LGBTQ+ youth and adults regularly face prejudice and discrimination—at school, at work, and sometimes from their own families. This deeply affects how a person connects with the world around them, as well as how they internalize notions of who they are and how they fit into society. These effects can be long-lasting, echoing outside of specific situations and into an individual’s psyche. This can lead to depression in childhood and adolescence that, without treatment, can extend into adulthood. 

Early identification and treatment of depression in LGBTQ+ individuals can make an enormous difference. By addressing the environmental causes of depression early on, those in the LGBTQ+ community can learn to process the shame, guilt, fear, and sense of isolation that is so often pressed upon them and find the clarity and professional LGBTQ therapy that can lead them to a healthy future.

It is crucial for mental health providers to ensure that the community views LGBTQ mental health treatment as a safe space where they can be free to express themselves without judgment. LGBTQ mental health disparities also highlight the need to engage families in treatment and work to strengthen the bonds of acceptance.

At Synergy Health Programs, we have an expert team of licensed mental health professionals, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and more, each well-equipped and trained to treat LGBTQ+ individuals with the compassion they deserve.