Working With Suicidal and Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth in the Context of Family Rejection

Geoffrey Ream; Andrew Peters

doi:10.1007/s42843-021-00029-2

Working With Suicidal and Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth in the Context of Family Rejection

J Health Serv Psychol. 2021;47(1):41-50. doi: 10.1007/s42843-021-00029-2. Epub 2021 Feb 1.

Authors

Geoffrey Ream¹, Andrew Peters²

Affiliations

¹ Garden City, NY USA.
² New York, NY USA.

Abstract

LGBTQ+ individuals are at increased risk of suicide. Homelessness further increases the risk, as does family-of-origin rejection. A model that combines suicidal risk factors and minority stress theory is useful in clinical practice. An openness to "hearing" the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals is essential to treatment. An LGBTQ+ affirming therapeutic approach is recommended. It is also frequently helpful to rebuild family relationships and support for the LGBTQ+ individual, particularly with younger youth. Principles of practice are described and illustrated.