LGBTQ Affirming Care Series:

Part 3 Specializing in LGBTQ+ Mental Health Care

While some argue that therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals does not differ from treatment for cisgender heterosexual individuals, this perspective overlooks the unique stressors, life benchmarks, and cultural intersections specific to the LGBTQ+ community (Drescher & Fadus, 2020). Discrimination, stigma, and societal inequality contribute to a higher risk of certain mental health and behavioral conditions among LGBTQ+ individuals (Kates, Ranji, Beamesderfer, Salganicoff, & Dawson, 2018). Recognizing this, The National Institute for Mental Health and Health Disparities has designated the LGBTQ+ community as a health disparity population, urging for more focus from health and mental health training programs (GLAAD, 2023). To provide effective care to the LGBTQ+ population, practitioners must understand the additional risks associated with minority stress and the barriers to accessing competent care. They should also be aware of unique identity development benchmarks, cultural considerations, and the diverse intersectionality within LGBTQ+ subgroups. Additionally, they need to recognize the importance of visibility, allyship, and advocacy in serving this marginalized group (Bass, 2023).

This is the third course in our LGBTQ+ Affirming care series and offers guidance on specializing in LGBTQ+ Mental Health Care.

To make the world safer and increase cultural competence in the mental health field for the lgbtq+ population, gather & Grow Education is proud to offer this course free of charge.

1 CE credit is available with a donation and submission of course evaluation and distance learning post-test.

see more via the Course promotion flyer (to the left) and donation info below the course content.

All materials must be reviewed and process activities completed to receive full credit for the course.

Section 1 (Slides 1-4)

  • Course Description

  • Educational Goals

  • Learning Objectives

Resources & Links

Section 3 (Slides 20-27)

  • Conceptualizing Intersectionality

Supplemental Resources

Section 4 (Slides 28-36)

  • Overview of Culturally Competent Care

  • Comprehension Lists:

    • Lesbian Women

    • Gay Men

    • Bisexual Men & Women

    • Transgender Individuals

    • Asexual Individuals

    • Intersex Individuals

Supplemental Resources

Section 5 (Slides 37-43)

  • Assessing Continuing Education Sources

  • The Importance of Visibility, Allyship, & Advocacy

A Final Reminder

Upholding dignity is an essential component in fostering a strong self-identity, yet, historically, the mental health sector and society at large have frequently neglected to extend this respect to members of the LGBTQ+ community. The ongoing discourse surrounding rights does not mirror the deserved respect of LGBTQ+ clients.

As you progress in your education, conceptualize new ideas, implement practice, and advocate for the community, always pose the question to yourself, "Am I fostering a sense of dignity in my clients?"

CE & Course Completion Certificates

Ce credit for this course is available by donation of $5, $10, or $15 (follow links below to donate). Students, associates, and other providers may also request a non-ce certificate of completion via donation. by offering some of our courses for free and CE credit by self-selected donation we hope to create as much accessibility as possible for education that makes the world safer for our marginalized communities.

$15 is the true value of the course and administration.

please, support as you are able.

Keywords: Continuing Education, CEPA, LMFTs, LCSW, APCC, Specializing in LGBTQ+ Mental Health Care, LGBT Affirming Care, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Wellness, Provider Education, Intersectionality, Social Location, LGBT Subgroups, Risks & Barriers to Accessing Competent Care, Visibility, Allyship, Advocacy