Year of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Name

Clinical Psychology

Department or School/College

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

Bryan Cochran

Commitee Members

Christian Zal-Herwitz, Julie Olomi, Laura Kirsch, Kari J. Harris

Keywords

LGBTQIA2+, specialized substance use treatment, thematic analysis

Abstract

Background: This study explored the concept of specialized substance use treatment services among a sample of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+) individuals: their definition, perceived barriers to receiving these services, and ways of improving such services. Having direct input from past and potential treatment-seeking LGBTQIA2+ individuals could help to deepen our understanding of how to meet the unique treatment needs of these populations.

Method: Data were collected from 219 LGBTQIA2+ individuals within the United States through an online and anonymous survey. Inclusion criteria for participation were self-identifying as LGBTQIA2+, being 18 years of age or older, currently residing in the United States, and having an interest in, being a recipient of, or having previously received treatment for substance-related issues. The online survey also included sociodemographic questions, questions regarding perceptions of treatment providers' competency to provide specialized treatment services, potential barriers to accessing specialized services, and clients' definitions and recommendations for specialized LGBTQIA2+ treatment.

Results: Using a client-informed approach, we used thematic analysis to standardize and substantiate the vague but commonly used term LGBTQIA2+ specialized substance use treatment services. We identified LGBTQIA2+ symbolism, perception of safety and inclusivity, and absence of religiosity as the key factors that participants endorse as most essential to a specialized substance treatment program and barriers affecting participants' preference for and confidence in receiving specialized treatment services. Findings from our study can help bring to light a number of key issues related to improving the provision of LGBTQIA2+-specific substance use treatment services. Finally, the limitations and implications of this study are discussed.

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© Copyright 2024 Chonghui (Gabriella) Ji