Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is awarding a total of $5.1 million for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning family counseling and support. announced four awards. , intersex+ youth and their families.
These grants are in addition to $1.7 million in grants previously awarded to four other recipients in 2023. All eight award winners will work with LGBTQI+ youth and their families to improve their health, including behavioral health conditions (such as suicidality, depression, homelessness, substance use, and HIV) by establishing family counseling and support. Preventing the risk of conditions and promoting the well-being of LGBTQI+ youth. Programs and training providers in family counseling and support interventions tailored to LGBTQI+ families.
“The health of our nation begins with the health of our youth, and all young Americans, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, must receive appropriate behavioral health supports,” said Department of Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. Stated. “Advancing behavioral health services for communities in need is an important part of our duty to ensure total health and human dignity.”
“The pursuit of equity in behavioral health care remains a key element of SAMHSA’s mission,” said Dr. Miriam E. Delphine Ritmon, HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and SAMHSA leader. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing behavioral health services to everyone, with clear consideration for youth in particular need.”
In recent years, support for the LGBTQI+ population has become available through various SAMHSA publications and other government agencies.
- In June 2023, SAMHSA released the data report “Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Behavioral Health: Results from the 2021 and 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” The report found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are more likely than heterosexual adults to use drugs, experience mental health conditions, including major depressive episodes, and experience serious suicidal thoughts. It shows that it is high.
- In June 2023, FindSupport.gov began specifically identifying relevant resources available for LGBTQI+ individuals seeking access to comprehensive and affirming mental health care and support. These resources include ways to avoid and cope with harmful approaches like “conversion therapy.” FindSupport.Gov is a user-friendly website designed for the public that helps people identify available resources, explore unbiased information about different treatment options, and learn how to get the help they need for their problems. The website was launched in May 2023. related to mental health, drugs, or alcohol;
- SAMHSA published “Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth” in March 2023. This report provides behavioral health professionals, researchers, policy makers, and other audiences with a comprehensive research overview and accurate information on effective and ineffective treatment practices related to LGBTQI+ youth. To do. Young people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
- In July 2023, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will expand its professional services for LGBTQI+ youth and young adults, making them available 24/7 for individuals who wish to connect with a counselor specifically focused on meeting their needs. phone calls, texts, and chats. The pilot program, which ran from September 2022 to June 2023, demonstrated strong demand for the service, with approximately 6% of calls, 11% of chats, and 15% of texts routed to the 988 Lifeline network during the pilot phase. accounted for %.
- Since 2020, SAMHSA has funded the Center of Excellence for LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity. The center aims to support the implementation of transformative strategies within the mental health and substance use disorder treatment system to address disparities impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
To learn more about SAMHSA’s equity commitment to supporting the needs of LGBTQI+ individuals, please visit https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbtqi.
If you or someone you know is in trouble or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Visit FindSupport.gov to learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues. If you are ready to find a treatment facility or health care provider, please visit FindTreatment.gov directly or call 800-662-HELP (4357).
If you are a reporter with questions, please contact us below. media@samhsa.hhs.gov.
