Counseling LGBTQ in Corrections

• In Event: Providing Mental Health Services in the Correctional system

Abstract

This paper investigates the pathways to criminality and the incarceration experiences of sexual and gender minorities. The influence of family and school is very significant as it effects the psychological well-being of sexual and gender minorities. Concerning the family, youth “coming out” to parents and other family members are the most important aspects of their life. How the parents and other family members react during “coming out” has a profound effect on the youth’s mental health. If this experience is dysfunctional by way of abuse, violence, and harassment, rather than love, affection, and understanding then the youth is at high risk of depression, substance abuse, self-harming behavior, and suicide, especially when they are dealing with similar challenges at school. Homelessness among sexual and gender minorities is equally significant, as this experience exacerbates mental health problems. These problems lead to incarceration, but the mental health problems persist. Homophobic responses by the justice system take on similar abusive patterns through policies and by staff and peers, which makes their existence inside detention facilities and prisons unbearable. Recommended counseling model is presented to assist practitioners in working with sexual and gender minorities.

Authors

• Sherrise Yvonne Truesdale-Moore, Minnesota State University, Mankato

• Jeffery P Dennis, Minnesota State University, Mankato

• Jacqueline Lewis, Minnesota State University, Mankato