Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces LGBTQ+ Mental-health Resource Hubs
BOSTON — As part of an ongoing effort to increase access to mental-health services for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced the creation of two online hubs for LGBTQ+ mental- and behavioral-health resources. The online hubs include a variety of specialized services and supports for LGBTQ+ individuals (click here) and LGBTQ+ youth (click here), including therapeutic support, substance-use treatment, community-based resources, and more.
Through these resource hubs, Massachusetts residents will be able to find local groups and providers that offer LGBTQ-specific and LGBTQ-sensitive care, as well as online and in-person support groups, LGBTQ-specific activities and opportunities, information on national LGBTQ+ supports, and connections to Massachusetts’ strong network of mental healthcare.
“We want LGBTQ+ children, adults, and families to know they are loved, safe, and celebrated in Massachusetts,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “As other states move to restrict support and resources for LGBTQ+ residents, we are protecting and expanding them. In Massachusetts, we know that love is love, and we will continue to lead the country in the protection and promotion of LGBTQ+ care.”
This is the latest action in an ongoing effort from the Healey-Driscoll administration to support LGBTQ+ individuals and families and increase access to critical mental-health and substance-use care. LGBTQ+ individuals have historically seen higher rates of mental-health and substance-use struggles and are more likely to experience bullying, harassment, and violence. Discrimination and prejudice have also historically made it more difficult for people in the LGBTQ+ community to access the comprehensive supports they need. The resource hubs aim to rectify these gaps and help LGBTQ+ people in Massachusetts get connected to culturally sensitive, LGBTQ-specific care.
“LGBTQ+ children, adults, and families experience unique challenges,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh said. “This resource directory will guide LGBTQ+ individuals and their families to the specialized care and resources they need. This is part of our commitment to protect our LGBTQ+ community, especially LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.”
The LGBTQ+ youth mental-health hub highlights a number of youth-specific organizations and services in Massachusetts and beyond, including the Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth Network, a statewide network of community-based organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth.