In response to recent legislation restricting care for transgender minors in Louisiana, the advocacy group Louisiana Trans Advocates has launched a Health Care Providers List that focuses on accessible mental health care tailored to marginalized populations, including youth and adults. At Mason Vie, we recognize the challenges that Louisiana’s new laws pose for physical health services, but we also emphasize the critical importance of mental health care.
You are not alone in this journey!
Please read on to discover the support you have.
During the 2023 legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers passed multiple bills negatively impacting the trans community and the LGBTQ+ population, one of which prohibits minors from receiving most gender-affirming care, with the exception of mental healthcare and therapy, even with parental permission. While efforts are underway to prevent this law from taking effect, as of now, it is scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2024. Minors who are already receiving gender-affirming care that will be banned before that date have until December 31, 2024, to transition off these treatments.
Louisiana Trans Advocates is actively collaborating with partners to establish a safety net to help individuals maintain access to necessary care in other states. More information about this initiative will be shared before the ban takes effect.
The Health Care Providers List offered by Louisiana Trans Advocates is a valuable resource for those seeking mental health support within the transgender and gender-nonconforming community. It reflects the organization’s mission to advance the core human rights of self-determination and expression for all transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals in Louisiana.
In a time when access to gender-affirming care is uncertain for many, it is reassuring to know that organizations like Louisiana Trans Advocates are committed to ensuring that mental health support remains accessible and tailored to the unique needs of the transgender community. Review the providers list, explore the map below, or check out the additional resources at the end, and remember that your mental health matters. You have a network of support and resources available to you. If you need someone to talk with, you can always reach out to us.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Louisiana’s 988 Lifeline
- Campaign for Southern Equality – Resources for Transgender Youth & Families in Louisiana Impacted by HB648
- Access Health Louisiana LGBTQ+ Health Care
- Trans in the South: A Directory of Trans-Affirming Health & Legal Service Providers
- PFLAG NOLA
- Stand with Trans
- Human Rights Campaign
- Resources for The Trans Community in New Orleans
- House of Tulip
- NOAGE – New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders
