LGBTQ+ Training for Mental Health Care Improvement

(UMD-PRC Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Maryland, College Park

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Unlicensed, Less than 10 clients

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

600 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Face-to-face and online LGBTQ+ training, On-line training for mental health care improvement?

Research shows that LGBTQ+ cultural competence training, like the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC), can improve mental health providers' knowledge and practices, making them more effective in supporting LGBTQ+ clients. Additionally, continuing education has been shown to increase cultural competence in healthcare providers, which can lead to better care for LGBTQ+ individuals. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is LGBTQ+ training for mental health care safe for participants?

The research on LGBTQ+ training for mental health care, such as the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC), indicates that it is feasible and acceptable, with positive feedback from administrators and therapists. There are no specific safety concerns mentioned in the studies, suggesting it is generally safe for participants. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How does the LGBTQ+ Training for Mental Health Care Improvement treatment differ from other treatments for mental health care?

This treatment is unique because it focuses on improving the cultural competence of mental health care providers through both face-to-face and online training specifically tailored for working with LGBTQ+ clients. It addresses the lack of accessible LGBTQ+-focused training, aiming to create a more inclusive and effective mental health care environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. ^{1 3 9 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The overall aims of the 5-year University of Maryland Prevention Research Center (UMD-PRC) Core Research Project are to identify, refine, implement, evaluate, translate, disseminate, and communicate approaches and tools that can be used to improve the competency of mental health care for LGBT persons which is a social determinant of LGBT health disparities. The UMD-PRC research team, in collaboration with the community advisory board (CAB), have identified 5 evidence based resources (Tools) to improve health care competency with sexual and gender minority populations (lesbian/gay, bisexual, and transgender \[LGBT\] people). The UMD-PRC will use the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC) program (Strategy) and these tools along with technical assistance (TA) to improve LGBT mental health care. The following hypothesis will be tested. The study intervention group will show an increase in a) organization-level LGBT-friendly policies and environment as observed by the researchers and b) LGBT competent clinician practice assessed through clinician self-reported preparedness, awareness, and knowledge as well as referral for co-occurring client health needs; client-reported satisfaction with therapy and health literacy; and research team assessment of clinician performance providing consultation to a standardized LGBT patient actor.

Research Team

Bradley Boekeloo

Principal Investigator

University of Maryland

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for therapists in Maryland who are at least 18, speak English, and are licensed or getting licensed to provide mental healthcare. They must work with a participating organization and have a minimum of 10 clients over the age of 16.

Inclusion Criteria

Therapists must be in the process of being licensed or already licensed to provide clinical mental healthcare in Maryland

Therapists must be able to speak and understand English

I am a therapist with at least 10 clients who are 16 or older.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 month

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Data Collection

Baseline data collection from organization leads, clinicians, and clients using 5 tools

1 month

Multiple visits (in-person and virtual)

Intervention

Clinicians in the intervention group receive a 1-day training and 4 biweekly technical assistance workshops

3 months

5 visits (in-person and virtual)

Follow-up Data Collection

Follow-up data collection and assessment at organization and clinician levels

1 month

Multiple visits (in-person and virtual)

Virtual Simulated Client Skill Assessment

Therapists conduct an initial consultation visit with a standardized LGBT patient actor

1 month

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Face-to-face and online LGBTQ+ training
• On-line training

Trial Overview The study tests if online and face-to-face LGBTQ+ training improves therapist competency. It measures changes in LGBT-friendly policies, clinician practices, client satisfaction, health literacy, and performance with standardized LGBT patient actors.

Participant Groups

Group I: On-line resources Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Comparison Intervention arm receives only links to publicly available on-line resources.

Group II: Face-to-face and online LGBTQ training+ Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Study Intervention arm receives the organization-level LGBTQ climate assessment and technical assistance, the provider-level face-to-face LGBTQ training along with links to publicly available on-line training.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Maryland, College Park

Lead Sponsor

Trials

163

Recruited

46,800+

Findings from Research

A pilot randomized controlled trial tested the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC) training, which improved LGBTQ+ climate in mental health organizations and therapist competence, showing significant positive changes in attitudes and practices among therapists.

The intervention group demonstrated greater improvements in therapist self-reported affirmative attitudes, practice self-efficacy, and affirmative practices compared to the control group, indicating that the SGDLC training can enhance the quality of care for LGBTQ+ clients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

LGBTQ+ cultural-competence training effectiveness: Mental health organization and therapist survey outcome results from a pilot randomized controlled trial. Boekeloo, B., Fish, J., Turpin, R., et al.[2023]

E-health services have been shown to effectively improve health-related outcomes for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, as well as enhance the professional expertise of healthcare providers, based on a systematic review of 27 studies from 8 countries.

Users of e-health services reported that these platforms are helpful and easily integrated into their daily lives, suggesting a positive acceptability and feasibility for improving access to trans health care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Need for Inclusive Consideration of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in E-Health Services: A Systematic Review. Renner, J., Täuber, L., Nieder, TO.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the Implementation of an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Services Training Program to Determine Feasibility and Acceptability During the COVID-19 Pandemic. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Achieving Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Adolescents. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

LGBTQ+ cultural-competence training effectiveness: Mental health organization and therapist survey outcome results from a pilot randomized controlled trial. [2023]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Need for Inclusive Consideration of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in E-Health Services: A Systematic Review. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Together-Equitable-Accessible-Meaningful (TEAM) Training to Improve Cancer Care for Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGM): Outcomes from a Pilot Study. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Construction and validation of a spatial database of providers of transgender hormone therapy in the US. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Completeness at US Federally Qualified Health Centers, 2020 and 2021. [2023]

8. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Other Minoritized Gender and Sexual Identities-Adapted Telehealth Intensive Outpatient Program for Youth and Young Adults: Subgroup Analysis of Acuity and Improvement Following Treatment. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Promise of Digital Mental Health for LGBTQ+ Youths. [2022]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[I-CARE: a pioneering e-learning training program on LGBTIQ+ health]. [2023]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Interactive Session for Residents and Medical Students on Dermatologic Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Patients. [2021]