Depression, Suicide, and Mental Health Service Utilization of Homeless LGBTQ Youth

Background: Homeless youth are more likely to report depression and suicide than domiciled peers. As well, LGBTQ youth are more likely to report depression and suicide than heterosexual peers. While research is mounting that suggests LGBTQ homeless youth are at greater risk than their domiciled or heterosexual peers, little is known about the magnitude of difference. We examined the association between depression, suicide, and mental health care between homeless LGBTQ and heterosexual youth hypothesizing that LGBTQ youth would have higher rates of mental health symptoms.

Methods: We conducted a survey of 439 homeless and unstably housed youth ages 13-24 in Houston, TX between October and December, 2014. Participants were recruited from shelters, drop-in centers, magnet events, and street canvasing. We measured depression (diagnosis), suicide (contemplation and attempts), and mental healthcare (counseling services and prescription medication). We used logistic regression to measure the association between these variables.

Results: Findings indicate that LGBTQ homeless youth are statistically significantly (p<0.01) more likely to report a diagnosis of depression (65% vs. 45%), consider suicide (53% vs. 23%), and attempt suicide (36% vs. 20%). LGBTQ homeless youth are also significantly more likely to report taking prescription medication to treat a mental or emotional condition (64% vs. 41%) and receive outpatient treatment or counseling for a mental health problem (52% vs. 34%).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness must be screened for mental health disorders. Further research is needed to determine how to help LGBTQ youth with mental health disorders transition to self-sufficiency.