Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Kevin W. Allison

Second Advisor

Dr. Shawn C.T. Jones

Third Advisor

Dr. Dace Svikis

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Maurice N. Gattis

Abstract

The existing literature on mental health disparities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) populations suggests members of LGBTQIA+ populations are at greater risk of mental health disorders than cisgender and heterosexual individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated mental health disparities for many, including LGBTQIA+ populations. Combined with mental health provider shortages and anti- LGBTQIA+ bills across the country, inequities in mental healthcare are a significant concern. This qualitative study was designed to gather unique perspectives of key community informants and mental health providers on their experiences with mental healthcare provision to LGBTQIA+ communities in Virginia. In partnership with Virginia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBHDS), 20 community informants (non-profit leadership, educators, etc.) and 14 mental health providers who provided services to LGBTQIA+ populations were interviewed in focus groups and individual interviews from across Virginia during September 2022 to October 2023. Findings supported three broad themes across both informants and providers. These shared themes included the gap in access to LGBTQIA+ mental healthcare, the gap in access to mental healthcare varies across client needs, and the COVID-19 pandemic was a double-edged sword. There was one theme unique to key community informants (community informants find their own solutions to address the gap in care), and one theme unique to mental health providers (the negative impact of anti-LGBTQIA+ politics). These findings can inform future policy and community-led efforts to improve access to mental healthcare for LGBTQIA+ individuals to ultimately reduce LGBTQIA+ mental health disparities.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-9-2024

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