The Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity has opened the 2024 application cycle to become an Official AFFIRM Adult Site. This opportunity is for mental and behavioral health organizations serving LGBTQ+ adults. If selected, sites will be awarded free training and comprehensive coaching, which includes the 3-Day Virtual AFFIRM Caregiver Training, a Quality Learning Collaborative, and purveyor-led coaching sessions for all trained therapists at your site.
AFFIRM Adult is an evidence-based, eight module, manualized coping skills training intervention focused on reducing mental health issues and behavioral risks experienced by LGBTQ+ populations. AFFIRM Adult has been effective with diverse LGBTQ+ adults across a range of settings (e.g., behavioral health clinics, health care centers, LGBTQ+ community centers).
Behavioral healthcare providers trained in AFFIRM Adult learn to:
- Affirm sexual and gender minority identities
- Engage in case conceptualization and formulation that attends to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ clients
- Enhance client ability to cope with anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination
- Implement strategies aimed at helping clients modify unhelpful thoughts, create support networks, engage in healthy and affirming behaviors, and sustain hope
If you are interested in learning more about the AFFIRM Adult model and the application process, please enroll in the Becoming an AFFIRM Adult Site course. This 50-minute video will walk you through the model’s components, the needs for the population, and the details on how to apply. You may also download the AFFIRM Adult 2-pager for more information on the model. If interested in applying, please download the AFFIRM Therapists Form and the AFFIRM Adult Application. Applications must be emailed to LGBTQEquity@uconn.edu no later than Friday, October 27 at 11:59 P.M. ET.
