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Review
. 2022 Sep;24(9):387-397.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-022-01352-1. Epub 2022 Jul 16.

Addressing the Behavioral Health Needs of Sexual and Gender Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Review of the Expanding Role of Digital Health Technologies

Emile Whaibeh  1   2 , Emily L Vogt  3 , Hossam Mahmoud  4
Affiliations
Review

Addressing the Behavioral Health Needs of Sexual and Gender Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Review of the Expanding Role of Digital Health Technologies

Emile Whaibeh et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the role of digital health technologies in behavioral health treatment and promotion for sexual and gender minorities (SGM).

Recent findings: Digital technologies have advantages and limitations at multiple levels in addressing SGM's behavioral health needs. For patients, digital technologies improve convenience and may reduce stigma; however, privacy concerns in the home may limit their utilization. Providers also benefit from the convenience of these technologies; however, not all providers are comfortable delivering virtual care to SGM. For society, digital technologies reduce transportation-related costs and increase access to healthcare in an increasingly hostile political climate for SGM; however, these advantages are limited by technological access and anti-SGM policies. Digital technologies can improve the behavioral health of SGM at the patient, provider, and systemic levels. Further efforts are necessary to standardize provider training, improve SUD-specific care delivery, and increase quality and accessibility of these technologies.

Keywords: Behavioral health; Digital health; LGBTQ; Mental health; Sexual and gender minorities; Technology.

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References

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