According to the Trevor 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth in Illinois considered suicide, with 12% attempting suicide in the past year. Connect with a reliable gender-affirming therapy in Chicago, Illinois through LGBTQ and All online directory.
A Look at Gender-Affirming Care Like in Illinois
Illinois has made significant steps in promoting equity, especially when it comes to the health and care of transgender and gender-diverse individuals in Chicago. One of the notable developments is the launch of the new Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) Wellness and Equity Program in Chicago on June 10, 2024.
However, despite these steps, many LGBTQ+ adults and youths avoid seeking healthcare services due to fear of discrimination, stigmatization, and disrespect from health practitioners. In fact, according to the Center for American Progress, 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ individuals avoid seeking healthcare services, with the case being worse for transgender and non-binary people.
LGBTQ and All commits itself to ensuring that all individuals have access to mental and healthcare services regardless of their gender or background. We list reputable LGBTQ+-friendly therapists, psychologists, and addiction and HIV treatment centers, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals in Chicago have access to the care they need whenever they need it.
Assessing Access to Mental Health Care for LGBTQ Youth in Illinois
57% of Illinois LGBTQ+ youth were unable to get access to mental health care in 2021 despite needing it according to the 2022 Trevor Report National Survey on LGBTQ mental health. The same survey reveals that 43% of the LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care received it.
Among the youths who could not access mental healthcare, 46% said they were not comfortable talking about their mental health issues, with 45% claiming that they didn’t have their parent’s or caregiver’s permission to seek mental help. Additionally, 42% were afraid that no one would take them seriously, 41% thought they couldn’t afford it, with 35% thinking it wouldn’t be effective.
LGBTQ and All provides resources to help create awareness and end stigma around mental health issues for LGBTQ+ youths, ensuring they get help from qualified practitioners. We provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youths in Illinois to speak about their mental issues and other health challenges without fear of judgment.
Common Experiences for LGBTQ+ Youth in Chicago, Illinois
While mental health issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, they are more common among LGBTQ+ individuals. In addition to social stigmas and judgment, LGBTQ+ people can experience internal negative messages, leading to mental health issues and low self-esteem.
Our partner therapists and psychologists in Chicago can work with you, providing support and gender-sensitive counseling to help you achieve self-acceptance. Common issues practitioners we list on our directory can help with include:
Stigma from Anti-LGBTQ+ Remarks
It’s not uncommon for LGBTQ+ youth in Illinois to hear anti-LGBTQ remarks when in school, sports, or when interacting with their peers. According to GLSEN, 58% of students have heard homophobic remarks from school staff while 29% have heard negative remarks about a person’s gender.
Stress from Gender Identity Violence
According to the Trevor Report 2022, 36% of LGBTQ youth have been threatened or harmed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to stress and anxiety. With LGBTQ and All, you can connect with LGBTQ+-friendly therapists or psychologists to help you deal with stress and anxiety from gender biases.
Anti-LGBTQ Victimization
LGBTQ students in Chicago are likely to experience victimization based on their gender identity. Additionally, they are likely to be victimized at school based on race, religion, or disability. LGBTQ and All can help such individuals connect with gender-affirming therapy, helping them deal with the effects of victimization.
Discrimination
71% of LGBTQ youth say they have been discriminated against based on their identity or sexual orientation. Additionally, LGBTQ youth who feel rejected are more likely to attempt suicide than LGBTQ peers from accepting families or those that face low levels of rejection. Find gender-affirming care in Chicago, Illinois, helping reduce feelings of self-harm due to discrimination through the LGBTQ and All online directory.
Gender-Affirming Therapy in Chicago, Illinois—Why LGBTQ and All?
Helpful Resources
LGBTQ and All offers helpful resources to help educate, guide, and end the stigma around LGBTQ individuals and their allies. Check our mental health resources to get helpful information and find the LGBTQ+-friendly therapist or psychologist in Illinois.
Social support
We have strong LGBTQ communities that give LGBTQ individuals a sense of belonging, support, and self-acceptance. Whether you identify as a lesbian, gay, or bisexual, LGBTQ offers resources and communities where you can share your challenges and experiences, allowing you to find the right help and community acceptance.
LGBTQ-Friendly Therapy Services
As mentioned earlier, 57% of LGBTQ youth in Illinois who wanted mental health care in 2021 didn’t get it. At LGBTQ and All, we want to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity doesn’t prevent access to mental health care for LGBTQ youth. Visit our Illinois directory and select gender-affirming mental professionals, ensuring you have access to the best mental help care.
Need Gender-Affirming Therapy? Choose LGBTQ and All
Looking for LGBTQ-friendly mental support in Chicago, Illinois? Don’t wait. LGBTQ and All offers a comprehensive list of mental health professionals to select from based on your needs and preferences. Visit our Illinois online directory today to get quick access to the best mental care and gender-affirming healthcare.
