Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals More Likely to Seek Treatment
There is a marked prevalence of substance use and mental health disorders among lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. However, compared to heterosexuals, this group is twice as likely to seek alcohol and drug treatment, and mental health treatment. Additionally, those with co-occurring mental health disorders are most likely to seek treatment services and resources.
According to a UCLA School of Public Health study, researchers discovered that approximately 50% of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals report seeking treatment from a mental health professional, but approximately only 25% of heterosexuals had. The School of Public Health reports that lesbians and bisexual females seek services the most, while heterosexual males seek services the least.
Study researcher, Susan Cochran said that “greater exposure to discrimination, violence and other stressful life events may explain why gays, lesbians and bisexuals are more likely to seek treatment for these disorders”. However, there continue to be barriers and unmet needs for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals seeking substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Therefore, understanding gender and sexual orientation helps reveal what predisposes individuals to seek out services which will help improve the treatment of mental health and substance abuse.
For more information:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-244x-9-52.pdf
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2009/08/gays-lesbians-bisexual-mental-health-.html
http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/homo/629995.html
Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides mental health treatment as part of our commitment to integrated behavioral healthcare in alcohol and drug treatment. If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence or drug addiction with co-occurring mental health disorders, please call us now at 888-777-8565 or contact us here.
Southern California Locations for Alcohol and Drug Treatment
Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.