Data from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to report they've been diagnosed with depression. And nearly a third report having poor mental health. Many people from this community struggle to get the care and support they need. In the U.S. there is legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community in many places. We spoke with Joy Alafia, executive director of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Really understand that a therapist, I'd like to say, you take your car to get a tune up, you get an annual physical from your doctor. It's the same with therapy; they help counsel and provide support through life."Alafia said it's important to reduce barriers to accessing care, but it's also important to provide diversified culturally competent care with the types of therapists they provide.