often determining their well-being and safety.
By fostering an affirming environment and advocating for change, we contribute to a future where every LGBTQ+ youth can access the care they need and live healthier, happier lives. Let's commit to being allies, offering support, and pushing for systemic improvements to ensure every young person can thrive.