LGBT Veterans' Mental Health

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs serves over 9 million veterans annually. Approximately 240,000 veterans self-identify as LGBT in clinical notes. LGBT veterans face elevated rates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and PTSD compared to non-LGBT veterans.

This project evaluates the prevalence of mental health disorders among LGBT veterans and their use of tele-mental health and substance use disorder services during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing outcomes to their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts to identify disparities and inform equitable telehealth policy.