MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND THE LGBT POPULATION IN LONG-TERM CARE: COMPETENCY, TRAINING, AND BARRIERS

Abstract

The study describes results of survey data on providers’ competency, training, and barriers encountered in delivering mental health care to LGBT older adults in nursing homes. Fifty-seven providers completed the survey: 47% psychologists, 12% social workers, 11% psychiatrists, and 4% nurses. Providers had practiced in nursing homes for about 12.5 years. 39% of providers reported they provided no care to LGBT residents the past year, while most of the 61% of providers who did reported working with 1–6 LGBT residents. 62% of providers reported the services they provided were focused on LGBT issues, while 38% reported that the focus was not at all related. For training, 86% of providers reported no formal coursework in LGBT issues or left the item blank; 81% reported no continuing education hours and 70% of providers reported no self-study hours. Providers reported that LGBT issues were relevant to their practice (83%), that they felt somewhat or well prepared to work with this population (76%), and were also somewhat or very willing to learn more (90%). Reported barriers included lack of training in LGBT issues, (85%) lack of familiarity with or availability of evidence-based treatments (76% and 79% respectively), resident unwilling to identify as LGBT (94%), and stigma (91% definitely or probably). Only 21% reported that their personal comfort could be a barrier. Results from this sample indicate facilities need more training, more evidence-based treatments, and less stigma to provide mental health care for the LGBT population.