This workshop aims to provide attendees with the basic tools needed to use evidence-based clinical practice (i.e., CBT) with LGBTQ+ youth and their families using an affirming, minority stress-informed lens. Using live demonstrations, Drs. Cohen and Seager van Dyk will teach attendees how to conceptualize cases using this lens, as well as how to adapt existing CBT techniques (e.g., exposures, cognitive flexibility) to be sensitive to the unique needs and challenges experienced by this population (e.g., gender dysphoria, coming out). This workshop will highlight strategies for navigating difficult conversations with family members of LGBTQ+ youth (e.g., parents, caregivers), and give attendees concrete ideas for how to foster well-being among LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

Due to ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ stigma in society, LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of mental health concerns relative to their cisgender, heterosexual peers (Russell & Fish, 2016). Fortunately, families with LGBTQ+ children frequently seek mental health treatment , offering an exciting opportunity for mental health professionals to help shift these vulnerable youths’ mental health trajectories towards wellbeing. Mental health providers can potentially combat systemic injustices and cultivate joy in LGBTQ+ youth with affirming mental health treatments (e.g., Craig & Austin, 2016; Pachankis et al., 2022). However without training in LGBTQ+ affirming care, mental health providers may feel ill equipped to work with this population (Gandy et al., 2013), and LGBTQ+ youth may be less comfortable seeking care from providers (e.g., Zullo et al., 2021). As a result, it is likely that LGBTQ+ mental health disparities will persist, and the impact of evidence-based practice, including CBT, may be limited.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ stigma on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth and recognize the importance of affirmative mental health care in improving     their well-being.

2. Learn to apply a minority stress-informed lens to case conceptualization and adapt evidence-based CBT techniques to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth,              including those facing gender dysphoria and challenges related to coming out.

3. Develop skills for navigating difficult conversations with family members of LGBTQ+ youth and gain practical strategies to foster well-being among LGBTQ+ youth              and their families in a mental health treatment context.