LGBTQ+ Mental Health Programming

At Visions Treatment Centers, we offer unique LGBTQ+ mental health programming specifically for adolescents in the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ teens face unique issues, and because there are widespread worries about being misunderstood or mistreated, many in the LGBTQ+ community are wary to seek help from anyone outside of the community.

At Visions, we do not condone nor tolerate “reparative” therapy. We fully recognize the legitimacy of all gender identities, and the unique struggles LGBTQ+ teens go through due to the stress of dealing with a lack of critical information, bullying, and lack of acceptance in the community.

For many teens in the LGBTQ+ community, mental health professionals are often met with skepticism. We guarantee a brave space for teens, of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and our staff includes several licensed psychologists and expert clinicians with decades of experience in working with LGTBQ+ young people and their families.

Addressing LGBTQ+ Teen Mental Health Issues

Research shows LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to develop symptoms of depressive disorders, bipolar, and anxiety, and struggle with higher rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and attention-deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). Children and teens who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are much more likely to experience multiple adverse childhood events, as well as psychological and physical abuse. Transgender youth have an even higher likelihood of facing adversity. A lack of safe spaces as well as a lack of information and representation for children and teens who are LGBTQ+ can drive feelings of anxiety and depression and isolate them from others.

Anti-LGBTQ messaging in media and in the world surrounding serves to fuel bullying, depression, isolation, family struggles, mental health and substance use issues. At Visions, we aim to help teens with in the LGBTQ community by helping them better understand themselves, accept their identity, and address their behavioral and psychological health issues. An affirming environment is key to helping a young LGBTQ+ person thrive. Visions is committed to the LGBTQ+ community movement and helping young people and their families grow and empower themselves in the process of healing.

Visions’ LGBTQ+ Mental Health Programming and Treatment Goals

Mental health issues like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia, are very real and can cost lives. There is a disproportionate higher rate of mental health issues suffered by the LGBTQ+ community. It is our goal to help teens and families feel connected and affirmed in order to work through their struggles. Treatment goals of our LGBTQ+ mental health programming includes:

At Visions Treatment Centers, every teen undergoes a psychological evaluation to accurately identify and diagnose mental health issues, and thereby develop a unique treatment program to address those issues. Mental health is complex and informed by a variety of factors. An effective treatment plan accounts for these factors, including a teen’s experiences and environment.