LGBTQ+ Community Center Providers' Perceptions: Tensions and Solutions for Serving LGBTQ+ Youth With Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors and Their Families

Minimal research focuses on the perspectives of providers in LGBTQ+ centers who support youth with suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) and their families. Youth suicide is a public health concern and SGM youth are at a higher risk than their peers. The increased risk of STB in this population is partially due to experiences of minority stress. SGM youth often report concerns related to engaging with healthcare organizations who may disaffirm their identities. Instead, they often turn towards specialized community centers where they are affirmed. The present study focuses on exploring the perspectives of providers within LGBTQ+ centers (N = 18) regarding treatment of youth with STB and their families. Three themes and six subthemes illustrated how providers noticed, reacted to, and addressed social distal stressors experienced by the youth in their care. Recommendations for affirmative treatment are discussed in relation to the challenges and techniques offered by the participating providers.