Abstract 

Lesbian, gay and bisexual people have increased risk of mental illness compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This talk will present research conducted by the KCL LGBTQ+ Mental Health Research group investigating factors contributing to these disparities. It will include research analysing data from the ALSPAC birth cohort. A national study of IAPT services will be presented which shows poorer treatment outcomes for lesbian and bisexual women compared to heterosexual women, and for bisexual men compared to heterosexual men. Qualitative data about treatment experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual users of IAPT services will be outlined. A new compassion-based cognitive behavioural intervention for low self-esteem in sexual minority young adults will be presented along with initial acceptability and feasibility findings.

Dr Kate Rimes is a Reader in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience at King’s College London., where she co-leads the KCL LGBT+ mental health research group. She is the Programme Director for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She works as an honorary consultant clinical psychologist in an IAPT service in South London.