Supporting the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Students in Christian High Schools: Implications for Counseling Professionals

Research devoted to counseling LGBTQ+ youth has increased in recent years. However, the counseling literature still lacks specific knowledge pertaining to working with LGBTQ+ youth attending Christian high schools. LGBTQ+ youth already face increased risks for mental health concerns; attending a Christian high school may present additional stressors, given the importance of school environment for mental health and existing tensions between the LGBTQ+ community and Christianity. Our conceptual article outlines factors that may affect mental health for LGBTQ+ students at Christian high schools and discusses best practices for counselors, educators, and supervisors. We also provide suggestions for future research.