Mental Health Care for LGBT Older Adults in Long-Term Care Settings: Competency, Training, and Barriers for Mental Health Providers

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectives: To assess mental health providers’ experience with LGBT older adults in long-term care (LTC) settings and perceived barriers to quality care.Methods: Providers (N = 57) completed an online survey on demographics and practice characteristics. They were also 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.Results: 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 well-prepared and 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 quality care.Conclusions: Mental health providers in LTC facilities would benefit from more training in LGBT-specific mental health problems and evidence-based treatments, and efforts to destigmatize LGBT identities in these settings might improve access to mental health care.Clinical Implications: LGBT-specific training and EBTs are needed. Facilities need to address stigma with residents and providers.