Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Session

A recent Trevor Project study found that 45% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year. Additionally, the study found that LGBTQ+ youth, that felt support from their family, attempted suicide at half the normal rate. Nearly 1 in 5 Transgender and Nonbinary youth attempted suicide, and 60% reported wanting mental health care services in the past year and not being able to get it. These statistics are eye opening and illustrate the need for LGBTQ+ youth and adult trained mental health providers.
In this episode, we talk with specialist Michael Avender, LCSW. Michael discusses virtual social connection for LGBTQ+ youth, increased risk of mental health disorders, and the coping skills that he likes to teach clients. Michael shares unique ways to build rapport over telehealth as well as how he navigates confidentiality with LGBTQ+ youth in virtual sessions. He also walks us through providing psychoeducation to families on the use of client’s preferred name and pronoun and explains the Genderbread Person and Gender Unicorn.  

Resources for this episode: 
The Trevor Project Hotline : 1-866-488-7386
The Trevor Project also offers support for LGBTQ youth through online chat or text message: text “START” to 678678
Trans Lifeline’s Peer Support Hotline: 1-877-565-8860

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