About the resource

Given the high prevalence of mental health experiences for LGBTIQ+ young people in NSW, providing safe and effective LGBTIQ+ affirming mental healthcare is important for delivering best practice Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

There is no official data on the experiences of LGBTIQ+ young people accessing CAMHS, but anecdotal evidence from clinicians shows that at least 50 to 60% of young people who access the services identify as LGBTIQ+.1

Research also shows that the burden of mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ people in NSW (not capturing the experiences of people with intersex variations) is profound:1

  • 64% of participants reported being diagnosed with a mental health condition.
  • 69.6% of those who had a mental health diagnosis in their lifetime had received professional treatment or support within the past 12 months, indicating ongoing engagement with mental health services.

These data indicate an urgent need for specialised, affirming mental health resources tailored to the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ people.

The ACI Mental Health Network conducted a statewide survey of CAMHS clinicians to help inform this resource. This found that clinicians want to understand the mental health experiences of LGBTIQ+ young people, including:

  • how to ask about LGBTQ+ identity and experience of innate variations of sex characteristics
  • trans and gender diversity and respectful pronoun use
  • LGBTIQ+ inclusive language and physical space
  • therapeutic approaches from an LGBTIQ+ affirming lens
  • how to work with parents and carers of LGBTIQ+ young people
  • understanding the experience of LGBTIQ+ young people with intersecting identities and the impact on mental health.

This resource aims to address these needs by offering guidance on comprehensive, affirming support for LGBTIQ+ young people accessing CAMHS and other mental healthcare services.

Feedback

Email ACI-MentalHealth@health.nsw.gov.au

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following expert working group members and other contributors for their guidance and support in the co-development of this resource.

  • Expert working group lived experience members: Clementine, Grace Hollanders, Storm, Denise, Fiona, Luke, Vivien and Zoe Waterhouse-Bushnell (she/her).
  • Expert working group clinician members:
    • Ellen Alexander, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network
    • Nik Anderson, Northern NSW LHD
    • Madeleine Clark (she/her), Sydney Children's Hospital Network
    • Jessica Connell, Central Coast LHD
    • KJ Reyes Ellul (he/him), Twenty10
    • Alexia Fauvette-Brown, South Western Sydney LHD
    • Steff Fenton (they/them), Twenty10
    • Yolandie Goodyear (she/her), Hunter New England LHD
    • Jacqueline Manners, Nepean Blue Mountains LHD
    • Chloe Waban, South Western Sydney LHD
  • Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing team, Agency for Clinical Innovation
  • CAMHS, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
  • CAMHS, Mid North Coast Local Health District
  • Derek Tys, independent consultant
  • iCAMHS, South Western Sydney LHD
  • InterAction (formerly Intersex Human Rights Australia)
  • Margie McCumstie, independent consultant
  • Michaela Williams, Gender Sphere Project Coordinator,  South Western Sydney LHD
  • Talia Burton, Campbelltown Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit, South Western Sydney LHD
  • Twenty10 client services, training and consulting teams

References

  1. La Trobe University. Writing Themselves In 4: NSW report. Melbourne, Vic: La Trobe University; 2021.
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