Being an adolescent is not easy in today’s society. Being an adolescent who identifies as LGBTQ is even more difficult. For those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma or any other mental health issue, it is necessary to find a socially secure environment where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. 

Because an environment like this is difficult to find for adolescents who identify as LGBTQ, Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Center, located in Springfield, Illinois, provides around-the-clock mental health treatment in a secure space to explore one’s identity. 

It might seem simple to figure out that an LGBTQ+ individual would perform better in a teen LGBTQ+ mental health program as opposed to a typical program, but a safe place can result in more positive outcomes. 

Mental health treatment is just as much about your own personal environment, background and experiences as it is a standard, one-size-fits-all treatment, and your sexual orientation and gender identity is part of who you are. 

It would be impossible to treat a social anxiety disorder, anxiety disorder, panic disorder (panic attacks), depression or other mental illness without addressing the unique challenges an LGBTQ+ individual faces, and so it is important that your loved one receives treatment in an adolescent LGBTQ+ program that understands them. 

Our program at Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center provides support groups for those who are LGBTQ+, psychiatrists who understand LGBTQ+ needs and a comfortable environment with an overall goal of stronger mental health in the long-term. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), members of the LGBTQ+ community have higher risk factors for mental health issues than many other demographic groups. 

In fact, LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to report feelings of depression and other mental health issues, and transgender youth are twice as likely to be considering attempting suicide than other members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Whether it is caused by social situations, social interactions or traumatic events, members of the LGBTQ+ community experience intense fears, depression symptoms, types of anxiety disorder or other mental health issues at a higher rate than others. 

Sexuality and gender expression can play a major role in the risk factors for mental health disorders, as members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique challenges that require unique care — care your loved one can receive at Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center.

We’re here for you, and your loved one, from start to finish. 

Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center, located in Springfield, Illinois, is the right choice for inpatient and outpatient treatment for your loved one and member of the LGBTQ+ community, whether they are a child or teen who struggles with mental health issues or a co-occurring substance use disorder, Lincoln Prairie can help.

A crisis can occur at any time, so we are available at any time. An assessment and referral specialist is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us today at 217-585-1180.