Researchers: Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan¹, Ruth Berkowitz¹, Yehuda Neumark², Shira Barzilay¹

Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are at increased risk for psychological distress due to experiences of stigma, discrimination, and exclusion. Nevertheless, many report substantial barriers to accessing mental health services, including fears of being judged or misunderstood by professionals.

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine help-seeking experiences for mental health among SGM youth in Israel and to evaluate the role of practitioners’ professional knowledge in translating affirmative attitudes into affirmative clinical practice.

Method: The study comprised three modules: (1) a quantitative survey of 1,129 youths, which included the development and validation of an inclusive instrument to measure barriers to help-seeking; (2) a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with 20 professionals who work with SGM youth; (3) a quantitative survey of 318 professionals, which included the development and validation of a dedicated scale to assess professional knowledge regarding SGM issues.

Findings: Barriers related to sexual and gender identity were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and a lower propensity to seek help. In addition, professional knowledge was identified as a central factor in the implementation of affirmative therapeutic practice.

Conclusions: Improving accessibility and quality of mental health services for SGM youth requires an integrated approach addressing the unique barriers faced by these youth, alongside strengthening professionals’ knowledge and competencies.

Recommendations: It is recommended to implement mandatory SGM competency training, to codify standards for affirmative care within mental health policy, and to develop dedicated, accessible services for SGM youth in Israel.

Research end date: 01/2026