Category: LGBQT+
Eve Rosenfeld, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist (Fellow)
VA Palo Alto Health Care System/Stanford
Menlo Park, California
Donovan Edward, B.S.
VA Palo Alto Health Care System/Stanford
Guyton, Georgia
Debra Hope, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Nicholas Livingston, Ph.D.
National Center for PTSD
Westwood, Massachusetts
Sarah Valentine, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center
Medford, Massachusetts
Briana McGeough, Ph.D., MSW
Assistant Professor
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Danielle Berke, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Hunter College, City University of New York
New York, New York
Matthew Thompson, M.S.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Bethesda, Maryland
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults experience higher rates of mental health difficulties and service utilization, compared to non-SGM counterparts. Barriers to care often include discrimination, stigma, and insufficient provider training. While evidence-based treatments (EBTs) are available to SGM people, they experience unique mental health risks (family rejection, minority stress, violence, victimization) and resilience factors (social support via community engagement, pride). As such, it is crucial that treatment research focused on SGM clients examine whether the efficacy/effectiveness is maintained when existing EBTs are used and identify modifications to enhance outcomes and address unmet needs. The pioneering research in this symposium uses diverse, innovative methodology to identify evidence-based intervention strategies for SGM clients. Presentations examine outcomes of existing EBTs implemented with SGM individuals, identify met and unmet treatment needs, and provide recommendations for adaptations to improve EBT for SGM groups.
Presenter 1 discusses a multi-site randomized clinical trial (N = 209) of Post-Admission Cognitive Therapy for suicide prevention. Outcomes were similar for LGB patients at 3-month follow-up, highlighting a clinical approach and context where treatment may not require extensive adaptation. Presenter 2 reviews results from a feasibility trial (N = 48) of online Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) groups for SGM clients with substance use disorders. This is the first study to report treatment goals of SGM individuals in SMART Recovery. While identified goals were consistent with program components, additional identity-focused content may improve fit. Presenter 3 examines mechanisms by which transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are at risk for assault victimization and poor posttraumatic adjustment. Using data from qualitative interviews with TGD adults (N = 44), specific psychosocial contributors and implications for PTSD treatment are discussed. Presenter 4 reviews results from a Q-sort method study of TGD (N = 18) and provider (N = 16) conceptualizations of treatment strategies for trauma and minority stress. Using thematic network analysis, this research highlights similarities/differences in TGD and provider strategies and pinpoints unmet needs (e.g., safety and self-defense training). Finally, Presenter 5 discusses results from a community-engaged clinical trial tailoring empowerment-based self-defense training for trans women and femmes (N = 39). The training program demonstrated acceptability among participants and improvements in qualitative outcomes (e.g., connection to trans community, ability to stay present while fearful). Our Discussant, a leader in SGM mental health, synthesizes findings and raises key considerations for EBTs with SGM clients.
In summary, this symposium covers cutting-edge research supported by strong empirical approaches that address mental health treatment needs of the SGM community. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of how existing EBTs address these needs, where existing EBTs fall short, and how specific modifications can improve treatment experiences and outcomes for SGM clients.
Presenter: Nicholas Livingston, Ph.D. – National Center for PTSD
Co-author: Anna Salomaa, PhD – VA Boston healthcare System
Co-author: Danielle S. Berke, Ph.D. – Hunter College, City University of New York
Co-author: Cara Herbitter, PhD – VA Boston Healthcare System
Co-author: Kelly Harper, Ph.D. – National Center for PTSD
Co-author: William Bryant, PhD – Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Co-author: Colleen A. Sloan, Ph.D. – VA Boston Healthcare System & Boston University School of Medicine
Co-author: Lisa Gyuro, BA – national Center for PTSD
Co-author: Zig Hinds, BS – national Center for PTSD
Co-author: Sarah E. Valentine, Ph.D. – Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center
Co-author: Jillian Shipherd, PhD – VA Central Office
Presenter: Sarah E. Valentine, Ph.D. – Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center
Co-author: Joelle Taknint, PhD – Boston Medical Center
Co-author: Lorenzo Guani, MPH – Boston Medical Center / Boston University School of Public Health
Co-author: Laura Godfrey, BS – Boston Medical Center
Presenter: Briana McGeough, Ph.D., MSW – University of Kansas
Co-author: Briana McGeough, Ph.D., MSW – University of Kansas
Co-author: M Greenwood, BA – University of Kansas
Co-author: Nicole Cohen, MA – University of Kansas
Presenter: Danielle S. Berke, Ph.D. – Hunter College, City University of New York
Co-author: Maiya Hotchkiss, B.S. – Hunter College of the City University of New York
Presenter: Matthew F. Thompson, M.S. – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Co-author: Jeremy Luk, PhD – National Institutes of Health
Co-author: Jessica LaCroix, PhD – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Co-author: Sarah Carter, Ph.D. – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Co-author: Kanchana Perera, MS – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Co-author: Joshua Gray, PhD – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Co-author: Marjan Ghahramanlou-Holloway, PhD – Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences