"There's a stopgap in the conversation": LGBTQ + mental health care and community connection in a semi-rural county. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bettergarcia, Jay; Wedell, Emma; Shrewsbury, Amanda M.; Thomson, Bonnie Rose
• Is Part Of: Journal of gay & lesbian mental health. Volume 26:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: LGBTQ+ -- community connection -- barriers to care -- mental health care -- rural; Gays -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Lesbians -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Homosexuality -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Bisexuality -- Periodicals; Bisexuality; Gays -- Mental health; Homosexuality; Lesbians -- Mental health; Psychotherapy; Periodicals; 616.8900866405
• DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2021.1900973
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1935-9705

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: LGBTQ + people face barriers accessing affirming mental health care in semi-rural communities. Little research has addressed the unique barriers, needs, and experiences of LGBTQ + communities, including the intersection of factors including community connectedness that may buffer distress. Method: This qualitative study comprised focus groups of LGBTQ + youth and adults living in a semi-rural county. Result: Thematic analysis identified six themes and sixteen subthemes focused on experiences in the local community and with mental health providers. Conclusion: Living in a semi-rural community may impose additional barriers to receiving affirming care and building necessary supportive community networks for LGBTQ + people.