fbpx
Web-Site-InteriorPage-Graphics-member-news

Behavioral health support for LGBTQ+ members

alliance-icon-member

LGBTQ couple and children sitting on a bench in a park smiling with pet dog.

Taking care of your behavioral health is an important part of your overall health and wellness! Behavioral health includes mental health and behavioral concerns as well as difficulty with substance use. Many people struggle with behavioral health concerns, including high rates reported by LGBTQ+ people.  

  • 59% of LGBTQ+ adults experience poor mental health. ¹  
  • 54% of LGBTQ+ youth struggle with depression. ¹  

There are many reasons people may not seek help for behavioral health. Stigma, lack of understanding of resources or past experiences of discrimination are a few examples. This can lead to difficulty with daily activities, such as work, family life, self-care or recreation.  

Health equity for our members is important to us. We believe everyone deserves the respect and compassion to be as mentally and physically healthy as possible. This includes behavioral health care services provided through Carelon Behavioral Health. 

Our Behavioral Health Care page shares:

  • More on what behavioral health is, with examples of behavioral health concerns.
  • What behavioral health services are available to Alliance members.
  • How to get behavioral health services.
  • Additional support resources.

If you need behavioral health care, call Carelon Behavioral Health at 855-765-9700. This toll-free access line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Struggling or in crisis? Call 988. You are not alone. Call or text the suicide prevention number. 

LGBTQ couple walking down beach looking at each other and smiling

The LGBT National Help Center provides free and confidential peer-support, information and local resources. The LGBT National Help Center has several hotlines:

  • National Hotline for all ages.
  • Youth Talkline for those who are 25 years of age and younger.
  • Senior Hotline for those who are 50 years of age and older.
  • Coming Out Support Hotline for all ages.

To learn more, visit the LGBT National Help Center’s website.

¹ Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The State of Mental Health in the LGBTQ Community.

1

Did you find this information helpful?

About the contributor:

Kristin Rath

Kristin Rath is a Communications Content Specialist at Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance). She works with the health plan’s experts to write on a wide range of health care and wellness topics, including checkups, vaccines, behavioral health and food security. Kristin has been with the Alliance since 2019. She holds Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees in communications.

Written in collaboration with subject matter expert: Shaina Zurlin LCSW PsyD., Behavioral Health Director