Course Description:

This course is based on a publication the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and is designed to provide mental health and substance abuse counselors with a great deal of information regarding working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) individuals. 

The course begins with definition of key terms and goes on to provide an overview of cultural competency with the LGBT population.  General issues in the treatment of LBGT clients in a cross-culturally competent manner are then reviewed in greater detail.  The article discusses the dimension of culture and provides and introduction to the LGBT community and culture.  This review of LGBT culture is particularly important for heterosexual clinicians who may not have had this content in their graduate training program.  Most courses on cross culturally competency do not include sexual orientation as a minority group, yet every clinician works with individuals who are part of this population.  The course then goes on to discuss ethnic minority groups and ethnic minorities who are also members of the LGBT group.

This course serves as an excellent resource for mental health professionals who work with substance abuse, or who would like to improve their clinical skills by learning more about how to work with lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered individuals.  Given the prevalence of LGBT individuals, this course provides much needed information to improve the cross cultural competencies of clinicians. 

Psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists can benefit from this course. This course may also be helpful for other practitioners, such as midwives and dieticians and nutritionists who work with substance abuse or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals.  This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to learn more about culltural issues in working with LGBT individuals. 

Author:  SAMSHA

Learning Objectives:  This course will provide a professional with a review of cultural and clinical issues that are significant for LGBT individuals.  Specifically, a professional will:

·         Identify and define key terms and elements of culture.

·         Describe elements of the LGBT community and culture.

·         Identify important elements of culture for ethnic minorities who are also members of the LGBT community.

Citation:  SAMSHA (2001).  A Provider’s Introduction to Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Individuals.  Chapter 2 Cultural Issues in Working with LGBT Individuals.  DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 01-3498.