LGBTQ Clients and Adverse Laws: Mental Health Concerns and Advocacy Suggestions

Abstract

Abstract LGBTQ communities have faced a history of legalized discrimination including discriminatory laws and lack of legal protections. This has had varied mental health implications including increases in depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidality. The authors provide an overview of this discriminatory history and it’s connection to mental health concerns of the LGBTQ population. Counseling implications and advocacy suggestions are also provided.