Healthcare providers perspectives on digital, self-guided mental health programs for LGBTQIA+ individuals: A cross-sectional online survey

•Healthcare providers consider digital, self-guided programs to be useful for the LGTBQIA+ community.•Providers felt programs may help provide support to those typically with access challenges and be a useful therapeutic adjunct.•Concerns were described around tailoring to LGBTQIA+ identities and potential for harm.•Providers advocate for programs to include affirming language, consideration of LGBTQIA+ challenges, community connection, and access to wider health information and services. Digital, self-guided mental health programs are a promising avenue for mental health support for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, Queer, intersex, asexual plus additional sexuality, gender, and romantic identities) people – however, healthcare providers (HCPs) perspectives on programs are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore these perspectives. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed across Australia, with a final sample of 540 HCPs from a range of disciplines. Most respondents (419, 81.2 %), reported that digital, self-guided mental health programs would be useful, but 74.5 % (n = 380) also reported that they had concerns. Thematic analysis of open-text responses showed that HCPs believe programs may help overcome access barriers and could be useful as part of a wider care journey. Others were concerned about patient safety, and whether programs could be appropriately tailored to LGBTQIA+ experiences. Content analysis of open-text responses showed affirming language and imagery, content on LGBTQIA+ people's unique challenges, wider health information, and connections to community were important to include in programs. HCPs advocated for programs that offered broad and sub-population specific information. These findings show that HCPs are enthusiastic about digital, self-guided mental health programs, but care should be taken to address key concerns to facilitate future implementation.