National strategy recommendations

Pass the Pride in Mental Health Act

Prevention, Early Intervention, & Youth
Parity, Coverage, & Equitable Access
Topics
Public Health & Data
Public Awareness
social determinants of health
No items found.
Population
Sexual and Gender Minorities/LGBTQ+
Youth
Coverage & Standards
No items found.
Federal department
No items found.
house committees
House Energy and Commerce Committee
senate committees
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Recommendation

Congress should pass the Pride in Mental Health Act, which would direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to survey the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth to better understand their mental health and incidences of child abuse and neglect.[1][2] The bill would also improve mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth by developing new resources, training for caregivers, and school bullying prevention guidelines.[1][2]

Background/summary

LGBTQ+ youth report challenges with bullying, feeling sad or hopeless, and experiencing other mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD) at a higher rate than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.[3] Many LGBTQ+ youths may have to navigate an environment that might not be inclusive, or accepting of their sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI) - especially within their families. [4] Family rejection, neglect, and abuse can lead to MH/SUDs.[4] These challenges have resulted in LGBTQ+ youth being overrepresented in the child welfare system and increase the chances of LGBTQ+ youth encountering homelessness.[5] Congress should pass the Pride in Mental Health Act to address the unique mental health needs of this population, especially those deriving from incidences of child abuse and neglect.[1][2]

citations

1. Pride in Mental Health Act. H.R. 7644 (Davids), 118th Congress, (2023-2024). Last Accessed July 25, 2023.

2. “During Pride Month, Davids Introduces Bill Supporting Lgbtqi+ Youth Mental Health.”  Congressperson Sharice Davids. Last Updated June 8, 2023.

3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Disparities Among LGBTQ Youth. Last Updated December 20, 2019.

4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth. Last Accessed July 31, 2023.

5. Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, Youth.gov. Child Welfare. Last Accessed July 25, 2023.

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