LGBTQ students whose college or university provides mental health services had 84% lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year than those who had no access, according to a new brief from The Trevor Project. And while the vast majority, 86%, reported that their college offers such services, a significant number of students cited barriers to access.

The data is drawn from the organization’s fourth annual survey of LGBTQ youth mental health, which reported steady increases in the number of respondents who report unique risk factors such as harassment, violence and the need to come out over and over in uncertain circumstances; problems finding and getting care; and negative impacts from both the pandemic and a wave of anti-transgender and “don’t say gay” legislation.

Overall, a third of LGBTQ college students seriously considered suicide last year and 7% attempted it, according to the nonprofit, which advocates for safe environments for queer youth. Both rates were significantly higher among LGBTQ students of color and transgender and nonbinary students.

LGBTQ youth aren’t inherently prone to suicide risk because of their identity, but rather because of mistreatment, says Hannah Rosen, a research associate with the organization. “The Trevor Project’s research has consistently shown that LGBTQ youth, unfortunately, deal with a significant amount of LGBTQ-based victimization, including bullying and discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Read the full article about LGBTQ mental health services by Beth Hawkins at The 74.