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The Youth Mental Health team is looking for a diverse group of young people to help inform research into mental health in LGBTIQ+ young people.
Research
Sexual orientation and prevalence of mental health difficulties among emergency services employeesLGBQ+ people (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer) are at-risk of discrimination and developing mental health issues within general populations. Limited research has assessed their mental health in emergency services occupations, a population which are known to experience poorer mental health. The current study explores the extent to which sexual orientation is associated with higher rates of mental health issues among emergency personnel.
Research
Perspectives of trans and gender diverse young people accessing primary care and gender-affirming medical services: Findings from Trans PathwaysIncreasing numbers of trans young people are seeking medical services worldwide, but there have been few qualitative investigations of the experiences of trans young people attempting to engage with these services to explore in-depth experiences of clinical interactions.
Research
The parent empowerment scale: development and psychometric propertiesParents of trans and gender diverse (herein ‘trans’) children experience additional challenges in their parenting role relative to parents of cisgender children. Understanding and enhancing parents’ empowerment is a promising approach to support both parents and children. We aimed to develop an empowerment scale specific to parents of trans children, grounded in parents’ lived experiences.
Research
Developmental queer and trans actualizations: A clear pathway to promoting health and well-being for sexually and gender diverse youthMinority stress models and trauma-focused approaches have predominated our understanding and responses to health disparities among sexually and gender diverse (SGD) young people for more than 30 years. While the impacts and root causes of adversities are undoubtedly critical for promoting SGD health and well-being, it is important to highlight strengths-based narratives of the lives of SGD youth.
Research
Barriers and facilitators to mental health treatment access and engagement for LGBTQA+ people with psychosis: a scoping review protocolThe prevalence of psychosis has been shown to be disproportionately high amongst sexual and gender minority individuals. However, there is currently little consideration of the unique needs of this population in mental health treatment, with LGBTQA+ individuals facing barriers in accessing timely and non-stigmatising support for psychotic experiences.

News & Events
Survey explores mental health needs of trans and gender diverse young peopleWe have launched a national survey to investigate how we can better support young people who don't identify as the gender they were assigned at birth.

A new website for parents of trans children and young people across Australia is expected to improve family wellbeing and ultimately save lives after launching in May 2023.
Research
Gender DiversityNot all children or teenagers identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. As a result, some may choose to change their name, their clothes or their body. With considerably higher rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and attempted suicide, the need for specialist mental health services has been recognised.
Research
Parental Experiences of Supporting the Mental Health of Their LGBTQA+ ChildYoung people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning, asexual and other diverse genders and sexualities (LGBTQA+) are at greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes and suicide, with additional barriers to accessing safe and affirming physical and mental health services in comparison to the general population.