Mental Health Matters: Supporting LGBTQ Youth Beyond Pride Month

While Pride Month shines a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ community, support for LGBTQ+ youth must extend far beyond June. Young people who consider themselves part of this community face disproportionate mental health challenges due to stigma, bullying, and family rejection— risk factors that make consistent, inclusive care essential year-round. At Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara, we believe young people deserve to feel seen, safe, and supported.

Why LGBTQ+ Youth Face Unique Mental Health Challenges

  • Higher rates of anxiety and depression: According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
  • Increased suicide risk: 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year (Trevor Project 2023 National Survey).
  • Family rejection: Youth who are rejected by their families are more likely to struggle with self-worth, isolation, and homelessness.
  • School-based bullying: Many report feeling unsafe at school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, which impacts academic performance and self-esteem.

How Allies and Professionals Can Support LGBTQ+ Youth Year-Round

Create Affirming Home and School Environments

  • Encourage open communication
  • Respect name/pronoun use
  • Advocate for inclusive policies in schools and youth organizations
Provide Access to Culturally Competent Mental Health Care
  • Seek out LGBTQ+-affirming therapists
  • Use inclusive language in clinical settings
  • Address the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in care plans

Engage with Community and Peer Support Networks

  • Connect youth with local LGBTQ+ centers and events
  • Encourage involvement in supportive peer groups
  • Explore mental health education
  • Provide safe spaces where young people can express themselves authentically

Local and National Resources

Local Support in Santa Barbara

Mental Wellness Center – Santa Barbara
Youth and family support services, mental health education, and community programs
617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
https://mentalwellnesscenter.org
(805) 884-8440

Pacific Pride Foundation
LGBTQ+ youth support groups, counseling, and advocacy
608 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
https://pacificpridefoundation.org
(805) 963-3636

Calm – Child Abuse Listening & Mediation
Trauma-informed support for youth, including those facing family rejection
https://calm4kids.org
(805) 965-2376

National Resources

The Trevor Project
24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

GLSEN
Resources for creating safe and inclusive schools
https://www.glsen.org

PFLAG
Support for parents and families of LGBTQ+ individuals
https://pflag.org

It’s About More Than a Month—It’s About a Movement

Supporting LGBTQ+ youth is an ongoing commitment to creating a culture of safety, acceptance, and mental well-being. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or friend, your support can be life-saving. Together, we can help LGBTQ+ youth not just survive, but thrive. Learn Mental Wellness Center’s youth & family programs.