Disparities in mental health care access among persons differing in sexual identity: Nationally representative findings

Individuals from sexual minority groups have elevated rates of depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidality relative to their heterosexual counterparts. These differences result from stress due to belonging to a sexual minority group: experiences of sexuality-based stigma that result in increased stress and adverse behavioral and mental health (BMH) outcomes. Research has consistently documented that sexual minority populations experience bias and discrimination when engaging with BMH care providers. Moreover, despite recent studies that have reported parity of sexual minority adults with heterosexual adults in insurance rates after passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, sexual minority populations remain disproportionally underinsured (i.e., they have a high cost-sharing burden). (author abstract) #HES4A