The American Psychiatric Association’s Principles of Medical Ethics emphasize competence, respect and up-to-date knowledge as a basis for appropriate professional behavior toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patients. After providing some definitions of helpful terms, this presentation then reviews historical psychiatric attitudes towards LGBTQ patients that could be construed, at best, as patronizing and, at worst, overtly hostile. In modern clinical practice, as opposed to trying to “cure” homosexuality or “transsexualism,” LGBTQ patients are helped to live their lives according to their own natures and desires. This presentation outlines some common clinical questions raised by LGBTQ patients—what is known and not known about the origins of homosexuality and transgender expression, sexual orientation conversion efforts (SOCE), therapist self-disclosure, how therapists should address LGBTQ patients, and controversies surrounding treatment of transgender children—as well as ethical issues raised in these clinical encounters.

Many Autistic adults, adolescents, and children identify as LGBTQIA+. Furthermore, research shows that transgender and gender diverse individuals are 3 to 6% more likely to be diagnosed with autism. Professionals in the field of applied behavior analysis are in a unique position to offer support and affirming services to transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) clients, students, supervisees, and colleagues, given the multiple barriers that TGNC people in the United States experience overall. Participants will gain an understanding of the purpose of engaging in affirming care serves, learn general best practices for Trans and Gender-Non-Conforming (TGNC) clients and learn ways to assess one’s own practices toward cultivating affirming practices.

This presentation was originally reviewed on March 23, 2023, and broadcast live online on March 24, 2023, from 1:00- 2:30 PM ET.

AFFIRM: Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) Populations is an advanced, three-day training on the science and practice of applying Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with LGBTQ+ populations. Participants will receive information about the context for affirmative and strengths-based models of practice, will learn about broad applications of CBT in general and AFFIRM in particular, and will also have an opportunity to practice AFFIRM. Many clinicians receive little or no training in supporting the needs of LGBTQ+ Youth in graduate school or beyond, and this unique training offers the depth needed to work competently with this population.

AFFIRM: Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ+) Populations is an advanced, three-day training on the science and practice of applying Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with LGBTQ+ populations. Participants will receive information about the context for affirmative and strengths-based models of practice, will learn about broad applications of CBT in general and AFFIRM in particular, and will also have an opportunity to practice AFFIRM. Many clinicians receive little or no training in supporting the needs of LGBTQ+ Youth in graduate school or beyond, and this unique training offers the depth needed to work competently with this population.

This presentation was originally reviewed on February 7, 2023, and broadcast live online on February 8, 2023, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET.

The presentation will focus on addressing the importance of providing tailored, culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirmative psychological interventions to LGBTQ individuals. We will cover how the impact of perceived heterosexist bias, homophobia, and therapists’ general lack of understanding and/or adequate training of gender and sexual diversity may result in distrust and/or avoidance of medical or mental health services. The lecture will provide healthcare providers with a deeper understanding of the significance of LGBTQ affirmative care and equip them with strategies and practical tips for delivering culturally competent and respectful care to all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The goal is to empower healthcare providers to make positive changes in their approach to LGBTQ patient care.

Since 1980, the Healthy People initiative has set measurable objectives to improve the health and well-being of people nationwide. At the beginning of every decade, we launch a new version of the initiative that addresses the latest public health priorities and challenges. Healthy People 2030 includes data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade. LGBTQI+ adolescents are especially at risk for being bullied, thinking about and dying from suicide, and using illegal drugs. School- and family-based interventions can help reduce these behaviors and improve health in LGBTQI+ adolescents. Focusing on youth mental health now is critical. We all have a role to play in supporting the mental health of children and youth. Join Admiral Levine as she discusses objectives from Healthy Kids 2030, the Surgeon Generals Advisory Protecting Youth Mental Health.

Dr. Leibowitz will provide an overview of the most recent edition of the Adolescent chapter in the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) Standard of Care.  WPATH is the leading international authority on transgender healthcare and has been in existence since 1979 when it published its first set of guidelines that made no mention of children or adolescents. Prior to this 8th edition, which was published in September 2022, the previous iteration (7th edition) was published over a decade prior. Join Dr. Leibowitz as he discusses the research and ethics regarding care for children and adolescents with gender related needs, and standards of care for this population.

This presentation was originally reviewed on October 26, 2022, and broadcast live online on October 26, 2022, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET.