How to Support LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
Learn how to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health through affirming care, active listening, inclusive resources, and advocacy—especially during the challenges and celebrations of Pride Month.
June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, identity, and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. But for many LGBTQ+ youth, especially those navigating unaccepting environments or struggling with their mental health, Pride Month can also be a time of deep vulnerability.
LGBTQ+ Youth Are at Higher Risk for Mental Health Challenges
According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health:
- 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including half of transgender and nonbinary youth.
- 70% of LGBTQ+ youth reported their mental health was “poor” most of the time or always in the past year.
- Fewer than 40% said their home was LGBTQ-affirming.
When it comes to Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ youth, research shows that Black LGBTQ+ youth are less likely than their peers to receive professional counseling, despite facing comparable mental health challenges. Additionally, 44% of Latinx LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year.
These numbers are alarming—but not inevitable. By removing barriers, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to inclusive, affirming care, we can help all LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead healthy lives.
When LGBTQ+ young people have access to people who support them, they report better mental health and lower suicide risk.
Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
- Create Affirming Spaces
Whether at home, school, or in the community, affirming a young person’s identity can significantly reduce mental health risks. This includes using chosen names and pronouns, celebrating their identities, and making sure they feel safe and seen. - Listen Without Judgment
LGBTQ+ youth need trusted adults who listen with empathy and without trying to “fix” or invalidate their experiences. Sometimes, simply being present and offering a safe space can make all the difference. - Encourage Mental Health Support
Normalize mental health care. Connect youth with inclusive therapists and counselors who understand the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face. Resources like The Trevor Project offer 24/7 support via phone, chat, and text. - Educate Yourself and Others
Learning about LGBTQ+ identities, language, and experiences helps build a more inclusive world. Adults who educate themselves are better equipped to advocate for the youth in their lives. - Support Inclusive Policies and Programs
Advocate for policies in schools, health care, and public spaces that protect LGBTQ+ rights. Support organizations that serve LGBTQ+ youth and promote mental health awareness.
Trusted Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth and Their Families
The Trevor Project – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth
💻 thetrevorproject.org
866-488-7386; text “START” to 678-678
PFLAG – Support for LGBTQ+ people, parents, and allies
💻 pflag.org
GLSEN – Focused on safe and inclusive schools
💻 glsen.org
Trans Lifeline – Peer support run by and for trans people
💻 translifeline.org
877-565-8860
At Camino a Casa, we believe every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and loved. We are proud to offer identity-affirming, trauma-informed mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
If your child is struggling, you’re not alone. Call our admissions team at 805-366-4000 to learn how Camino a Casa can support your family.
As we honor Pride Month, let’s also recommit to showing up every day for LGBTQ+ youth—with understanding and unconditional support.
If you’re concerned about your teen, don’t wait. Contact our Admissions team at 805-366-4000.
About Camino a Casa
Casa Pacifica is the largest non-profit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The agency’s Camino a Casa program, available to clients with private insurance, provides behavioral health care to youth ages 12-17 who struggle with emotional dysregulation and high-risk behaviors that jeopardize their safety at home, school and/or community.
Intensive short-term residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and in-home behavioral health services comprise Camino a Casa’s full continuum of adolescent mental health care.
Learn more at www.caminoacasa.org
Contact Us
800-366-4000