Poster 51 - Addressing the Intimacy Gap in Behavioral Health

Intimacy and sexual wellbeing profoundly shape mental health and recovery outcomes, yet these topics are frequently overlooked in behavioral health care. This poster explores the “intimacy gap” - the disconnect between the importance of relationships and sexuality in clients’ lives and the limited attention these issues receive in treatment settings. Drawing on research across mental health, trauma, and substance use literature, the poster highlights the clinical implications of this gap and offers practical, stigma-free strategies clinicians can use to begin integrating conversations about intimacy and relationship health into care. By bridging this gap, providers can better support whole-person recovery and more comprehensive behavioral health treatment.