The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities' mental health care needs and experiences of mental health services: An integrative review of qualitative studies

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? There is evidence that the LGBT communities experience greater health disparities, particularly in relation to their mental health needs. The LGBT communities are often faced with stigma and discrimination within mental health services. What the paper adds to existing knowledge? People within the LGBT communities have identified that their experiences of mental health services reinforce stigma and lack an understanding of their specific needs. Their needs can be addressed by mental health services that challenge heteronormative assumptions and promote self‐acceptance and equity. What are the implications for practice? The existing heteronormative culture in mental health nursing practice needs to be challenged. Practice needs to demonstrate self-awareness of personal and societal LGBT biases, prejudices, and stigma. Practice needs to demonstrate knowledge of important LGBT health care and psychosocial issues. Practice needs to reflect LGBT clinical skills grounded in professional ethics, guidelines, and standards of care. Introduction The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities are a minority population that experience a range of health disparities, including mental health. Because these groups have higher rates of mental disorder than the general population it is, therefore, pertinent to identify their specific mental health needs and their experiences when accessing mental health care. Aim To identify the mental health needs of the LGBT communities and their experiences of accessing mental health care. Methods An integrative review of qualitative studies was conducted. Results A total of fourteen studies were selected for this review. The studies identified that participants’ experiences of accessing mental health care were related to (a) experiencing stigma and (b) staff's lack of knowledge and understanding of LGBT people's needs. They identified a need for mental health care that promotes the principles of equity, inclusion and respect for diversity. Discussion The LGBT communities while not a homogenous group, face unique challenges when dealing with their mental health needs. Services that promote health equity and self‐acceptance are important for this group. Implications for practice It is vital that mental health nursing education incorporate models that promote equity, inclusion and respect for diversity regarding this group of people.