For LGBTQIA+ individuals, simply being themselves can come with profound challenges, like judgment, rejection and barriers to essential care. Imagine navigating the world knowing that your identity, the very core of who you are, might not be accepted by your family, school, workplace or community. Now, imagine the toll that can take on mental health.

Research shows that LGBTQIA+ youth experience higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide. Many seek help but struggle to find care that meets their specific needs. Understanding these mental health challenges and identifying ways to address them is crucial. 

At Camber Mental Health, we believe that every person deserves to feel safe, seen and supported — because we all need connection.

“We work to create an environment where people can express themselves openly and receive the care they need. Mental health support should be adaptable to each person.” — Brittany Broeckelman, Vice President of Clinical Services

The Current State of Mental Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community

Studies indicate that young people ages 13-24 who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience higher mental health risks. According to the 2024 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, 39% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide and 12% reported attempting suicide. Additionally, half of LGBTQIA+ young people said they wanted mental health care but were unable to access it. 

Suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals across various age groups are significantly higher than those in the general population. External factors, including social dynamics and limited access to supportive resources, can contribute to these challenges. In a recent survey, 90% of LGBTQIA+ young people reported that current social conditions have negatively affected their wellbeing. 

Challenges Impacting LGBTQIA+ Mental Health 

Many of the challenges affecting the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals stem from societal pressures, misunderstandings and lack of acceptance in different areas of life.

“We know that the experience of rejection, discrimination, stigma and abuse exacerbates mental health issues, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are falling right into the middle of that equation,” explains Alexandra Beineman, the Director of Program and Staff Development at Camber Mental Health.

Several factors can affect the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including: 

• Limited access to mental health care 

• Social and family-related stress 

• Experiences with bullying or exclusion 

• Difficulty finding supportive environments 

• Increased risk of housing instability 

• Higher likelihood of substance use concerns 

Especially among children and teens, two of the most common challenges faced by those seeking care at Camber Mental Health are family conflict and bullying. LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages may experience misconceptions about their identities, which can sometimes lead to social isolation or unfair assumptions. In reality, as Beineman explains, “The majority of LGBTQIA+ individuals live very normal, traditional lives. They get dressed, go to work, pick their kids up from school, make dinner and do all manner of everyday activities just like any other person.”

Understanding Overlapping Experiences

Everyone’s background and life circumstances shape how they navigate challenges, including mental health concerns. Some individuals may face additional stressors due to multiple aspects of their identity, which can make accessing support even more complex.

Brittany Broeckelman, Vice President of Clinical Services at Camber Mental Health, has seen this firsthand. “Whenever you’re an individual who belongs to multiple groups that face challenges, you’re going to get that experience of compounded mental health,” says Broeckelman. At Camber, we recognize that every person’s story is different, which is why we focus on providing care tailored to individual needs.

Accessing Supportive Mental Health Care 

For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, the challenge in accessing medical and mental health care isn’t just availability—it’s finding care where they feel understood and respected. Feeling comfortable and safe when seeking support can make a significant difference in mental health outcomes. “It’s just creating a place where you can identify as yourself in a way that is safe,” Beineman says.

One essential aspect of supportive care is using the name and pronouns a person provides, which research shows can help reduce suicide risk among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Small but meaningful steps like this contribute to a treatment environment where people can focus on their wellbeing.

Broeckelman recalls one youth who came to Camber for treatment when she worked as a therapist. During their stay, they felt comfortable enough to share that they were transgender and were met with immediate support. “The evolution of seeing them grow into their authentic self was really beautiful to see through treatment,” recalls Broeckelman. Thanks to the supportive care provided at Camber, this youth was able to leave feeling more confident in who they were, with their caseworker and adoptive family prepared to offer ongoing support.

Camber Mental Health’s Commitment to Supportive Care 

At Camber Mental Health, we prioritize supportive care in everything we do. Much of this comes from our focus on individualized care for all children, youth and adults who come to Camber for treatment, but we also take additional measures to ensure that each person’s milieu is safe and welcoming from the very start. 

From staff training to visible cues of support throughout our facilities, we aim to ensure that individuals feel comfortable engaging in treatment in a way that works for them. “We essentially allow a safe space for children and adults to express themselves openly without fear of judgment,” says Broeckelman. 

Staff Training and Education

In her role overseeing staff development and training at Camber, Beineman explains that providing respectful and individualized care is a key focus of employee education. All staff members are trained to use a person’s preferred name and pronouns and to avoid making assumptions about identity. Ongoing professional development ensures that team members continue learning how to provide thoughtful and supportive care.

Caregiver Education

Camber’s commitment to patient support extends beyond treatment, equipping individuals with strong support systems after discharge. For children and youth, this often includes working with caregivers to help them understand how to offer encouragement and guidance. “Some of the best work we can do is to build up those support systems around our clients,” says Beineman.

Beineman recalls a time when she worked closely with a caregiver who struggled to understand their child’s identity. Through open conversations and education, the caregiver’s perspective shifted, allowing them to build a stronger relationship with their child.

“It was a really incredible experience to see how just having a relationship with somebody who challenged those negative stereotypes was comforting enough for a caregiver to be able to open their mind a little bit,” recalls Beineman.

“Getting to watch their relationship flourish, and their communication and trust grow, was beautiful and did so much for that young person’s mental health.” — Alex Beineman, Director of Program and Staff Development

Unfortunately, not all situations end with the caregiver coming on board to support the child or youth, but Camber always strives to connect patients with an ally before discharge. “Even if they are experiencing some of that isolation or family rejection,” explains Broeckelman, “there’s almost always somebody that we can connect them with that is a safe person or an ally that can be supportive.”

Community Education

Another way Camber Mental Health seeks to improve supportive care and the LGBTQIA+ experience in general is by providing educational resources to the community. Beineman and Broeckelman are partnering on an upcoming webinar specifically for this purpose! Here are the details:

WHAT: Fostering Wellbeing: Mental Health Strategies for LGBTQIA+ Individuals

WHEN: April 8, 2025 | 12 pm CT

WHERE: Zoom — Register Here!

This webinar is free and open to the public! Those in clinical fields can count this webinar towards *FREE CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Register for the webinar here.

*You will receive 1.5 CEUs for each webinar you attend live. CEUs cannot be awarded for those watching recordings. These CEUs are approved by the Kansas & Missouri State Committees of Social Workers and can be used by any profession that recognizes the State Committee for Social Worker-approved CEUs.

Mental Health Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The following resources are available to help LGBTQIA+ individuals through mental health crises or with finding support and community in their area:

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is one of the foremost programs for suicide prevention among LGBTQIA+ youth. From crisis services and peer support to advocacy and public education, the Trevor Project has tools and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies alike.

TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386

TrevorText: Text START to 678-678

TrevorChat: thetrevorproject.org/get-help

For Kansas City Children, Families and Individuals

Camber Mental Health

If you need residential or inpatient treatment, contact Camber Mental Health at 913-890-7468 or take a look at our resources for LGTBQIA+ individuals.

Our Spot KC

Our Spot KC is a dedicated hub providing essential resources to support, advance and equip LGBTQ+ individuals. They offer events, housing programs, training and support groups for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.

PFLAG Kansas City

PFLAG brings together parents and loved ones to help them navigate the process of supporting and being an ally to LGBTQIA+ children and youth in their lives.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free 24/7 confidential support.

Other Crisis Lifelines for LGBTQIA+ Individuals

The LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Mental health care should be a place where everyone feels understood, supported and safe to be their authentic selves. At Camber Mental Health, we’re committed to helping LGBTQIA+ individuals access mental health care that meets their specific needs.

If you or someone you know is struggling with LGBTQIA+ mental health challenges, support is available. Finding the right mental health resources can make a meaningful difference, whether through a trusted provider, a crisis hotline or a supportive community.

Explore the resources above or contact Camber Mental Health to learn more about mental health care options for LGBTQIA+ individuals. You don’t have to navigate this alone—help is here when you need it.