Office-based care for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning youth

While most gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens are quite resilient, the health disparities in working with this vulnerable population can be significant. This review will define and attempt to quantify the number of our sexual minority youth. The review discusses the unique challenges faced by these young people and suggests some evidence-based interventions that have allowed youth to reduce their risk behaviors. The role of homophobia and heterosexism is discussed and how the two issues impact the developing mind of a gay, lesbian, or bisexual teenager. Finally, issues in providing Clinical care and modifying our patient care approaches to providing effective care, is discussed. Essentially, using validated approaches to obtaining a good adolescent psychosocial history, the office-based care for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual youth is not different from working with other youth. Many are quite resilient and progress through adolescence without difficulty; others stumble and may fall to mental health issues, substance abuse, and HIV. We must provide excellent care if we are to help this vulnerable population of teenagers.