Oct 11, 2019
Dr. Eric Yarbrough’s career has been mostly focused on the LGBTQ population, serving as both President of The Association of LGBTQ Psychiatrists and Director of Psychiatry at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, one of the largest LGBTQ Medical Centers in the world. Dr. Yarbrough is also Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and is the author of Transgender Mental Health, a book which seeks to educate mental health clinicians on how to address the needs of the transgender, non-conforming community and thus increase their access to mental health care.
LGBTQ+ Therapy focuses on mental health issues related to an individual’s sexual or gender identity and addresses mental distress caused by the oppression, marginalization, and discrimination that may occur when coming out to family members, adjusting to a person’s authentic identity, and dealing with family pressures and expectations. A LGBTQ+ informed therapist can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use. According to the research, youth who identify as LGBTQ+ have an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation, especially when they are faced with discrimination. In school, students who identify as LGBTQ+ are bullied, victimized, and rejected by their peers, which can lead to mental distress. LGBTQ+ adults may also experience similar persecution at their workplace, schools, and housing. These stressors may be the catalyst for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek mental health treatment.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is not a substitute for getting help from a mental health professional.