The Role of School-Based Mental Health Professionals in Fostering an Affirming Educational Environment for LGBTGEQIAP+ Youth
Information
Date & Time
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Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Identify the nature of their personal school-based mental health professional context.
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Describe two obstacles to delivering affirming services, paired with appropriate responses to each.
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Plan one school-based mental health service initiative to improve the educational climate for LGBTGEQIAP+ students in their school.
Educational Goal
The educational goal of this workshop is to generate an understanding of how school-based mental health professionals can contribute to fostering an affirming educational environment for LGBTGEQIAP+ youth, regardless of the current school climate.
Description
In the context of oppressive legislation, increased mental health issues, and higher risk for both substance use and housing insecurity, the presence of just one accepting adult can positively influence the lives of LGBTGEQIAP+ youth. School-based mental health professionals are uniquely positioned to make this kind of difference for their students. However, the unique circumstances of each school, community, and beyond must be considered when exploring the role of school-based mental health professionals in fostering an affirming educational environment. This webinar supports school-based mental health professionals in developing their approach to advocacy, responding to resistance, and building their counseling skills to provide affirming services.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
Presenters
Dr. Stacy A. Pinto is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Denver (DU), where she served as the director of the school counseling program for six years. Her PhD is in Counselor Education and her MA is in Counseling, with a focus on school counseling. She is a certified school counselor (NJ) and national certified counselor. Dr. Pinto is also the 2024-2025 President of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, & Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE; a division of the American Counseling Association). Her experience spans both clinical and educational settings, including focus on administration, and she has presented and published on various related topics for over a decade.