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. 2020 Dec;55(6):932-943.
doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.13559. Epub 2020 Sep 24.

The availability of LGBT-specific mental health and substance abuse treatment in the United States

Natasha D Williams  1 , Jessica N Fish  1
Affiliations

The availability of LGBT-specific mental health and substance abuse treatment in the United States

Natasha D Williams et al. Health Serv Res. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the availability and facility-level predictors of LGBT-specific mental health and substance abuse treatment in the United States.

Data sources/study setting: 2016 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, 2016 National Mental Health Service Survey, and 2015-2016 Gallup Daily tracking survey.

Study design: Logistic regression models and average marginal effects were used to identify characteristics of facilities that offer LGBT-specific programs. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between the state-level proportion of LGBT people and the proportion of facilities that offer LGBT-specific programs.

Data collection/extraction methods: Secondary data analysis. Cases with missing values for any predictor were excluded.

Principle findings: 12.6 percent of mental health and 17.6 percent of substance abuse facilities reported LGBT-specific programs. Several facility characteristics were statistically associated with the likelihood of mental health and substance abuse facilities providing LGBT-specific programs, including offering outpatient or residential treatment, private ownership, religious affiliation, and payment type. The proportion of LGBT adults living within each state was statistically associated with state-level density of LGBT-specific mental health programs, but not substance abuse programs.

Conclusions: Findings suggest limited availability of culturally competent mental health and substance abuse treatment, despite well-documented need.

Keywords: mental health; sexual and gender minorities; substance abuse; treatment.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Association between state‐level LGBT population density and LGBT‐specific programs Note: Mental health facilities (b = 3.38, P < .001); substance abuse facilities (b = 2.03, P = .11)[Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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