Is There a Need for LGBT-Specific Suicide Crisis Services?

Abstract

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Although LGBT-specific crisis services have been developed, little is known about the need for these services beyond that of general lifeline services. Aims: The present study sought to (a) describe the primary reasons for calling a specialized provider as opposed to another and (b) examine sociodemographic differences in the primary reason by race, ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation. Method: Data from 657 youth who sought crisis services from an LGBT-specific national service provider in the United States were assessed. Logistic regression models assessed demographic differences. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses regarding reasons for choosing this LGBT-specific crisis service provider followed a consensus model. Results: Most respondents indicated they either would not have contacted another helpline (26%) or were not sure (48%). Nearly half (42%) indicated they called specifically because of LGBT-affirming counselors, a reason more commonly reported by gender minority (transgender and gender nonbinary) and queer or pansexual youth than cisgender, gay, or lesbian youth. Conclusion: LGBT-specific crisis services appear to play an important role in suicide prevention. Further research is needed to understand the use of culturally tailored suicide prevention approaches.