LGBTQ-Affirmative Behavioral Health Services in Primary Care

Results from an LGBTQ+ Community Health Needs Assessment in Nassau and Suffolk Counties of New York State

“…Second, given the extreme high rates of mental health difficulties, there is a clear need for additional mental health resources to support Nassau/Suffolk Counties' LGBTQ+ community. Innovative strategies like the use of telehealth services, online virtual support groups and integrating behavioral health into primary care practices may improve access to mental health services (Heredia et al, 2021 ; Whaibeh et al, 2020 ). Last, this survey intentionally focused on identifying problems or deficits as a means of galvanizing action.…”

“…Last, this survey intentionally focused on identifying problems or deficits as a means of galvanizing action. However, research has identified resilience factors, like social support, that promotes wellbeing and a sense of connectedness among LGBTQ + individuals (Heredia et al, 2021 ; Hudson & Romanelli, 2020 ). Throughout this study, community partnerships were essential to connect with the LGBTQ+ population.…”

Organizational Change Strategies to Support High-Quality Behavioral Health Care for LGBTQ Individuals

“…Several studies have explored frameworks and strategies for creating organizational change to increase inclusivity and decrease health disparities among minority populations (Eckstand, et al, 2017 ; Heredia et al, 2021 ; Lim et al, 2014 ). Among these, we found several overlapping components and strategies; however, few were specific to the LGBTQ community.…”

“…Research has shown that individuals within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community are at greater than average risk of experiencing mental and physical health problems (American Psychiatric Association, 2017 ; Heredia et al, 2021 ). A hypothesized mechanism for this increased risk, minority stress theory, posits that members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to be exposed to social stressors, and that these social stressors can lead to psychological distress, psychological trauma, depression, substance use, and suicide related behaviors (Boyd et al, 2019 ; Brooks, 1981 ; Cyrus, 2017 ; Kelleher, 2009 ; Meyer, 2003 ; Meyer & Frost, 2013 ).…”

Representation of sexual and gender minority experiences in the kink/BDSM literature: Considering the clinical implications.

“…In light of the recent publication of the American Psychological Association’s “Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Sexual Minority Persons” (2021), Tatum and Niedermeyer’s (2021) analysis provides a timely and important review of the state of the science related to kink/BDSM practices within sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities. It is well established that members of both SGM (Heredia et al, 2021; Loeb et al, 2021; Meyer, 2003) and kink communities (Graham et al, 2016; Moser & Kleinplatz, 2006) face ongoing prejudice, stigma, and discrimination at a societal level as well as from health care providers. There is limited empirical evidence, however, regarding experiences of individuals at the nexus of these two marginalized communities.…”