Exploring the Experiences of Queer International Students Accessing Mental Health Support in Victoria, Australia

Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index

Y

18

LGBTQ People; Mental Health; Mental Health Programs; Foreign Students; Student Attitudes; Access to Health Care; Foreign Countries; Help Seeking; Barriers; Social Influences; Cultural Influences; Intersectionality; Student Needs; Counseling

2162-3104
2166-3750

International Students (IS) generate significant revenue in Australia, bringing diversity, but also distinctive needs and values. IS experience unique mental health challenges and their unmet support needs have recently received public and academic attention, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, framing IS as homogeneous misses important variations within this population. A nuanced understanding of diverse IS subgroups with regard to mental health and help seeking is missing from current research. This study therefore explores the experiences of Queer International Students (QIS) in Victoria, and the barriers and facilitators that influence how they seek and gain mental health support. Results show that the persistent impacts of broader socio-cultural factors and systemic gaps in addressing QIS' intersectional needs act as barriers to accessing support, while awareness of intersectionality is critical in providing appropriate professional assistance to QIS. Findings suggest the need to build cultural competence and service collaborations to better support IS.

As Provided

2024

EJ1445775