[Towards LGBT+ inclusive youth mental healthcare].

BACKGROUND

LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other) youth have a higher risk to experience trauma and develop mental health problems including anxiety, depression and suicidality then their straight cisgender peers.

AIM: To explore underlying factors for this elevated risk. To provide insight in LGBT+ inclusive mental healthcare.

METHOD: Overview of the literature and explanatory models. Contemplation of the current youth mental healthcare and advices for clinical practice.

RESULTS

The elevated risk for mental health problems in LGBT+ youth could be explained by minority stress, trauma, social exclusion and family problems. For these young people, the current healthcare system lacks sufficient knowledge, skills, safe environment and availability of expert care. Interventions that could contribute to inclusive care are: signaling the link between mental health problems and LGBT+ identity, using inclusive language; supporting youth in exploring their own identity; ensuring safety; support coping with minority stress; an organizationscan exploring institution's environments; providing both general and expertise care.