Addressing the Behavioral Health Needs of Sexual and Gender Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Review of the Expanding Role of Digital Health Technologies

Abstract

Purpose of Review To review the role of digital health technologies in behavioral health treatment and promotion for sexual and gender minorities (SGM).

Recent Findings Digital technologies have advantages and limitations at multiple levels in addressing SGM’s behavioral health needs. For patients, digital technologies improve convenience and may reduce stigma; however, privacy concerns in the home may limit their utilization. Providers also benefit from the convenience of these technologies; however, not all providers are comfortable delivering virtual care to SGM. For society, digital technologies reduce transportation-related costs and increase access to healthcare in an increasingly hostile political climate for SGM; however, these advantages are limited by technological access and anti-SGM policies.

Summary Digital technologies can improve the behavioral health of SGM at the patient, provider, and systemic levels. Further efforts are necessary to standardize provider training, improve SUD-specific care delivery, and increase quality and accessibility of these technologies.