HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOURS OF ADULTS FROM SEXUAL AND GENDER MINORITIES LIVING WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS

Abstract

Increasing research has highlighted certain health disparities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other gender/sexual minorities (LGBTQ+) peoples, particularly in relation to poorer mental health outcomes (Keuroghlia, Ard, & Makadon 2017; Kidd et al., 2016). Using a mixed-methods design, this study explored help-seeking with various mainstream, traditional, and/or complementary medicine practitioners among LGBTQ+ and heterosexual, cisgender adults living with psychological distress in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). An online survey revealed that psychological distress, experiences of mental health discrimination, and help-seeking behaviours differed based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and mental health diagnosis. A focus group revealed unique experiences of LGBTQ+ patients that influence treatment adherence and outcomes, and emphasized how discrimination, patient-practitioner rapport, and insurance coverage were primary factors affecting help-seeking. These findings indicate that the health care system in the HRM needs to be improved to provide more accessible mental health services to LGBTQ+ patients.