Despite overall rates of suicidality among young people trending downward for the past 30 years, Black young people have experienced an increase in suicide attempts (Lindsey et al., 2019), with suicide rates among Black young people increasing 37% between 2018 and 2021 (Stone & Mack, 2023). Due to the already existing higher rates of suicide […]
Sexual & Gender Minorities
Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth
Like all youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex youth and other sexual- and gender-diverse children and adolescents (LGBTQI+ youth) deserve to grow up in supportive environments absent stigma and discrimination that allow them to thrive and achieve their human potential.When seeking behavioral health treatment (both mental health and substance use interventions), these […]
Improving Access to LGBTQIA+ Friendly Care in Rural Areas
Accessing high-quality, inclusive, and affirming health care is a key component to maintaining good physical and mental health. However, LGBTQIA+ individuals face many barriers to accessing health care, including lack of health insurance, a shortage of health care providers that are skilled in treating LGBTQIA+ patients, as well as stigma and discrimination in health care […]
NNED Virtual Roundtable: Addressing the Intersectional Behavioral Health Needs of Racially/Ethnically Diverse LGBTQ+ Communities
Addressing the Intersectional Behavioral Health Needs of Racially/Ethnically Diverse LGBTQ+ Communities Across the country, both racially/ethnically diverse and LGTBQ+ communities are at higher risks for adverse behavioral health conditions due to factors such as discrimination, systemic barriers, and lack of access to care. For those who live at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, […]
An Afrocentric LGBTQ+ Mental Health Revolution in San Francisco
While there are mental health services in San Francisco for those living in the margins, there is a clear lack of support and resources for assisting the Black community from within the community. Dr. April Silas, Executive Director of the Homeless Children’s Network (HCN), saw this need and developed the Ma’at Program in June of […]
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and the month offers organizations of all types and sizes a wonderful opportunity to create mental health awareness in diverse communities. The US House of Representatives proclaimed July as this special month in 2008, aiming to improve access to mental health treatment and services through increased public […]