Mental Health and the LGBTQIA+ Community: Affirming Care Matters

Posted: June 30, 2025

Happy Pride Month! With the start of June, we would like to take the time to acknowledge the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ population in the mental health field; in addition to celebrating the bravery, beauty, and resilience of the community.

Pride has been observed since 1970, an event created to mark and honor The Stonewall Rebellion (News, 2025). Pride fosters a sense of community and belonging, along with providing visibility and representation (BrightHarborHealthcare, 2024). The month also brings about increased awareness of support services and resources available to LGBTQIA+ communities and individuals.

Mental Health and the LGBTQIA+ Community

Let’s be clear - identifying with a sexuality other than heterosexuality is not a mental disorder. This is also true for gender identity; being transgender, gender-nonconforming, or non-binary is not a mental health disorder. However, the social attitudes, prejudice, and marginalization faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals has the potential to increase their risk of adverse events and trauma; therefore putting them at a higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges (Meyer, 2013; Mental Health America, 2024).

Examples of these adverse experiences include (Mental Health America, 2024):

Barriers to treatment and being denied health care outright
Rejection by peers, co-workers, family, friends, and loved ones
Bullying, discrimination, and/or harassment

The Healing Power of Affirming Therapy

One of the most powerful tools in supporting LGBTQIA+ mental health is affirming therapy; an approach to care where clients don’t have to educate their therapist, justify their identity, or fear judgment (Tran & McKay, 2022). Affirming therapy isn’t just “accepting” someone’s identity; it’s celebrating it and understanding the ways identity intersects with mental health, trauma, and relationships. The goal isn’t just to create a sense of safety in the therapy room, but also a sense of liberation.

In our work with LGBTQIA+ clients, we often explore:

Healing from rejection and complex trauma.
Navigating coming out or gender transition.
Coping with societal stressors.
Building self-worth in the face of stigma.
Developing authentic, affirming relationships.

What Allies Can Do

You don’t have to be LGBTQIA+ to support the mental health of the community. Here are a few ways allies can make a meaningful impact:

Advocate for the LGBTQIA+ individuals in your life.
Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ identities, experiences, and history.
Speak out against discrimination and harmful stereotypes.
Listen with empathy, not assumptions or judgement..
Use inclusive language and respect preferred pronouns.
Support LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and organizations.

You Are Not Alone

At our Cardinal Hope Mental Health Counseling Services, we recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and are committed to providing care that is affirming and trauma-informed.

Our clinic provides a safe, inclusive, and liberating space where your identity is honored and your story matters. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here for you.

Resources:

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Resource Center: https://mhanational.org/lgbtq-mental-health-resource-center/

Know Your Rights! LGBTQ+ New Yorkers are protected from discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation (New York State Attorney General, 2025). Health care information for nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and intersex New Yorkers: https://ag.ny.gov/resources/individuals/health-care-insurance/transgender-nonbinary-intersex-health-care

Pride Events in Central New York: https://www.cnypride.org/june-pride-events

LGBTQIA+ Travel in New York State, Pride Events and More: https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/lgbtq/?&adara_campaignid=22556138776&adarapixelid=489680&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22556138776&gbraid=0AAAAADgHKgjcMsfgy0lR0rlej7Q6ZnZ4-&gclid=CjwKCAjwr5_CBhBlEiwAzfwYuDnoVfoHCgp5MDJ--sXrncLgvq_xyleHWjk3liNhSxzSpLKpsSDUGRoC6Q4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds