How Access to Affirming Mental Health Care Saves Lives
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.
