"Making It Safe to Be Me" with Dr. Dana Ballewske

Dr. Dana Ballewske discusses mental health and substance abuse challenges among the LGBTQ+ community. Recent studies have found that sexual minorities have higher rates of substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs) than people who identify as heterosexual. The population experiences more social stigma and discrimination, and rates of depression and anxiety are also high. Dr. Ballewske talks about what families, schools, allies, and communities can do to help support the LGBTQ+ community in accessing treatment and support services. Dr Ballewske is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Coordinator of School-Based Services for Professional Services Group. Dana currently heads the school-based mental health clinic program for Kenosha Unified School District, and she can be reached at https://www.psgcip.com