LGBTQIA Students’ Perceptions of Level of Care in Relation to Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

Abstract

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA) individuals are elevated risk for mental health issues and seek counseling art higher rates than Non-LGBTQIA individuals. In this study, 48 LGBTQIA students completed a survey to ascertain their perceptions on whether or not the college counseling center was a safe place to discuss issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Results showed that LGBTQIA did believe the counseling center was a safe place to discuss issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity but also identified that additional resources and counselor education on LGBTQIA issues could be help improve the LGBTQIA students’ perception of level of care at the counseling center.