LGBTQ Women and Mental Health “Recovery”

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated what women identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ) think about mental health "recovery." METHOD: We used a grounded theory analysis of 13 participant interviews. RESULTS: Three novel critiques emerged, including rejection of mental health "recovery" based on participants' identities as "mad," sexual assault survivors, and/or LGBTQ. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: While a medicalized interpretation of "recovery" may not work for some women, alternative understandings, such as using "recovery" to heal from discrimination and demand systemic changes, have liberatory potential. It is essential that supporters discern and utilize each woman's chosen language.