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The importance of LGBTQ+ inclusive care
While being open about your sexual orientation and gender identity is an important part your health care, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) patients sometimes don't feel comfortable being open with their doctor. This can lead to challenges in getting the care they need.
Main Line Health believes that every person deserves to feel safe in the facility where they're receiving care. Our team is committed to fostering an equitable and culturally responsive environment so that all LGBTQ+ patients feel welcomed and receive the highest quality mental health care.
Getting LGBTQ inclusive health care right
As part of the LGBTQ Inclusive Care effort at Main Line Health, health care providers and staff members who have undergone specialized training to provide competent and compassionate care for the LGBTQ community receive the LGBTQ Inclusive Care provider designation.
Training for Main Line Health LGBTQ health care providers includes:
- Understanding of LGBTQ terminology and epidemiology
- Being aware of and sensitive to issues of confidentiality and the importance of privacy for all
- Being more inclusive, such as asking patients their preferred name and pronoun vs. calling them by the name on their ID or making assumptions about their gender
- Providing LGBTQ-friendly information in waiting areas and providing access to gender-neutral as well as gender-specific restrooms
LGBTQ inclusive care at Mirmont Treatment Center
Statistically, people in the LGBTQ communities are more than twice as likely to use alcohol and drugs as their heterosexual peers; however, due to a lack of affirming services, many choose not to seek care for their addictions.
LGBTQ Inclusive Care at Mirmont Treatment Center, part of Main Line Health, is a program for individuals who belong to the LGBTQ community struggling with addiction. It’s our hope that through more individualized group and individual counseling services, the needs specific to the LGBTQ community can be addressed in an affirming, culturally-sensitive, competent and informed manner.
To learn more about LGBTQ Inclusive Care at Mirmont Treatment Center and to schedule an evaluation for you or a loved one, call us at 1.888.227.3898.
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Sarah Aked, MSW Clinical Social Worker
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