Gay and bisexual men are up to three times more likely to report depression and anxiety than the general population. Good Head is a website for guys into guys (G2G) to learn and get curious about the mental health issues affecting gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, two-spirit, gender queer, gender non-binary, trans, and other guys who are sexually and/or romantically interested in other guys and their communities and to help them locate mental health services in Ontario.

For those who are struggling, there are many options known to be effective for improving mental health, such as taking medication, attending peer support groups, and doing “talk therapy.” This website focuses specifically on psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy”, because it’s one of the most widely used, effective, and efficient methods for reducing mental distress and for increasing mental and emotional well-being. However, that’s not to say it’s the only way to support mental health, or that you can’t combine several different types of treatment. In fact, it’s actually a very good idea to be open and curious to the various ways that you can nurture your mental health.

There are different types of people who can help care for your mental health. Some mental health care providers in Ontario are governed by professional colleges, which means that they must have completed certain training requirements, abide by a code of conduct, and receive regular continuing education to maintain their professional registration. The role of professional colleges is to protect the public interest by ensuring that individuals receive competent and ethical professional services. Other people and mental health professionals are not regulated in this way but may still be helpful to you. 

Finding the right mental health care provider takes time and effort. But it can be well worth it! Try not to be discouraged if you don’t immediately find something that works for you. The relationship with your mental health care practitioner is important, but even the most competent, caring provider won’t be a good fit for every person.

Be curious about what’s out there and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself to find the best provider for you. Most mental health care providers know that you need to find a good fit and they should understand if you need to try something different, somewhere else.

Visit www.goodhead.ca to learn more.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.