Providing mental healthcare to LGBTQIA+ people in general practice

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, and other sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) individuals in Australia experience poor mental health more often than the general population, largely because of systemic discrimination, minority stress and barriers to inclusive, affirmative healthcare.

The aim of this article is to support general practitioners in their provision of mental healthcare to LGBTQIA+ people by outlining some specific mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the importance of culturally competent care and providing strategies for inclusive clinical practice.

Key recommendations include using affirming language, conducting thorough and respectful risk-assessments, offering adapted evidence-based therapies, and connecting patients with LGBTQIA+-specialised support services where appropriate. The article also highlights systemic barriers such as stigma and financial inaccessibility and emphasises the need for legal and ethical care that respects identity and confidentiality.