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Pride Month: Embracing Diversity in Mental Health Treatment

As we celebrate Pride Month each June, we’re reminded of the vibrant diversity that enriches our society. However, the celebrations also underscore the need for sensitive and inclusive mental health services that are attuned to the unique experiences and needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

The intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and mental health cannot be overstated. Stigma, discrimination, and marginalization can heighten mental health risks among LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) reports that LGBTQ+ people are more than twice as likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

The Trevor Project collected this troubling data:

  • 45% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. The rates were higher among young people who are transgender, nonbinary, and/or people of color​
  • 14% of LGBTQ young people attempted suicide in the past year, with higher rates among transgender and nonbinary young people
  • 60% of LGBTQ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it​

Furthermore, many federally funded surveys have only recently started to ask about sexual orientation and gender identification in their data collections. Surveys thus far have found that sexual minorities have higher rates of substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) than people who identify as heterosexual.

Additional research shows that LGBTQ+ young people have significantly higher rates of eating disorders and also higher rates of attempting suicide compared to heterosexual and cisgender populations. When we consider intersectional identities for LGBTQ+ folx belonging to communities or color, studies show that the risks of eating disorders and mental health diagnoses are even higher (coupled with lower likelihood of ever receiving treatment).

The Importance of Diversity in Mental Health Treatment

A crucial step toward better mental health outcomes is embracing diversity in mental health treatment. This requires a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a culturally competent model that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences and challenges of LGBTQ+ individuals.

A number of organizations are leading the charge to incorporate LGBTQ+ sensitive approaches into mental health care. The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center provides educational programs, resources, and consultations to health care organizations with a goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective health care for LGBTQ+ people.

The APA also emphasizes the importance of gender-affirming and culturally-attuned care. Their guidelines recommend that mental health professionals adopt an affirmative stance towards LGBTQ+ identities and relationships and understand the health risks and disparities specific to this community.

Embracing Innovation and Community Support

Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging to support diverse mental health needs. For example, community-focused resources such as The Trevor Project provides lifesaving and life-affirming resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Their crisis intervention and suicide prevention services are tailored specifically for younger members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Additional resources can be found in our gender inclusion statement.

Reflecting on Pride Month and Looking Ahead

This Pride Month, it’s crucial to reaffirm our commitment to embracing diversity in mental health treatment. Culturally competent care, education for health professionals, and supportive community resources are all vital elements in fostering mental wellness among LGBTQ+ individuals.

Recognizing and celebrating diversity involves more than lip service. It involves affirming the identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and advocating for mental health care that respects and responds to each person’s unique needs.

Inclusion, respect, and understanding are pillars of mental health care. As we celebrate Pride Month, let’s also remember to champion these values in the provision of mental health services. Together, let’s make a commitment to devoting time before the month is over to educate ourselves and explore some of the resources shared in this blog post.In doing so, we can work toward a future where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has access to the mental health care they need.

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Rachel Collins, LCSW
Site Director of Northbrook PHP and IOP

Rachel Collins, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Northbrook Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for both adolescents and adults. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and went on to complete her master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. She has since worked in a wide range of settings, including inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, therapeutic group homes, and private practice. Rachel specializes in treating trauma (using Cognitive Processing Therapy) and anxiety, practicing through a relational, compassionate, and client-centered lens. She is passionate about creating a therapeutic space in which clients feel safe and able to explore various parts of themselves with curiosity as opposed to judgement. In addition to her leadership and clinical work, she is passionate about creating art, and learning about the intersection between creativity and mental health.

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW
Site Director, Naperville PHP/IOP (Adolescents & Adults)

Kayla Corirossi, MA, LCSW, is the Site Director of SunCloud Health’s Naperville Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) programs for adolescents and adults. She brings extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan, including adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations, and specializes in the treatment of mood disorders, trauma, substance use, family systems, forensic populations, and individuals in crisis.

Kayla has worked in a wide range of clinical and community settings, including community-based interventions, police crisis response, correctional facilities, inpatient treatment, PHP/IOP programs, and with vulnerable and underserved populations. In addition to her clinical and leadership work, she is passionate about providing mental health education and advocacy within the community.

Kayla earned her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Aurora University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Forensic Social Work, also at Aurora University. Her clinical approach is evidence-based, compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative, emphasizing collaboration and individualized care.

Driven by a personal mission to meet individuals where they are, Kayla is committed to helping clients feel safe, supported, and understood. She strives to create a natural and empathetic healing environment while ensuring individuals from all backgrounds and identities know they are not alone and have access to meaningful resources and support.

Elizabeth E. Sita, MD
Medical Director of Adult Services
Dr. Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, is a Board Certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of patients with eating disorders. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Chicago and graduated with Highest Honors. She then earned her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was recognized with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Psychiatry. She subsequently completed residency with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, where she was elected Chief Resident and received the Resident Psychiatrist Leadership & Service Award. Upon completing her training, Dr. Sita came to Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, where she served as Assistant Medical Director of the Center for Eating Disorders and Director of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Services before transitioning to lead the new inpatient eating disorder unit as Medical Director of Eating Disorder Services at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital – Chicago. In these roles, she has cared for a multitude of adolescents and adults struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders as well as severe, cooccurring mood, trauma, personality, and substance use disorders. Dr. Sita has been recognized throughout her training and practice for a commitment to excellence in patient care and for her ability to engage patients in their most challenging moments. Her passions include the care of treatment-resistant eating and mood disorders as well as questions of medical capacity and end-of-life decision making. She believes that, first and foremost, human connection is key to mental health and well-being and strives to share this philosophy in each and every patient encounter. She is excited to bring her expertise to SunCloud Health as the Medical Director of Adult Services!   VIDEO: Meet Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, Medical Director of Adult Services  
Lacey Lemke, PsyD
Assistant Vice President of Clinical Services

Dr. Lacey Lemke (she/her) is a licensed clinical health psychologist with specialized expertise in the treatment of eating disorders and the practice of medical and health psychology. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology with a Primary Care emphasis at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Lemke went on to complete both her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship through Ascension Health, where she gained advanced training working with individuals experiencing eating disorders and self-injurious behaviors, as well as within pediatric subspecialty settings including endocrinology, neurology, and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Lemke is deeply committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment. Her professional mission is to support patients in achieving their fullest potential by guiding them to the most appropriate level of care and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable progress toward improved health and well-being.

VIDEO: 2. Meet Lacey Lemke, PsyD.