Evidence-Based Approaches for Treating Depression Among Sexual and Gender Minority Clients

Abstract

Although depression is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders in the general population, it is even more prevalent in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities. Psychological treatments for depression have demonstrated efficacy, and this chapter reviews the research literature on depression in sexual minority communities and on the efficacy of treatments. Established treatments for depression do not need to be modified extensively for sexual minority clients. However, particular vulnerabilities need to be taken into account and addressed when working with this population. In this chapter, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal therapies for depression are reviewed, and their relevance to work with sexual minority clients is described. The chapter also presents an example of LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive–behavioral therapy for depression.