A program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals with major mental illness

This paper reports on The LGBT Affirmative Program of South Beach Psychiatric Center, a public sector mental health program in New York State for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals with major mental illness. The program began in 1996 and has provided services to over 200 individuals as of June, 2004. Systemic and cultural factors influencing program development are described. Evolution of the program components are summarized. A survey sampling psychiatric patients/clients who attended the program in May, 2000 demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the services offered. The program is viewed as an important resource to the clinic and the community. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: [c] 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.] KEYWORDS. Bisexual, cultural diversity, gay, homosexuality, lesbian, mental illness, mental health services, psychiatric disorder, public psychiatry, sexual minorities, transgender