MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR LGBT OLDER ADULTS IN LONG-TERM CARE: COMPETENCY, TRAINING, AND BARRIERS FOR PROVIDERS

Abstract

Providers (N=57) completed an online survey on practice characteristics. They were asked about: number of LGBT residents they’ve worked with, relevance of LGBT issues to their practice, preparedness, willingness to learn, hours of formal/informal training, and barriers to providing care to LGBT patients. Respondents were 63% psychologists, 16% social workers, 14% psychiatrists, and 5% nurses, most of whom practiced in LTC consulting roles. Most providers felt working with LGBT issues was relevant to their practice and felt willing to learn, though they were unaware of evidence based practices (EBTs), especially for LTC settings. They had little coursework on LGBT issues, and identified lack of training, stigma, and residents concealing their identity as the greatest barriers to care. Mental health providers in LTC facilities would benefit from training in LGBT-specific mental health problems and EBTs, and efforts to destigmatize LGBT identities in these settings might improve access to mental health care.