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