LGBTQIA+ Youth: Recognizing, Responding and Managing Emotional Pain

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States for youth between the ages of 13-24. According to the National Council on Behavioral Health, youth that identify as LGBTQIA+ are 300% more at risk for attempting suicide and have identified rejection and negative reactions from family and social supports as precepitating factors to causing distress. Suicide and self harm have been identified as the solutions to address mental, emotional, and social distresses that don't have a perceived solution. Youth engaged in child welfare programs have an increased rate of exposure to trauma and increased risk to engage in behaviors that are harmful. This course will provide an overview of the prevalence of mental health concerns of LGBTQIA+ youth, introduce emotional pain as a concept to consider as a need to manage in treatment and methods to deliver services in accordance to ethical standards and obligations.