The availability of LGBT‐specific mental health and substance abuse treatment in the United States

Objective

To examine the availability and facility‐level predictors of LGBT‐specific mental health and substance abuse treatment in the United States.

Data Sources/Study Setting

2016 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, 2016 National Mental Health Service Survey, and 2015‐2016 Gallup Daily tracking survey.

Study Design

Logistic regression models and average marginal effects were used to identify characteristics of facilities that offer LGBT‐specific programs. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between the state‐level proportion of LGBT people and the proportion of facilities that offer LGBT‐specific programs.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Secondary data analysis. Cases with missing values for any predictor were excluded.

Principle Findings

12.6 percent of mental health and 17.6 percent of substance abuse facilities reported LGBT‐specific programs. Several facility characteristics were statistically associated with the likelihood of mental health and substance abuse facilities providing LGBT‐specific programs, including offering outpatient or residential treatment, private ownership, religious affiliation, and payment type. The proportion of LGBT adults living within each state was statistically associated with state‐level density of LGBT‐specific mental health programs, but not substance abuse programs.

Conclusions

Findings suggest limited availability of culturally competent mental health and substance abuse treatment, despite well‐documented need.