Mental health treatment experiences among sexual and gender minority individuals: Trauma exposure, barriers, microaggressions, and treatment satisfaction

IntroductionWhile trauma experiences and treatment-seeking are common among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals, little is known about their specific experiences in psychotherapy, including treatment types, characteristics (e.g., length, episodes), barriers, satisfaction, and microaggressions.MethodSGM individuals (N = 2,685) from a national cohort study completed a survey.ResultsThe majority (87%) of participants endorsed past therapy, including for trauma (56%). Ratings of therapy barriers and microaggressions were low and satisfaction with therapy was high. However, therapy experiences differed based on sexual orientation, gender, and if the therapy was focused on trauma.ConclusionEffective treatments for trauma should be informed by the needs of the diverse groups that comprise the SGM community.