The Adolescent AIDS Program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore has launched the Umbrella Program, which offers medical care and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their families as well as trainings for healthcare providers and community organizations.
Although most LGBTQ youth are resilient and emerge from adolescence as healthy adults, homophobia, transphobia, familial rejection and heterosexism can contribute to increased medical and mental health issues for sexual minority youth, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Compared with heterosexual youth, LGBTQ adolescents have higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and more risky sexual behaviors that make them vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Youth Services
If you are an LGBTQ person between the ages of 13 and 21 who would like medical care, mental health counseling or other supportive services, contact Renée Reopell at 718-882-0023, ext. 211, or rreopell@AdolescentAIDS.org to discuss clinical care or referral options.
The Umbrella Program accepts most insurance plans, and we ensure confidentiality for patients on a parent or guardian’s plan. If you do not have insurance, we will work to insure you, or find you affordable care.