The University of Maryland School of Public Health Prevention Research Center is offering a new professional certificate program designed to help address gaps in understanding LGBTQ+ mental health care and improve service outcomes for LGBTQ+ persons.
The Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC) Certificate program, which launches in May, was developed to introduce healthcare providers to concepts related to LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness, said Dr. Shanéa P. Thomas, assistant clinical professor and LGBTQ+ training specialist.
“Choosing the SGDLC Certificate program means choosing a learning experience that is both research and practice based, enhancing one's knowledge and skills around mental health practice and LGBTQ+ competency with current evidence-based information,” Thomas said.
Behavioral healthcare providers, including mental health professionals, drug and alcohol counselors and medical professionals such as physicians, medical assistants and nurses, are ideal participants.
The three-month program has two tracks to choose from: the Direct Service/Therapist Track for therapists and direct service practitioners and the “Organizational/Administrative Track” for administrators of an agency or organization.
Registration is open. To learn more, email Dr. Thomas at lgbtq-training@umd.edu.