Coming out, embracing your identity, and joining the diverse LGBTQ community can be a source of strength and pride. However, it also brings unique challenges. Though being LGBTQ is not a mental illness, people in this group are at a higher risk for experiencing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders.

LGBTQ Mental Health Risk Factors

Members of the LGBTQ community are in a constant battle for the same rights cishet people take for granted. They also face a disproportionate amount of harassment, rejection, and violence merely for being true to themselves. These issues can lead to new or worsening mental illnesses.

• Trauma: Nationwide, LGBTQ people grapple with hate crimes, stereotyping, and denial of their fundamental human rights. This discrimination can heighten the risk of PTSD, compared to cishet people.
• Substance use: LGBTQ adults are nearly twice as likely to experience substance use disorders because they rely on drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their stress or cope with various issues in their lives.
• Suicide: Many people in this community struggle in silence, elevating their risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts to take their lives.

Inclusive Mental Health

LGBTQ people represent a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and intersecting mental health challenges, but many providers don’t consider these factors. This lack of understanding might make LGBTQ people unwilling to discuss their sexual orientation or gender identity when seeking help.

Confronting these barriers with an understanding mental health specialist can lead to better outcomes and, ultimately, recovery. Providers expect and welcome questions from prospective patients, since these help them understand your needs and goals. During a consultation, be upfront about the fact that you are looking for LGBTQ-inclusive services.

With that in mind, here is a list of tolerant, progressive, and affirming health care providers in the Seattle area.

• Capitol Hill Medical is a queer-focused clinic that exists to serve the unique needs of Seattle’s LGBTQ community.
• MEND Seattle provides quality, affordable counseling to individuals, couples, and groups. Due to COVID-19, therapists conduct all appointments via telehealth.
•  Neighborcare Health values social justice, cultural sensitivity, and community. Their care team offers multiple holistic services, regardless of your income or insurance coverage.
• Peer Seattle provides emotional support and development services to the LGBTQ community impacted by mental and behavioral health issues and HIV.
• Country Doctor Community Health Services creates social justice through treating every patient with innovative care, dignity, and respect. They provide gender-affirming care, HIV prevention, and behavioral health services.

Talk to Someone Who Understands

At the Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers, we are always looking for opportunities to improve and evolve. We do so by demonstrating compassion and respect for our clients, recognizing that the disease of addiction impacts people from all walks of life. 

We have attained CARF accreditation, which proves our commitment to upholding rigorous standards of excellence and an ongoing responsibility to improve. Our treatment team develops tailored plans that account for each client’s unique circumstances and background. When you reach out to us, our friendly, experienced admissions staff will verify your insurance and explain what you can expect from addiction treatment.