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Homelessness, Mental Health and Suicidality Among LGBTQ Youth Accessing Crisis Services

Child Psychiatry & Human Development volume 49, pages 643–651 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

LGBTQ youth experience increased risks of homelessness, mental health disorder symptoms, and suicidality. Utilizing data from LGBTQ youth contacting a suicide crisis services organization, this study examined: (a) rates of homelessness among crisis services users, (b) the relationship between disclosure of LGBTQ identity to parents and parental rejection and homelessness, and (c) the relationship between homelessness and mental health disorder outcomes and suicidality. A nationwide sample of LGBTQ youth was recruited for a confidential online survey from an LGBTQ-focused crisis services hotline. Overall, nearly one-third of youth contacting the crisis services hotline had experienced lifetime homelessness, and those who had disclosed their LGBTQ identity to parents or experienced parental rejection because of LGBTQ status experienced higher rates of homelessness. Youth with homelessness experiences reported more symptoms of several mental health disorders and higher rates of suicidality. Suggestions for service providers are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This study was sponsored by The Trevor Project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W. 34th Street, MRF Bldg, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA

    Harmony Rhoades, Joshua A. Rusow & Jeremy T. Goldbach

  2. Private Practice, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210, USA

    David Bond

  3. The Trevor Project, 8704 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA

    Amy Lanteigne

  4. Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 S. High St., Denver, CO, 80208, USA

    Anthony Fulginiti

  5. USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1149 S. Hill St., Suite 360, Los Angeles, CA, 90015, USA

    Harmony Rhoades

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  1. Harmony Rhoades
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  2. Joshua A. Rusow
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  3. David Bond
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  4. Amy Lanteigne
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  5. Anthony Fulginiti
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  6. Jeremy T. Goldbach
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Correspondence to Harmony Rhoades.

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Rhoades, H., Rusow, J.A., Bond, D. et al. Homelessness, Mental Health and Suicidality Among LGBTQ Youth Accessing Crisis Services. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 49, 643–651 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-018-0780-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-018-0780-1

Keywords

  • LGBTQ youth
  • Homelessness
  • Suicidality
  • Mental health
  • Crisis services