Sexual Identity Impact on Response to a Crisis or a Crisis Responder

Mental health crisis intervention may involve lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender clients. Studies suggest that up to 30% of adolescents who kill themselves are gay. 

Because of this potentially higher suicide rate, crisis responders must include sexual orientation as a factor when identifying risks for an individual. They must also be sensitive to issues of shame and family conflict that may arise as a result of sexual orientation.