The Importance of Affirming Care for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Ariana Meinster, LMSW

Jun 12, 2025

3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Understanding the Current Landscape

As of February 2025, CNN reports that an estimated 9.3% of the US population identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This figure has nearly doubled since 2020. Despite this significant increase, the therapist community remains largely uneducated about the importance of affirming care.

As a former MSW student and now a therapist specializing in affirming care, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of training among providers. During my Master's program, only one class focused solely on working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Throughout my career, I have been one of the few providers in my practices dedicated to this population. In 2025, the need for more affirming providers is greater than ever.

The Challenges Faced by the LGBTQIA+ Community

The LGBTQIA+ community, particularly the transgender population, faces ongoing attacks from the US government through various anti-LGBTQIA+ bills. Many of these bills directly target transgender individuals. This hostile environment has led many community members to question their safety, even at events like Pride. Such fears contribute to an intense level of trauma for a community that has already endured centuries of bigotry and hatred simply for wanting to live authentically.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGBTQIA+ adults are more than twice as likely as their straight counterparts to experience mental health concerns. This statistic doubles for transgender individuals. LGBTQIA+ youth also face significant challenges, being twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression. Transgender youth experience even higher rates of depression. In 2019 and 2020, LGBTQIA+ youth were more than four times as likely to attempt suicide (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020). Unfortunately, these numbers have likely increased since then.

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues

Several factors contribute to these alarming statistics. LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing rejection, trauma, substance use, homelessness, and inadequate mental health care. NAMI also highlights that the LGBTQIA+ community often faces harassment from the very providers meant to support them.

Many providers lack cultural humility, as this topic is rarely discussed in graduate programs or continuing education courses. Additionally, the ever-evolving language and needs of the community can create challenges for providers. During my Master's program at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, my professor for the LGBTQIA+ focused course remarked, “I am going to teach all of this to you, and then we will have to do it all over again.” This statement underscores the necessity of pursuing continuing education focused on best practices for working with this community.

The Need for Continuing Education

Yes, the information surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues is constantly changing. However, it is crucial for providers to stay informed, especially given the statistics mentioned above. This Pride Month and beyond, I urge my fellow clinicians to deepen their understanding of how to support the LGBTQIA+ community. It is essential to create a safe space free from harassment and bigotry for those in need.

Building a Supportive Environment

Creating an affirming environment involves more than just understanding the statistics. It requires active listening, empathy, and a commitment to ongoing education. Providers must recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and work to address them.

Engaging with the community can also provide valuable insights. Attending Pride events, participating in workshops, and collaborating with LGBTQIA+ organizations can enhance understanding and foster connections.

Resources for Providers

There are numerous resources available for providers seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in affirming care. Organizations like NAMI and The Trevor Project offer educational materials, training sessions, and support networks.

Additionally, online courses and webinars can provide flexible learning opportunities. By investing time in these resources, providers can become more effective allies and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the need for affirming care within the LGBTQIA+ community is urgent. As the population continues to grow and face challenges, it is imperative for therapists and mental health providers to educate themselves. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their identity.