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LGBTQ

Today there is more awareness of LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual or allied) issues, and more advocacy on their behalf than ever. Yet there remains a tremendous amount of stigma and outright hatred directed toward the LGBTQIA community, making it very difficult — and sometimes painful — to navigate life as a LGBTQIA person.

Those who identify as LGBTQIA are not genetically more likely to experience mental illness, but fear of discrimination and abuse — along with the stress of coming out and being accepted within families and communities — make them more vulnerable to mental health struggles. According to the National Alliance On Mental Illness, the LBGTQIA population is three times more likely to experience major depression or generalized anxiety, and is at higher risk of substance abuse and suicide.

Suicide risk is of particular concern for the LBGTQIA community, especially among LBGTQIA youth aged 10-24. They are 4 times as likely to die by suicide and 3 times as likely to attempt suicide, experience suicidal thoughts, or self-harm. Transgender individuals are also at increased risk, with 38-65% experiencing suicidal ideation. Mental health services need to be readily accessible to the LBGTQIA community, and above all, LBGTQIA folks need to know that kind, compassionate, truly loving mental health support is out there should they require it.

woman with shaved head sitting with eyes closed
Read More
Published on: 05 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

How to Cope With Gender Dysphoria

Published on: 05 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byReshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Jan 05, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Gender dysphoria is the term used to describe when your physical body doesn’t align with your gender or…
two men holding each other outside
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Published on: 04 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 11 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

How to Come Out: A Guide for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Published on: 04 Jan 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byLiz Kelly, LCSW
  • Jan 04, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Updated 4/11/2025 For many people, deciding when and how to come out is empowering. However, it can be…
man with long hair sitting
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Published on: 25 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
  • 11 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC

Coming Out As Transgender: Everything You Need to Know

Published on: 25 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
  • Written byReshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Oct 25, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
Knowing when or how to come out as trans can be scary. It can also be very liberating…
two men lying down holding hands
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Published on: 25 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC

The Different Types of Gender Identity

Published on: 25 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
  • Written byRachel O'Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S
  • Oct 25, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Minkyung Chung, MS, LMHC
Gender identity is often misunderstood. It’s not the same thing as sexual identity. The simplest way to think…
Man standing in front of rainbow
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Published on: 25 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

Gender Identity vs. Gender Expression: What’s the Difference?

Published on: 25 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byRachel O'Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S
  • Oct 25, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
The difference between gender identity and gender expression can be confusing for some. Many people just lump the…
two people holding hands
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Published on: 08 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • 10 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health: A Complete Guide

Published on: 08 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Written byRachel O'Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S
  • Oct 08, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Karmen Smith LCSW, DD 
Updated on 9/13/2022 Mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community (formerly known as the LGBT community before recognizing the…
Woman in leather jacket being stared at by three classmates
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Published on: 07 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC

Bullying in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Published on: 07 Oct 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
  • Written byRachel O'Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S
  • Oct 07, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Kate Rosenblatt, MA, LPC, LMHC
Bullying is rampant these days. We live in an age of social media where constant scrutiny and the…
person-sitting-against-wall
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Published on: 23 Jul 2021
  • 4 minute read

Dysphoria vs Dysmorphia: The Difference Between Gender and Body

Published on: 23 Jul 2021
  • Written byAmy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC
  • Jul 23, 2021
In order to truly understand the difference between gender dysphoria vs. body dysmorphia, we need to first look…
Read More
Published on: 16 Jun 2021
  • 6 minute read

Exploring Gender Identity and Mental Health

Published on: 16 Jun 2021
  • Written byHannah Connors
  • Jun 16, 2021
Gender identity can be a confusing concept to navigate at first. Most of us grew up with the…
Read More
Published on: 15 Jun 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R

How to Find an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Therapist

Published on: 15 Jun 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Written byAshley Laderer
  • Jun 15, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Jill E. Daino, LCSW-R
Updated on 9/13/2022 When it comes to therapy, no therapist is one size fits all, but this is…

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