E-Learning Modules

The CoE LGBTQ+ BHE has created a suite of e-learning modules for both clinical and non-clinical staff that can be completed at any pace. Our current offering include multi-module introductory courses as well as individual advanced modules. Modules designed for clinical staff offer free continuing education credits (CECs), accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. To enroll, please choose below from the CEC version or non-credit version, which provides a certificate of attendance.

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 access the learning modules.

Multi-Module Introductory Courses

Introduction to Serving LGBTQ+ People in Behavioral Health Settings

This 6-module course will equip behavioral health providers with information and practice tips to improve services for LGBTQ+ people in their care. This self-paced course provides information on terminology, general identity development, disparities among LGBTQ+ populations across the lifespan, and best practices for behavioral health providers.

The six modules include:

Exploring SOGIE-Focused Terminology
Understanding the Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ People
Working with Transgender and Nonbinary Populations
Exploration of Intersectionality
Addressing Biases within Ourselves, Systems and Providers
Creating a Welcoming Environment: Enhancing Diversity and Non-Discrimination Policies and Practices

This course takes approximately three hours to complete provides 3.0 CECs or a certificate of attendance.

Supporting LGBTQ+ People in Healthcare Settings for Non-Clinical Staff

This two-module course will help non-clinical staff to:

Learn about the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals,
including disparities across areas of healthcare and public service
settings;
Gain a deeper understanding of their crucial role in creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ customers;
Gain concrete strategies for affirming LGBTQ+ customers in both phone and in-person interactions.

This course takes approximately one hour to complete and provides a certificate of attendance.

Individual Advanced Modules

Safely Providing Services in Anti-LGBTQ+ Climates

This module will provide information for safely providing services in anti-LGBTQ+ climates. Many providers worry that providing LGBTQ+ specific services in organizations, towns, or states that have demonstrated anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments would put their LGBTQ+ clients at risk. Though this is always possible in any organization or jurisdiction, there are some very important strategies that can increase safety while still reaching LGBTQ+ populations. This module will present the strategies with practice examples.

This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and provides 0.5 CECs or a certificate of attendance.

Initial Engagement Strategies for Working with LGBTQ+ Clients

This module will discuss the unique aspects of initial engagement with LGBTQ+ clients. Because of the historical, and in some cases, ongoing bias LGBTQ+ clients have experienced in society and by therapists, it is incumbent upon behavioral health clinicians to actively display a positive and affirming attitude to working with this population. Speciﬁc engagement strategies informed by this history of biased treatment and the need to overcome that history will be presented.

This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and provides 0.5 CECs or a certificate of attendance.

Safety Planning Around Unique Experiences for LGBTQ+ People

This module will provide information on safety planning with LGBTQ+ people. In this module, we use the term “safety planning” to mean helping your client develop a plan of action should they experience anti-LGBTQ+ bias or harassment from others.

This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and provides 0.5 CECs or a certificate of attendance.

Introduction to LGBTQ+ Populations with Special Considerations for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

This module, created in partnership with Vibrant Emotional Health, will give learners basic information on the LGBTQ+ community and some of the challenges they experience which would warrant special consideration and support from 988 crisis counselors. This module will address terminology, disparities, mental health considerations, the coming out process, and how 988 crisis counselors can support LGBTQ+ people over call, chat, and text.

This module takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and provides 1.0 CECs or a certificate of attendance.