LGBTQ+-Focused Teen Treatment Programs

Table of Contents

This article explains:

  • The link between LGBTQ+ identity and mental health problems
  • Examples of mental challenges LGBTQ+ teens go through
  • Teen treatment programs for LGBTQ+ teens
  • How families can best support LGBTQ youth
  • How parents can communicate and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth

Adolescence is hard enough- probably even harder for teens who identify as members of the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community as they care how the parents and community around them perceive and accept them.

Therefore, these teens face unique mental health challenges, putting them at a higher risk of suffering from teen depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. The rates of contemplating and committing suicide are also higher among LGBTQ+ teens. It’s therefore important to provide the necessary support at home and ensure they have access to appropriate teen LGBTQ mental health programs and treatment.

Understanding LGBTQ+ mental health challenges

Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community does not cause mental health problems, nor is identifying the LGBTQ community a mental health problem. Mental health issues stem from factors such as discrimination, violence, rejection, judgment, and bullying. However, the acceptance rate of the LGBTQ+ community has increased significantly over the years.

Studies have found that in the past years, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth considered attempting suicide. These studies also found that 56% of LGBTQ+ teens who needed mental health care and support could not get it. Luckily, Key Healthcare, a teen rehab in Los Angeles, provides several teen treatment programs for LGBTQ+ teens to help improve their mental well-being.

The link between LGBTQ+ identity and mental health

The LGBTQ+ community presents a diverse range of identities, sexual orientations, and expressions of gender. In addition to their identities, teens belonging to this community are also diverse in terms of religion, race, nationality, social and economic classes, and nationality, which leads to intersectionality.

The combined aspects of the teen’s identity may not be easy to understand, especially among fellow youth and sometimes the family and caregivers. The stress of being in a marginalized and misunderstood community can lead to the pressure that comes with feeling the need to hide who they are out of fear of being discriminated against, rejected, or harassed. In addition to the physical and psychological changes an adolescent is going through as they develop, it can lead to serious mental health issues.

Additionally, LGBTQ+ teens often encounter traumatic experiences that impact their mental health, including:

  • Bullying, being discriminated against, and social exclusion. According to a recent study, most LGBTQ+ teens reported being verbally harassed for their gender and sexual orientation.
  • Lack of support from family, teachers, and the school administration. One of the main health risk factors for queer youth is the lack of family support and acceptance.
  • Physical harm or physical threats due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Being misgendered or addressed using the wrong pronouns and not being called by their chosen name. Research has shown that being addressed by the chosen name and pronoun reduces the risk of depression, anxiety, and committing suicide, as it indicates acceptance.
  • Being threatened with conversion therapy. Therapy claiming to help queer and trans youth “become normal” leads to a greater risk of suicide.
  • Lack of access to mental health care. The 2023 Trevor Project found that 81% of LGBTQ+ teens needed mental health care, but 56% could not get it. Despite the prevalence of anxiety, suicide risk, and depression among LGBTQ+ young people, most cannot access the support and treatment needed.

Signs of Mental Health Issues in LGBTQ+ Teens

Several tell-tale signs indicate that your LGBTQ+ teen is struggling with their mental health. These signs can be easy to notice, but in some cases, you need to talk to them to get them the necessary help. Some signs to look for include:

  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits. Teens struggling with mental health may begin eating and sleeping more or less than normal.
  • Withdrawal from peer and social activities. Teens may begin to keep to themselves, isolate themselves from friends, and avoid activities they once enjoyed.
  • Self-harm. Teens may start self-harming as a coping mechanism. Signs may be overly dressed to hide the evidence, long-sleeved shirts even when the weather does not allow, and unexplained cuts and marks.
  • Signs of substance abuse. Struggling teens may abuse substances as a way to escape their emotions.
  • Problems at school. If you keep being called to school due to poor performance or cases such as fighting, your teenager may struggle with their mental health. Sometimes, Teen refuses to go to school if they are bullied or harassed by other students or teachers.

Types of LGBTQ+-Focused Teen Treatment Programs

If your LGBTQ+ teen is struggling with gender identity or mental health issues, it’s crucial to get them the help and support they need immediately. Key Healthcare runs various treatment programs that have proven excellent for LGBTQ+ teens.

Residential Treatment Programs

The teen residential treatment program offered by Key Healthcare provides intensive help for LGBTQ+ youth with serious emotional and behavioral problems. While receiving treatment, the teen will temporarily live outside their home in a fully supervised and monitored facility run by trained mental health professionals. The teen residential treatment is designed for teens aged 13 to 17 and is aimed at helping LGBTQ+ teens to live healthy and productive social lives.

Residential treatment is necessary if LGBTQ+ teens face serious teen mental health issues that can’t be handled at home. These issues may lead to serious depression in teens, teen anxiety, adolescent drug and substance abuse, and teen suicidal ideation.

It’s, therefore, appropriate to provide a structured, secure environment where the teen can focus on recovery. The Key Healthcare teen residential treatment provides the perfect environment and equips teens with the skills they need to live healthier once they are done with the program and ready to rejoin society.

What to Expect in a Residential Treatment Program

The Key Healthcare residential treatment for LGBTQ+ teens takes place over 45-60 days in Malibu. The team running the program comprises therapists, clinicians, and other professionals who will ensure your teen gets the help and support they need. The treatment program is tailored to the individual needs of each LGBTQ+ teen, and it utilizes evidence-based clinical modalities to ensure teens make positive changes. The program consists of the following:

  • Individual therapy- LGBTQ+ teens can access individual adolescent therapy with a licensed therapist to explore their emotions and behaviors.
  • Group therapy- Teens can also share their experiences with other LGBTQ+ teenagers and learn from the group during teen group therapy. This form of therapy shows them that they are not alone and provides a supportive and safe environment.
  • Family-centered treatment- The family plays a vital role in the overall mental wellness of LGBTQ+ teens. Our experienced therapists work hand in hand with families to address issues such as setting boundaries and communication and developing new coping skills for long-term recovery through teen family therapy.
  • Nutrition and exercise- A good diet and regular exercise are essential for physical and mental well-being. The Key Healthcare residential program provides 3 meals, healthy snacks, and access to exercise facilities throughout your teens’ stay.
  • Academic support- You don’t need to worry about your teen missing out on school and falling behind in their academics. Teens stay on top of their schoolwork throughout treatment, thanks to the mission academy school.
  • Holistic and recreation therapies- You know what they say, all work without play makes Jack a dull boy. Here at Key Healthcare, we ensure teens can access recreational therapies such as art for teens, teen yoga, and teen surf therapy that help build a sense of self-awareness, reduce stress, and promote their passions.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Residential Treatment

The benefits of the Key Healthcare teen treatment program include:

  • Around-the-clock care.
  • Safety and containment which is crucial for teenagers who are a danger to themselves and others due to suicidal ideation.
  • Removal from stressors such as bullying and harassment.
  • 24/7 supervision for LGBTQ+ teens struggling with substance abuse.
  • It allows the family to gain support and education on how to care for and support the teen.
  • It creates space to develop supportive friendships and feel part of a community.

The cons of residential treatment include:

  • Teens may have a hard time rejoining their families and community.
  • It may be hard for teens to be away from their families and loved ones, leading to feelings of isolation in teens.
  • Financial constraints may also arise since residential treatment is costly. The family must devise a payment plan with their medical insurance coverage to avoid such issues.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Teen Intensive outpatient treatment is designed for teens with mental health challenges and addiction. The program provides a supportive environment that promotes self-awareness, healthy coping skills, and problem-solving. IOP differs from a teen partial hospitalization program as it’s less restrictive but still provides the same level of care as PHP. LGBTQ+ teens can also participate in the program while living at home and attending school.

IOP is designed for teens aged 14-17 years and takes place 9 hours a week for a max of 12 weeks. We provide family counseling, individual therapy sessions, and teen aftercare plan to help ease the transition back to home and school life. We also provide relapse prevention planning through the program to help teens stay on track with recovery.

Benefits of IOP

Adolescent IOP programs like ours provide teens with the structure and the care necessary to improve their mental well-being and lead positive lives. Other benefits of the program include:

  • Teens can receive treatment while still leading a normal life and maintaining a sense of normalcy as they see friends, live with family, attend school, and participate in activities they enjoy, such as sports.
  • The program offers teens a safe and secure environment to work through their issues. We understand the importance of confidentiality in long-term recovery.
  • IOP also provides a supportive, nurturing environment with professional staff to make teens comfortable discussing and working through their issues.
  • Teen IOP offers a multidisciplinary treatment team that understands issues related to LGBTQ+ youth. The treatment is delivered through evidence-based therapies.
  • IOP teaches improved coping skills through therapy. Teens learn skills such as problem-solving, stress reduction, and anger management.
  • Key Healthcare IOP programs are affordable compared to inpatient programs. This makes the treatment accessible for more LGBTQ+ teens who need mental health support and care.

Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP)

The Key Healthcare teen partial hospitalization (teen PHP) is another program tailored to help LGBTQ+ teens with mental health issues. The program based in Los Angeles offers coordinated clinical services for teens that can function at a minimally appropriate level. The program is more intensive than the IOP but less intensive than the residential treatment.

Teen PHP is similar to the residential treatment program for teens, but teens don’t live at the facility during the treatment period. Teens can live at home or choose a suitable living arrangement. The teen, however, spends the whole day at the treatment center five days a week. The goal of this treatment program is to give LGBTQ+ youth a structured and therapeutic environment and the necessary tools to lead a healthy lifestyle. The program also provides teens with the skills they need to cope. Professional therapists and clinicians will also help the teens reintegrate into their families and society at large. The key factors the program focuses on include:

  • Learning to deal with family issues and love and appreciate family again is especially helpful for teens who may have felt some lack of support from their families.
  • How to cope with bullying, bias, and discrimination
  • The importance of a sober life and coping with triggers and temptations for teens with substance abuse issues.
  • Igniting passions within the teenager so they become motivated.
  • How to control your thoughts

Extended Care

The teen extended care program is a male-only teen program for teens struggling with mental health and dual diagnosis addiction treatment. Teens get treatment during the day and return to the sober living program at night, and this way, they are likely to stick to recovery. The program is also designed for teens who have already completed a treatment program such as the residential one.

Key Healthcare provides a stable home environment and a community of peers going through the same issues to show your teen that they are not alone. The group of counselors, therapists, and peer educators also work with the teenager daily to support recovery. The goals of the treatment program include:

  • Improved problem-solving helps teens make healthier choices in the future.
  • Passion development to help them find purpose.
  • Increased independence and self-sufficiency.
  • Relationship building with adults and peers.

What to Expect During the Extended Care Program

The core element of the program is extra and extended care since the teens may have already undergone individual, group, and family therapy. Some things your teen can expect during their stay at the Key Healthcare facility include:

  • Daily meals will be provided- We provide healthy meals and snacks that support recovery and brain development.
  • Life skills groups- Teens can participate in different life skills focus topics such as anger management, relationships, budgeting, and relationships.
  • Regularly exercise- Teens are encouraged to participate in physical activities such as running, strength training, and yoga to stay healthy.
  • Chores- At Key Healthcare, teens are encouraged to learn responsibility and accountability by participating in daily chores such as meal prep, cleaning, and laundry.
  • Recreational activities include rock climbing, movie nights, surfing, bowling, and cycling to stay entertained as they undergo treatment.
  • Outpatient therapy allows the youth to attend individual, family, and group therapy at our outpatient treatment center.
  • 12-step meetings- Teens will attend 12-step meetings with a supportive peer group daily to stay on track with recovery.

Gender-Affirming Care Programs

According to the world health organization, gender-affirming care includes medical, social, psychological, and behavioral interventions designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity when it conflicts with the gender assigned at birth. The care helps transgender and non-binary teens align different aspects of their lives, such as interpersonal, biological, and interpersonal, with their gender identity.

The interventions range from counseling to changes in social expression and hormone therapy where necessary. The goal of this program is not treatment but building understanding and creating an environment where the young person feels safe to express themselves, ask questions, and raise concerns. Gender-affirming care is necessary for teens who experience gender dysphoria. The symptoms to look out for include desires to have the primary or secondary sex characteristics of another gender or to be treated as another gender. Another common sign is distress or impairment of social and other important areas of functioning.

Finding LGBTQ+-Focused Teen Treatment Programs

Finding the right teen treatment program is critical, but most parents struggle to find one for LGBTQ+ teens going through mental issues. So here is the much-needed information on how to go about it.

How to Search for LGBTQ+-Focused Treatment Programs

Finding a suitable program can seem like a mountain, especially when you don’t know where to begin. Here are some ideas on how to get started on this journey:

Online Search Strategies

The internet is a hub of resources, and just by searching online, you can find sites that will direct you to accredited and reputable programs. You can also read reviews on different programs before taking further steps.

Referrals from Healthcare Providers

You can also ask your child’s healthcare providers to recommend a program that will suit the struggles the teen is going through and where you can seek help.

Recommendations from LGBTQ+ Community Organizations

The best place to get recommendations is from the LGBTQ+ community since the programs would be highly tried and tested by the members. There are many forums on social media platforms where you can pose the question and get answers.

How to Evaluate Treatment Programs

Parents must undergo a serious step-by-step process when vetting potential teen treatment programs to ensure their kids get the best support. Here are some of the things to pay attention to when looking for a treatment program:

Accreditation and Licensing

There are currently no federal standards for teen treatment programs, but several NGOs provide accreditations for facilities offering addiction treatment, outpatient services, and behavioral health programs. Teen treatment programs offering academic curriculums must also be accredited to offer such services. Any facility offering teen treatment programs should also have an accredited adolescent psychiatrist. You can check whether a medical professional is certified by the Federation of State medical boards.

Treatment Approaches and Modalities

Although mental health and dual diagnosis treatment are still evolving, ensure the treatment programs use evidence-based treatments. Most programs rely on a combination of the following forms of teen therapies:

Staff Qualifications and Training

Every parent wants to ensure their child is in the best hands. Treatment for LGBTQ+ teens with mental health issues covers complex conditions such as victimization, harassment, bullying, and trauma. Teen programs must be run by specialists such as clinicians, therapists, and trained psychiatrists along with passionate founders.

Ongoing aftercare support

Treatment should not end when the teen completes a program since healing is a journey. Finding a program that encourages extended care and long-term support for the teen and their family is important. It’s also an added advantage if the addiction aftercare program offers access to community resources so LGBTQ+ teenagers can continue to seek help after completing treatment.

Questions to Ask Treatment Providers

When determining a treatment option that best fits your LGBTQ+ teen’s needs, here are a few important questions to ask:

Questions about LGBTQ+ Competency and Inclusivity

  1. What are your credentials for treating LGBTQ+ teens?
  2. Are you licensed in this state, and what accreditations does the program offer?
  3. Do you have a particular approach, expertise, or training for handling mental health issues among LGBTQ+ teens?
  4. What experience do you have treating people LQBTQ+ teens with mental health problems?

Questions about Treatment Approaches and Modalities

  1. What are the best treatment programs for my LGBTQ+ teenager getting bullied at school?
  2. Are there alternative treatments that would be beneficial to my child’s recovery?
  3. How long are therapy sessions?
  4. Will the symptoms recur in the future, and what warning signs should I look for?

Supporting LGBTQ+ Teens in Treatment

Every parent wants the best for their kid, but it can be challenging to provide support, especially for LGBTQ+ teenagers. These teens face unique challenges that parents can often feel unprepared to face. Parents must provide a solid support system for LGBTQ+ teens’ mental well-being.

How to Communicate with LGBTQ+ Teens in Treatment

Some ways to create an environment where teens feel comfortable communicating include:

  • Make them feel loved and accepted for who they are; you don’t need them to change. This fosters an environment where a teen feels safe to communicate.
  • Encourage dialogues. Start small and build trust by being curious about their day-to-day lives.
  • Stay involved in their school life. Your child spends as much time in school as at home. It’s important to ensure they are safe and comfortable there too.
  • Have your facts right by learning as much as possible about the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Ensure your teen is forming healthy relationships online and in person.

Best Practices for Communication with LGBTQ+ Teens

When communicating with, for, or about LGBTQ+ teens, it’s utterly important to consider their unique needs and challenges. Youth in this community encounter higher rates of stigma, discrimination, stereotypes, and rejection than cisgender and heterosexual teens. It’s, therefore, important to ensure that communication is respectful, supportive, and inclusive.

It’s also crucial to remember that language is especially important when engaging LGBTQ+ teens. Educate yourself on gender identification and pronouns to use the correct terms. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes, but what’s crucial is to remain open-minded and ready to learn and unlearn when dealing with an LGBTQ+ adolescent. Have conversations, join support groups, and stay updated to avoid old-fashioned terms that may be offensive to the LGBTQ+ community.

Also read How to Talk to Teens About Drugs

How to Advocate for LGBTQ+ Teen Treatment Rights Local and National Levels

Advocating for LGBTQ+ teen treatment rights at the local and national levels is an important step towards ensuring equal access to healthcare and support for LGBTQ+ youth. Here are some strategies we can use to advocate for these rights:

  • Examining your own biases. It’s okay to recognize that you are sometimes uncomfortable but remember that teens don’t choose their sexual orientation. Remain open-minded, and your kids will feel safe to disclose information.
  • Obtain education and training on how to advocate for LGBTQ+ teens.
  • Learn the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, especially when working with transgender teenagers.
  • Ensure LGBTQ+ youth are safe by advocating for them.
  • Learn and study laws about LGBTQ+ teens in your state or city and remember them.
  • Recognize system and educational failures affecting the LGBTQ+ youth and challenge those failures.
  • Finally, be actively visible in challenging stereotypes and myths about LGBTQ+ teens.

Conclusion

LGBTQ+ teens are more likely to suffer from mental health issues than other youth groups. Ensuring they receive the mental health support they need to lead a healthy life is important. For more information on the teen mental health treatment programs we run at Key Healthcare, contact us by filling out the contact form on our website, calling us at (800) 421-4364, or scheduling a call.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What are some strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ teens in treatment?

The best way to support LGBTQ+ teens in treatment is to get educated on their issues so you can provide a safe environment for them. Parents, guardians, and caregivers should also go to therapy to learn how to support the kids. Finally, it’s also important to advocate for LGBTQ+ campaigns.

What are some of the benefits of gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ teens?

Gender-affirming care improves the well-being of gender-diverse teens and reduces suicidal ideation as well as depression and anxiety.

What is the role of the family in supporting the treatment of LGBTQ+ teens?

LGBTQ+ teens who receive strong support from families tend to have better mental health and a lower risk of substance abuse. A supportive family is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and success of mental health treatment programs.

What are some common approaches to LGBTQ+ teen treatment?

Some mental health treatment programs include extended care, residential, partial hospitalization treatment (PHP), and intensive outpatient treatment programs for teens.

What are some strategies for addressing stigma and discrimination in treatment?

To address stigma in treatment, talk openly about the mental health of LGBTQ+ teens, educate yourself and others around you, and speak out about stigma. It’s also important to be conscious of language and show compassion for teens with mental health issues.

How can healthcare providers be more LGBTQ+ inclusive in their treatment approaches?

Healthcare providers can educate staff to be comfortable treating LGBTQ+ teenagers and discussing sexual orientation and practices. They can also provide a welcoming environment and more programs for LQBTQ+ youth.

Are there any online resources for LGBTQ+ teens seeking treatment?

There are a couple of online resources for LGBTQ+ youth and their parents, including:

  • The LGBT National Help Center offers weekly chat rooms and a talk line.
  • True colors united.
  • Gender Spectrum Lounge connects teens and their families to mental healthcare professionals.
  • The Trevor Project has several online resources, including a phone service, a confidential live chat function, a confidential text service connecting you to a counselor, and an affirming community for LGBTQ+ teenagers.

How can LGBTQ+ teens access affordable treatment options?

Key Healthcare works with most health insurance providers, and insurance covers some programs up to 100%. Parents and caregivers just need to verify with insurance to get more info on coverage.

Are there any LGBTQ+ treatment programs that integrate family therapy into their approach?

The different programs, such as partial hospitalization treatment (PHP), extended care, and residential treatment designed for LGBTQ+ teens struggling with mental health issues, integrate family therapy where parents learn how to support and help the adolescent. The teen’s family plays a crucial role in the long-term recovery of their child.