“What you need to know: Comprehensive education to enhance treatment of the LGBTQIA+ communities”

registration deadline 4/8/26

TRAINER

Fredrick Dombrowski is the AMHCA Past President and has extensive experience treating those living with co-occurring disorders since 1998.  He has been a supervisor and director for multiple programs including inpatient, outpatient, and forensic treatment. Currently a Department Chair at the University of Bridgeport, he is focused on experiential learning through a perspective of cultural humility and an equitable clinical care. He has recently published the book Co-occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders and has appeared on television, radio, and internet advocating for the helping professions. He has won several awards for his work with marginalized populations.

DESCRIPTION

Description: Those from LGBTQIA+ communities are at greater risk for living with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders when compared to heterosexual cisgender communities. Many members from these communities have often experienced discrimination and a lack of support from various treatment providers creating a lack of trust which can impact client success. Even well meaning providers may at times invalidate the experiences of individuals from these communities. This presentation will review specific needs of members of these communities while also discussing potential risks that these communities face. This presentation will identify ways to create an environment of inclusive care while enhancing the skills of team members to support the needs for these communities. This presentation will apply evidence based practices (CBT and MI) in the clinical treatment of LGBTQIA+ communities. Participants will also identify ways to navigate incidents of invalidation for these communities.

AGENDA

Check-in & Coffee: 7:30am – 8:00am

VAPA Annual Meeting (All are welcome!): 8:00am – 9:00am

Morning: 9:00 am – Noon
 Welcome & Introductions
 Self Evaluations
 General experiences of LGBTQIA+ clients
Break 10:30 – 10:45 am.
 Reviewing specific populations
 Needs of LG clients
Lunch: 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm
Afternoon: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
 Reviewing needs of BTQIA+ clients
 Special needs for intersex and trans clients
 Creating an inclusive environment
Break 2:30 – 2:45pm.
 Supporting Staff
 CBT
 Motivational Interviewing

Adjourn: 4:30 pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify personal internal reactions toward members of the LGBTQIA+ communities to manage countertransference during treatment.
• Identify 2-3 specific needs of LGBTQIA+ community members in relation to medical care, assessment and treatment.
• Identify 2-3 ways to create an affirming and validating environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Review and discuss 3-4 basic clinical tools to explore the needs of LGBTQIA+ community members.
• Identify 2-3 ways to respond to incidents of invalidation to LGBTQIA+ communities from staff or other patients.