A new resident-led group within the Yale Department of Psychiatry will focus attention on the unique mental health needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) community.
Although people identifying as LGBTQ are no longer considered mentally ill, they continue to face significant stigma and an elevated risk for developing certain psychiatric illnesses. Additionally, communication barriers with their doctor can impact the quality of care that LGBTQ patients receive.
"LGBTQ people are exposed to a highly unique set of stressors that clinicians should be aware of, including stigma from within their own families and the 'coming-out crisis'" said Gerrit Van Schalkwyk, a third-year psychiatry resident and co-organizer of the group. "Some of the patient-clinician communication barriers can stem from a decreased level of comfort when engaging with these issues."
The aim of the group is to facilitate discussion and education of residents and faculty within the Department of Psychiatry. To accomplish this, the group hosts regular meetings on wide-ranging topics such as psychotherapy, effective communication within the LGBTQ population, and relevant neurobiological research.
Kali Cyrus, a second-year psychiatry resident and co-organizer, notes that the group’s early success exemplifies the department’s commitment to inclusivity and improving the delivery of mental health care for all populations. “I am proud of the way the Yale psychiatry community has embraced the group,” she said. “Attendees, both LGBTQ-identified and allies, appreciate having a safe space to discuss LGBTQ related issues.”
In the future the group hopes to offer clinical sessions that will appeal to a broader audience within the department and the university, to provide support to New Haven's LGBTQ community, to initiate and foster scholarly research, and to facilitate educational experiences for residents within organizations that serve local LGBTQ individuals.