Is There a Need for LGBT-Specific Suicide Crisis Services?

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Although LGBT-specific crisis services have been developed, little is known about the need for these services beyond that of general lifeline services. The present study sought to (a) describe the primary reasons for calling a specialized provider as opposed to another and (b) examine sociodemographic differences in the primary reason by race, ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation. Data from 657 youth who sought crisis services from an LGBT-specific national service provider in the United States were assessed. Logistic regression models assessed demographic differences. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses regarding reasons for choosing this LGBT-specific crisis service provider followed a consensus model. Most respondents indicated they either would not have contacted another helpline (26%) or were not sure (48%). Nearly half (42%) indicated they called specifically because of LGBT-affirming counselors, a reason more commonly reported by gender minority (transgender and gender nonbinary) and queer or pansexual youth than cisgender, gay, or lesbian youth. LGBT-specific crisis services appear to play an important role in suicide prevention. Further research is needed to understand the use of culturally tailored suicide prevention approaches.