LGBTQ+ People’s Experiences of Barriers and Welcoming Factors When Accessing and Attending Intervention for Psychological Trauma

Abstract

Abstract The current study investigated experiences of mental health services with members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced trauma. Using survey questions participants identified multiple barriers to accessing and receiving intervention for psychological trauma (e.g., lack of inclusive language in forms/publications, previous anti LGBTQ+ comments made by service providers). Participants also endorsed several provider behaviors that would make interventions more welcoming (e.g., post a bill of rights expressing commitment to nondiscriminatory care, ask clients their pronouns). Intervention strategies to improve LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of accessing mental health care for psychological trauma are discussed.