Mental Health Care for LGBTQIA+ People

Training Description:

Module 1: Creating an Inclusive and Affirming Environment for LGBTQIA+ Patients and Clients

This module will cover: foundational concepts and terminology related to gender identity, sexual orientation and sex development; how to mitigate the adverse impact of anti-LGBTQIA+ implicit bias; sensitive and effective communication with LGBTQIA+ people; collecting patient sexual orientation and gender identity information; and how to foster an inclusive and affirming mental health care environment for LGBTQIA+ people.

Module 2: Mental Health Care for LGBTQIA+ People

This module will cover: the sexual and gender minority stress and resilience framework; mental health disparities experienced by LGBTQIA+ people in the context of stigma and discrimination; how to provide culturally responsive and evidence-based mental health care that is tailored for LGBTQIA+ people.

Module 3: Mental Health Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse People

This module will cover: gender affirmation and the mental health benefits of a gender-affirming care approach; best practices in mental health care for transgender and gender diverse people across diagnostic categories; the importance of an informed consent-based approach that prioritizes patient autonomy rather than psychiatric gatekeeping of gender-affirming care.

Module 4: Serious Mental Illness and Trauma

This module will focus on an in-depth case scenario to illustrate how we assess and care for patients in the setting of serious mental illness, trauma, substance use disorders, and societal stigma and discrimination.

Training Objectives:

After participating in this training participants will be able to:

Module 1

1. Explain foundational concepts and terminology related to sexual orientation and gender identity. 
2. Describe how stigma and discrimination lead to health disparities for LGBTQIA+ people. 
3. Apply best practices for building an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ people. 

Module 2

1. List mental health inequities across diagnostic categories within a sexual and gender minority stress and resilience framework.
2. Describe culturally responsive tailoring of evidence-based clinical practices for sexual and gender minority people.
3. Apply strategies for building inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed health care environments to optimize mental health outcomes for sexual and gender minority people.

Module 3

1. Explain mental health inequities across diagnostic categories within a sexual and gender minority stress and resilience framework.
2. Describe culturally responsive tailoring of evidence-based clinical practices for sexual and gender minority people.
3. Apply strategies for building inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed health care environments to optimize mental health outcomes for sexual and gender minority people.

Module 4

1. Describe the intersections of gender identity and SMI through the lens of trauma-informed, culturally affirming care
2. Apply learning to clinical settings with complex cases involving gender diversity and severe mental health concerns

Continuing Education Credits:

Discipline	Approval Statement
Licensed Social Worker	This program has been approved for 1.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D 92588.
Licensed Psychologist	CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact Berkshire AHEC at hbruno@berkshireahec.org. For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com. 1.5 CE Hour(s).
MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor	This program has been approved for 1.5 Category I MaMHCA hours for re-licensure in accordance with 262 CMR. MEACP Authorization 24-0275.
MA Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor	This course has been approved by the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services/LADC Unit for 1.5 contact hours for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors and Assistants.
MA Registered Nurse	Program meets the requirements for nursing contact hours as specified by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing 244 CMR 5.04.
MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist	This activity has been certified by NEAFAST on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions, for LMFT professional continuing education. Certification PC- 042316.