Behavioral Health of Adolescents Across Sexual Identities

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and is available as an open-access article. Adolescence is an important period for the development of one's sexual orientation. Research suggests that many people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual or with another nonheterosexual identity (LGB+) develop sexual attractions and define their sexual identity in adolescence. Further, younger generations, such as the millennial generation, may feel more comfortable identifying as LGB+ at younger ages than other generations such as the baby boom cohort. However, even as public support for LGB+ people has increased in the United States over time, disparities in mental health and substance use persist for LGB+ youths. LGB+ youths have disproportionately higher prevalence of behavioral health issues when compared with their heterosexual (or straight) peers, including depression, suicidality, and substance use. LGB+ youths experience unique stressors such as bullying and discrimination that can contribute to adverse substance use and mental health outcomes. Research has also shown that people who use other identity labels to describe themselves (e.g., pansexual) have increased prevalence of depression and anxiety. Many of these social stressors are preventable. In addition, protective factors such as social support and coping strategies can increase resilience among LGB+ youths This course on behavioral health considerations for adolescents of different sexual identities is designed for clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their expertise with behavioral health considerations for adolescents of different sexual identities. The course material includes a literature review of research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading and others do not. A significant benefit of reading peer reviewed research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: SAMHSA Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding behavioral health considerations for adolescents of different sexual identities. Specifically, a professional will: Describe mental health outcomes for adolescents across sexual identities. Identify patterns of substance use for adolescents across sexual identities. Recognize youth experiences for adolescents across sexual identities. Citation: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Behavioral Health of Adolescents Across Sexual Identities. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/behavioral-health-adolescents-across-sexual-identities-results-2023-national-survey-drug-use-health/pep24-07-028