The investigation of the experiences of the LGBTQI community in mental health services is crucial for the well-being of community members and their families, as mental health specialists may exhibit bias towards pathologizing non-heterosexual relationships and non-binary identities. Furthermore, some specialists may employ conversion therapy approaches, which are unethical, ineffective, and prohibited in many countries. Consequently, it is essential to explore the needs of mental health professionals to enable them to provide ethical and effective services to LGBTQI individuals. To address this issue, a mixed-methods research design was employed to investigate mental health professionals' working experiences, knowledge, and attitudes towards the LGBTQI community. The study also aimed to explore the experiences of LGBTQI individuals with mental health services. Specifically, the study employed in-depth interviews with members of the LGBTQI community and a standardized questionnaire to survey mental health professionals. The results revealed that most mental health professionals did not directly inquire about their client’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, they attempted to obtain this information indirectly based on the client’s marital/relationship status or their manners; Furthermore, the study findings suggest that mental health professionals’ LGBTQI-friendliness alone may not be sufficient for them to provide professional and ethical service to queer individuals. The study revealed that many mental health specialists lacked adequate education and knowledge regarding effective approaches and faced challenges finding reliable sources. In addition, in-depth interviews with members of the LGBTQI community highlighted the detrimental impact of conversion therapy on their well-being. The study also emphasized the importance of peer and community-based organization support in overcoming obstacles related to mental health difficulties.

Keywords: mental health professionals, LGBTQI, conversion therapy, affirmative therapy, queer blindness;

Queer Community and Mental Health: Professional practice and lived experiences