The Patient Population of a No-Cost, Student-Run LGBTQ+ Mental Health Clinic: A Case for Equitable and Trauma-Informed Care.

Overview

INTRODUCTION: LGBTQ+ individuals experience disproportionately high rates of mental health disorders. Subpopulations of this community experience unique risk factors and barriers to accessing care. METHOD: This study analyzes chart review data of patients (n=49) of an LGBTQ+-specific, student-run, free mental health clinic in NYC between March 2019 and July 2021. RESULT: Most common diagnoses were mood disorders (55%) and anxiety disorders (53%). 88% of patients reported experiencing lifetime traumatic events; 20% of patients met criteria for PTSD. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to characterize vulnerable subpopulations to create equitable, accessible, and competent mental health care resources for the LGBTQ+ community.