Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health

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Health Equity Monthly Focus
By Anita Ramsetty, MD, Director of Health Equity

March 2026

As a healthcare provider, Englewood Health supports the health and well-being of all individuals and communities. The week of March 16-20th is recognized as LGBTQ+ healthcare awareness week, and we recognize the ongoing disparities nationwide in regard to mental health conditions. It is estimated that the LGBTQ+ population experiences mental health issues at a rate at least two times that of the heterosexual population according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. LGBTQ+ teens experience this at an even higher rate of six times their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. The Trevor Project reported in late 2025 there had been a rise in suicidal ideation from 41% to 47% between 2024 and 2025 for youths ages 13-24 years old in this country. What is to be done about this from our standpoint?

We know from prior surveys that members of the LGBTQ+ population seek out healthcare less frequently due to fear of discrimination and poor prior interactions with the medical community. By committing to non-discriminatory practices, having welcoming environments and inclusive verbiage, we can start bridging the gaps in care to more adequately address conditions like depression and anxiety in this population. Without doing so, we will continue to see disparities that lead to higher rates of substance use and suicide in the LGBTQ+ population. In order for our community to be healthy, we must all  have access to care to address our whole selves.