The Mental Health Impact on Asian American Trans Individuals & Others
Navigating life’s challenges while managing minority stress takes extraordinary strength. In addition, there is reason to believe there is more oppression on the horizon.
LGBTQIA+ individuals face heightened discrimination and threat as they are directly targeted by what some call oppressive government policies and a geo-political clash.
Realities of LGBTQIA+ Discrimination
- LGBTQIA+ people continue to experience disproportionate rates of victimization and violence because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation are more common among this group as compared to the heterosexual population
- Substance use disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community occur more frequently than the general population
- LGBTQIA+ individuals face additional risk of depression due to oppression, discrimination, stigma, family rejection, and internalized homophobia or transphobia
- One out of every four LGBTQIA+ youth report feeling depressed most of the time
- Transgender and nonbinary youth report more than four times greater rates of suicide attempts compared with their cisgender peers
LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy
“Sometimes that strength means reaching out for support,” says Hannah Schaeffer, psychotherapist at Prasad Counseling and Training.
LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy embraces diverse sexual and gender identities and aims to promote mental health and well-being by creating a safe and supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. “As therapists, must be an ally to this community,” Schaeffer adds.
Cultural Conflict and the Search for Self-Acceptance
With the rising tensions between China and the U.S., some transgender Asian Americans report cases of double discrimination explained, practice owner Bill Prasad, LPC-S, LCDC while speaking to a group of therapists in Houston. “They face discrimination because they are Asian Americans and because they are transgender.”
Many LGBTQ+ individuals find that counseling helps them develop resilience, improve relationships, and work through internalized negative messages they’ve absorbed from society.
Clients deserve to feel empowered in who they are while. This means they should receive support in how to care for themselves and develop effective coping skills to deal with societal pressures and personal struggles related to their identities. Whether you’re questioning, coming out, transitioning, or simply wanting to thrive more fully as yourself, therapy can help.
Specialized Mental Health Care for LGBTQIA+
Mental healthcare should be a place of safety, not scrutiny. LBTQIA+ identity is something to be celebrated and cultivated. When you find yourself in a safe and supportive space, you will find that it is easier to cut out the noise, reject the negative beliefs that others may thrust upon you, and connect with your authentic self. You will find empowerment in knowing and loving who you are with the support of a caring and committed therapist.
It is imperative to find a therapist who you can trust, who stands behind you, and affirms and validates your experience to help you achieve your goals.
You are not alone. There is truly so much joy to be had in living out your unique, authentic, and beautiful experience as an LGBTQIA+ individual.
Throughout the journey of self-discovery and healing, therapy can equip you to build resilience in the face of minority stress, drawing on your innate strengths to continue moving through the world with pride, self-love, and confidence.
How Can Hannah at Prasad Counseling & Training help?
Among the skilled and experienced clinicians at our Houston group practice, Hannah Schaeffer provides valuable counseling solutions specialized for those in the LGBTQ+ community. Hannah, an ally, is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who works with adults and teenagers.
Learn more on our website about the specialized LGBTQIA+ counseling services provided at Prasad Counseling & Training, offering both virtual sessions and in-person therapy at our downtown Houston office.
Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but of courage and self-care. Taking this step means believing you deserve to heal, grow, and live authentically. Your journey matters, and you don’t have to walk it alone.
