ERIC Number: EJ1427491
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Apr
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1389-4986
EISSN: EISSN-1573-6695
Assessing the Implementation of an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Services Training Program to Determine Feasibility and Acceptability during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jessica N. Fish; Evelyn C. King-Marshall; Rodman E. Turpin; Elizabeth M. Aparicio; Bradley O. Boekeloo
Prevention Science, v25 suppl 1 p109-123 2024
Despite significant social and legal progress, LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other sexual and gender minority) populations continue to experience higher rates of mental health and substance use disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Effective LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care is essential for addressing these disparities but is often limited and difficult to access. The shortage of LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care providers results from the absence of required and accessible LGBTQ+ -focused training and technical assistance opportunities for mental health care professionals. This study evaluates the implementation of our COVID-19 adapted, completely virtual, organization- and therapist-focused training program to improve the mental health workforce's cultural competence in working with the LGBTQ+ community: the "Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community" (SGDLC). Guided by an expanded RE-AIM model, we used administrator and therapist feedback to assess SGDLC implementation factors to understand how it may be best translated for scaled-up promotion and widespread adoption. Assessment of the initial reach, adoption, and implementation of the SGDLC indicated that it had strong feasibility; reports on satisfaction and relevance support the SGDLC's acceptability. Maintenance could not be fully assessed from the short study follow-up period. Still, administrators and therapists expressed an intent to continue their newfound practices, a desire for continued training and technical assistance in this area, but also concerns about finding additional opportunities for this education.
Descriptors: LGBTQ People, COVID-19, Pandemics, Mental Health, Health Services, Program Implementation, Access to Health Care, Professional Development, Distance Education, Mental Health Workers, Program Development
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (DHHS/PHS); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (DHHS/NIH); National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maryland
Grant or Contract Numbers: U48DP006382; P2CHD041041; K01MD016346