“There’s a stopgap in the conversation”: LGBTQ + mental health care and community connection in a semi-rural county

Abstract

Introduction

LGBTQ + people face barriers accessing affirming mental health care in semi-rural communities. Little research has addressed the unique barriers, needs, and experiences of LGBTQ + communities, including the intersection of factors including community connectedness that may buffer distress.

Method

This qualitative study comprised focus groups of LGBTQ + youth and adults living in a semi-rural county.

Result

Thematic analysis identified six themes and sixteen subthemes focused on experiences in the local community and with mental health providers.

Conclusion

Living in a semi-rural community may impose additional barriers to receiving affirming care and building necessary supportive community networks for LGBTQ + people.

Keywords:

• LGBTQ+
• community connection
• barriers to care
• mental health care
• rural

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this research was provided by the County of San Luis Obispo through the Mental Health Services Act and in collaboration with the County Behavioral Health Department. Funding was also provided by the Growing Together Field of Interest Fund (GTI), a Fund of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.