How Access to Affirming Mental Health Care Saves Lives

Irvine mental health care access.

During September, National Suicide Awareness Month highlights how the power of affirming mental health care can save lives. With greater access to LGBTQ+ counseling services, more people in Orange County can find the support they need. However, as many in the community still face persistent barriers to dependable mental health care access, more must be done to remove these obstacles to care.

The Mental Health Crisis Affecting the LGBTQ+ Community

Throughout September, mental health organizations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and others across Orange County have been focused on raising awareness of the challenges of accessing mental health care. Such care is particularly vital for the LGBTQ+ community, as data consistently shows a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in comparison to the general population.

A CDC survey found that 26.3% of gay, lesbian or bisexual respondents had attempted suicide within the previous 12 months. Compared with heterosexual survey respondents, they were 3.4 times more likely to have seriously considered suicide, and 5.1 times more likely to have attempted it. With an elevated risk of social stigma, discrimination and family rejection, increasing access to mental health care is essential to protecting the well-being of LGBTQ+ people.

The Life-Saving Impact of Affirming Care

The benefits of behavioral health services for LGBTQ+ teens and adults demonstrate the need for better access to care in Orange County and beyond. In practice, affirming care means that providers respect the identities of patients, have a deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with being LGBTQ+, and can deliver culturally competent mental health and medical care.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ people with access to affirming providers report lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. For example, a Trevor Project survey found that transgender and nonbinary youth who considered their school to be gender-affirming (54% of respondents) reported lower rates of suicide attempts.

When people feel safe and able to engage in counseling sessions and group therapy, they are more likely to stay involved with the process, develop coping strategies and importantly, reach out for support during a crisis. The benefits of receiving affirming care can extend across health care in general, resulting in greater confidence in the system as a whole.

Expanding Access to Affirming Mental Health Care

At Radiant Health Centers, we are continuously striving to reach more people with affirming mental health care services. Our LGBTQ+ youth and mentorship program is providing peer support, group counseling, mentor programs and other valuable services at critical times in young people’s development. Additionally, our counseling services support those experiencing emotional challenges, HIV-related problems, substance abuse and other common issues.

During National Suicide Awareness Month and throughout the year, it’s vital that we work together to build a community where everyone has access to the affirming care they need to thrive.

Access Mental Health Support and Counseling in Irvine

Radiant Health Centers supports LGBTQ+ people and others across Orange County with affirming mental health care services. To discuss our behavioral health support and youth programs, contact our medical clinic today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment.

/by

Why Suicide Awareness Month Matters for the LGBTQ+ Community

Suicide awareness and mental health support in Irvine.

Throughout September, mental health organizations, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups across the country unite to observe National Suicide Prevention Month. As the largest provider of LGBTQ+ counseling and mental health support in Orange County, Radiant Health Center is acutely aware of the disproportionate impact that suicide and mental health challenges have on the community. This month presents a vital opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

The Impact of Suicide Among LGBTQ+ Individuals

Suicide is a serious public health crisis in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among young people, as well as transgender and nonbinary individuals. According to data from The Trevor Project, 35% of LGBTQ+ youth in California have seriously considered suicide in the past year, and half of them wanted mental health support, but were unable to access it. Unfortunately, the reality is that discrimination and systemic barriers to care put LGBTQ+ people of all ages and backgrounds at increased risk.

Why the LGBTQ+ Community Faces Barriers to Getting Help

National Suicide Prevention Month is a good time to reflect on the issues that can ultimately lead to a person taking their own life. For many LGBTQ+ people, discrimination is a problem experienced at home, in the workplace, in healthcare settings, and within the community. While there are many benefits to accessing behavioral health services, past negative experiences and a lack of LGBTQ+-affirming therapists cause barriers to effective care.

How National Suicide Prevention Month Makes a Difference

During the month of September, individuals and organizations across the country are focused on breaking the silence around LGBTQ+ mental health and suicide. Public engagement with the topic, both in the media and community spaces, can promote LGBTQ+ voices in the discussion and drive change. By raising awareness of these issues, we can take the steps required to connect people with the crucial mental health support services they need.

Delivering Affirming Care to Orange County’s LGBTQ+ Community

At Radiant Health Centers, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking mental health and medical care. Our in-person and virtual therapy sessions cover many of the most significant contributors to suicidal ideation and suicide, including anxiety and depression, substance abuse, troubled relationships and HIV-related issues. For those aged 12 and above, our LGBTQ+ youth and mentorship program supports younger individuals and their families through mentorship, drop-in centers and other crucial resources.

Mental Health Support and Counseling in Orange County

Radiant Health Centers offers a range of counseling and mental health support services for the LGBTQ+ community and others in Orange County. To access support from our knowledgeable and compassionate team, contact our Irvine medical center today. Call (949) 809-5700 or request an appointment today.

Image Credit – AYO Production/Shutterstock.com

/by

How Telehealth Offers Compassionate Care to Youth & Adults

Telehealth appointments offer youth & adults compassionate care.

Going back to 2018, telehealth medicine has become a more routine way for doctors to provide medical and behavioral care. This has especially been the case for inclusive Orange County medical clinics focused on providing healthcare for underserved populations, like the LGBTQIA+ community, and people in urban or rural areas. Reducing barriers to comprehensive and holistic care for youth and adults is important, and telehealth appointments allow providers a way to do just that.

Telehealth Care Is Now a Normal Part of Healthcare

Telehealth availability increases overall health awareness, which supports a healthier Orange County community. As of the latest data in 2022, 86.9% of U.S. hospitals offer telehealth medicine, according to the American Hospital Association. While the pandemic bolstered the use of this technology, its continued use is based on reaching more patients with the care they need.

Telehealth medicine is a vital part of healthcare for youth and adults seeking care. More than 12.6% of Medicare recipients in the final quarter of 2023 were seen via telehealth appointments. In a meta-analysis of studies, 90% of adolescents felt they were able to discuss their medical problems well enough via telehealth visits, leading to part of their high satisfaction scores with the service. And those are just a couple of the benefits of these services.

How the Benefits of Telehealth Provide Compassionate Care

Telehealth services are key to providing and expanding detailed, destigmatized, thoughtful care for youth and adults in underserved areas and the LGBTQIA+ community. Below are some of the benefits of telehealth services.

  • Telehealth provides a confidential channel to communicate with a primary care provider, behavioral specialist or social worker. Privacy goes beyond HIPAA, and knowing that the healthcare provider on the other end of the line values that privacy is key to good health outcomes. When confidentiality is assured, more people are likely to get the care they want and need.
  • Studies have shown that telemedicine doesn’t duplicate care, but it makes more treatment options available, especially to vulnerable populations. While having a good primary care physician is a start, telehealth makes specialist care available to more people.
  • Telehealth can be a more affordable option of care for many patients, especially those who may need to have regular visits.
  • For patients dealing with chronic illness, pain or mobility issues, inclusive telehealth services provide a way to regularly meet with healthcare providers without leaving home as often. This technology reduces no-shows, which in turn can increase patient health.
  • Compassionate care for patients with HIV, STIs, mental health challenges, or people making major transitions is a key part of health and safety, individually and for the greater community. When patients know they’ll be accepted and treated with dignity as they build trusted relationships with their healthcare providers, they’re more likely to follow their continuum of care.

As you can see, telehealth services provide care to communities who need it most. No matter what the medical concern or social circumstance, help is available to you. Hopefully, a telehealth appointment can help you meet your healthcare goals soon.

Book Your Telehealth Appointment for Compassionate Care Now

If you’re looking for a judgement-free clinic that offers thoughtful primary and behavioral healthcare and social services in and around Irvine, Santa Ana, Orange County or beyond, contact Radiant Health Centers. We focus on your care, and our providers and staff are here to keep you healthy whether you’re able to visit in-person or via telehealth technologies. Call us today at (949) 809-5700, or request an appointment now.

Image Credit – olgsera/Shutterstock.com

/by