Betty Ford spotlights mental health challenges during gay Pride Month
Dakota Makinen
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As Pride Month continues, experts at the Betty Ford Center are raising awareness about the mental health and substance use challenges impacting LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Research shows LGBTQIA+ people experience higher rates of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as higher rates of substance use disorders compared to the general population.
Experts say those disparities are not because of a person’s identity, but because of the stressors many LGBTQIA+ people experience. The American Psychological Association says stigma, discrimination, rejection, and other negative social experiences can contribute to what is known as “minority stress,” which is linked to increased mental health challenges.
Melissa Hawkins, a clinical supervisor at the Betty Ford Center, says many LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique barriers when seeking care, including concerns about whether providers will understand their experiences.
“Many of our patients feel very alone. They feel like they’re the only ones going through what they are experiencing,” Hawkins said.
The Betty Ford Center says providing inclusive, affirming treatment that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders can help improve recovery outcomes for LGBTQIA+ patients.
Experts say finding a supportive community where people feel safe and understood can be an important part of the recovery process.
For more on substance use and addiction challenges impacting the LGBTQIA+ community in the Coachella Valley, watch Peter Daut’s I-Team investigation: https://kesq.com/news/i-team/2025/10/15/dark-side-of-paradise-drugs-in-the-palm-springs-lgbtq-community/