As clinicians, we know that the mental health and overall well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth are profoundly impacted by the level of support they receive from their families. Research consistently demonstrates that family acceptance significantly improves outcomes for LGBTQIA+ youth, leading to higher self-esteem, better academic performance, and increased resilience against mental health issues.
Unfortunately, these youth often face social stigma, discrimination, and isolation, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health issues.
As clinicians, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge the gap between families and their LGBTQIA+ children, empowering them to create a supportive and accepting home environment where queer youth can be themselves without fear of rejection or judgment.
In this comprehensive, in-depth training course, renowned behavioral health expert and DEI consultant Chris McLaughlin will delve deep into the complexities of family dynamics, cultural considerations, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to effectively support families of LGBTQIA+ youth. Participants will explore effective strategies for promoting open communication, strengthening family bonds, and fostering empathy and understanding in family systems. They will learn practical skills for breaking down stereotypes, addressing minority stress, internalized homophobia/transphobia, and reducing prejudice and discrimination.
By the end of this training, participants will be equipped to create a safe and affirming therapeutic environment, help families navigate their own biases, and support LGBTQIA+ youth in building resilience, self-acceptance, and healthy relationships.
Whether you are just starting your journey in LGBTQIA+ affirmative care or seeking to enhance your existing skill set, this course will provide you with the best practice tools, tips, and techniques to help you become more intentional in supporting families in caring for their LGBTQIA+ child.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this training, professionals will be able to do the following:
- Define terms associated with LGBTQIA+ youth
- Review several key concepts related to LGBTQIA+ youth
- Introduce a model of coming out for LGBTQIA+ youth
- Bring awareness of the risk factors associated with LGBTQIA+ youth
- Outline best practice clinical approaches for the behavior health treatment of LGBTQIA+ youth
- Educate on concepts of Pronouns/Dead Names
- Review concepts of Trauma-Informed Care and Grief and Loss theories
- Provide overview of family rejection vs. family acceptance
- Apply Trauma-Focused CBT principals in clinical work with families of LGBTQIA+ youth
- Introduce strategies to enhance family acceptance
- Describe ethical issues that might arise when working with LGBTQIA+ youth and families
Register today and take the first step toward enhancing your clinical practice.
This is a non-interactive, self-study course that consists of 150+ minutes of video instruction, a post-test and a course evaluation.
Availability: From the time of registration, you have six months to access the coursework.
Who Should Attend: This course is intended for clinicians who provide behavioral health services.
Teaching Methods: This is a non-interactive, self-study course. Teaching methods for this course include recorded lectures, videos, a post-test, and a course evaluation.
How to Attend: Instructions for attending and completing a course can be found here.
Disclosure Statement: The instructor for this course receive compensation for their services. There are no reported conflicts of interest to disclose.
Credit Hours: This course consists of 2.5 continuing education hours of credit.
Counselors:
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Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No, 6693. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Mental Health Counselors. #MHC-0048.
Marriage and Family Therapists: Many MFT licensing boards accept our courses or one of the approvals which we have from professional associations. You can check with your board to determine if your licensing board would accept this course.
Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0135, effective May 8, 2025.
Social Workers:
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Telehealth Certification Institute LLC, #1609, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 05/02/2024 – 05/02/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2.5 clinical continuing education credits.
Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Social Workers #SW-0435.
Addiction Professionals:
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This course has been approved by Telehealth Certification Institute LLC, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits, effective 2/20/2024. NAADAC Provider #193104, Telehealth Certification Institute LLC is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
Psychologists:
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Telehealth Certification Institute LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Telehealth Certification Institute LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Psychologists #PSY-0128.
Art Therapists: Telehealth Certification Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Creative Arts Therapists #CAT-0093.
Other Professionals: This course qualifies for 150 minutes of instructional content as required by many national, state and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Retain your certificate of completion and contact your board or organization for specific filing requirements.
This is a non-interactive, self-study course.
