LIVE SESSIONS
This Center of Excellence provides learning opportunities for practitioners focused on the best and latest practices to decrease behavioral health disparities impacting LGBTQ+ children, youth, young adults, adults, and older adults. All eligible live and recorded sessions offer free continuing education credits (CECs), accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To access past sessions, visit our recorded opportunities page.
The UConn School of Social Work is approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health to provide continuing education credits (CECs) for social workers. The School is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The University of Connecticut is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Sign up for an account or log in to the Innovations Learning Management System to register for our live and recorded sessions.
Interested in building foundational knowledge on LGBTQ+ behavioral health? Start here with our animated short and 101 webinar recordings! We strongly recommended that these materials are viewed prior to attending our live webinars.
For an introduction to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression check out our Learning About SOGIE animation (available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French) and download the accompanying glossary (available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese) for a list of terms commonly used in LGBTQ+ communities.
For more videos, tip sheets, and infographics, visit our Resources page!
Recorded 101 Webinars
Presenters:
Lyndsay Smith (she/her)
Jabari Lyles (he/him)
Sexual Orientation & Behavioral Health 101
This webinar enables behavioral health service providers to be more equipped to support, treat and advocate for people with diverse sexual orientations. Considering a general lack of LGBTQ+-affirming knowledge among healthcare providers, along with data and research which suggests LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk for poor health outcomes, this webinar offers institutions the skills they need to minimize gaps. Participants will define sexual orientation and explore related terms and concepts in human sexuality, become more intimately aware of the unique experiences of people who have diverse sexual orientations, learn specific behavioral health disparities, including risk and protective factors for people of various sexual orientations, and gain a toolkit of best practices for applying this knowledge in the field.
Presenters:
Lyndsay Smith (she/her)
Ezra Halstead (they/them, he/him)
Gender Identity, Expression & Behavioral Health 101
This webinar provides foundational knowledge about gender identity and gender expression, and how to best provide services for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals across the lifespan. Participants will learn concepts relating to gender identity and expression, as well as the process of transitioning, and respectful terms. Important terms that will be defined include but are not limited to: transgender, cisgender, nonbinary, intersex, and pronouns. Social, legal, and medical types of transition will be reviewed, as well as potential interpersonal/familial and systemic barriers to transition. Risk factors and behavioral health disparities for adults and children in this community will be reviewed, as well as best practices service providers can use to create a respectful and welcoming environment.
Our live webinar series offers a deeper dive into specific topics as well as implications for behavioral health practice.
Fall Series
Working with Rural LGBTQIA+ Clients
This three-part series provides clinicians an opportunity to learn more about the strengths and needs of rural LGBTQIA+ clients, their families, and their communities. Resources for practice and further learning are provided in each session, and participants have a chance to hear from clinicians and LGBTQIA+ people living or working in rural areas. As a learning community there is time in each session allotted for discussion and collaboration as we continue to improve quality mental health care for LGBTQIA+ clients and their families from rural areas. Participants are welcome to attend any one session, or all three.
Working with Rural LGBTQIA+ Clients: Considerations for Engagement, Assessment & Practice
Wednesday, October 11, 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET
In this webinar, clinicians receive an overview of current research about rural queer experiences with specific attention given to how this information informs engagement, assessment, and practice.
Panel Discussion on Working with Rural LGBTQIA+ Clients
Tuesday, October 24, 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET
A panel of experts in the field with backgrounds in research, clinical practice, healthcare, and faith communities in rural areas will share experiences and offer practical tips for behavioral health providers to integrate into their practices.
Collaborative Learning Session on Working with Rural LGBTQIA+ Clients
Tuesday, November 14, 2:30-4:00 p.m. ET
Rural providers from across the country are invited to engage in an interactive discussion around shared experiences and issues related to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals living in rural areas. Bring your questions and challenges from the field!
September
Thursday, September 7, 1-2 p.m. ET
Presenter:
Jeremy T. Goldbach (he/him)
Proud & Empowered: A School-Based Intervention for LGBTQ+ Youth Coping
After 10 years of research, Proud & Empowered has shown efficacy to support its use in school and community settings. The 10-week small group intervention uses a mix of didactic learning strategies to support LGBTQ+ youth as they navigate their family, peer, school and other community environments. This presentation will offer an overview of the intervention, and allow for Q&A.
Create an account with us or log in to register today. Contact the help desk at InnovationsHelp@UConn.edu if you need assistance or download our Guide to Registering with the Learning Management System.
Our Ask Our Expert virtual sessions & panel discussions connect practitioners with experts from across the country who provide technical assistance on a variety of subjects. Please note: due to the open, informal nature of these sessions, CECs are not available. All sessions provide a certificate of completion.
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