Psychotherapeutic interventions for LGBTQ + youth: a systematic review

Abstract

LGBTQ + youth are at elevated risk for suicidality, substance use, and other mental health concerns. Evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions are often the first line treatment for mental health concerns. However, there is limited research examining the effectiveness of such interventions among LGBTQ + adolescents. This systematic review synthesizes extant literature examining psychotherapeutic interventions for LGBTQ + adolescents with mental illness and/or substance use. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, studies were assessed for inclusion eligibility. Researchers consulted three electronic databases, yielding a total of 666 results. Ten studies, with interventions ranging from drug use prevention to school-counseling, met inclusion criteria. Seven studies implemented adaptations to standard intervention protocol to make intervention content more accessible to LGBTQ + clients. Outcomes included decreased depressive symptoms, substance use, and social isolation. Significant design and methodological limitations were present across most studies, with four using a case study design and only two using a randomized controlled trial design. The review highlights preliminary evidence supporting the use of mental health interventions for LGBTQ + youth. However, more rigorous research is needed to determine if adapted interventions that include population-specific concerns of minority stress are more effective than treatment as usual.

Keywords:

• Mental Health
• LGBT Youth
• review
• intervention strategies

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 In an effort to standardize language throughout this paper, ‘LGBTQ+’ will be used to refer to individuals who identify with non-heteronormative and non-cisnormative sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, or any combination of the three. Similarly, while ‘transgender’ will be used for those who specifically use this label to self-identify, ‘TGD’ (Trans and Gender Diverse) will be used to include all individuals whose gender is not the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. With recognition that these terms are limited and fail to name and include many identities that are paramount to queer and trans communities, this review will strive to account for many members of the community that are often not named in research. However, many of the studies in this systematic review only included participants identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. In these cases, the acronym ‘LGB’ will be used to maintain accuracy.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.