1. Adapting CBT to Meet the Needs of Our Transgender Clients - Behavioral Health Track
Laura Stevens, MSW

Cognitive behavioral therapy is known as one of the most effective psychotherapy interventions. Numerous research studies have cited the effectiveness of CBT. CBT has been demonstrated to be helpful in treating a number of mental health related concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. Although CBT has been shown to be effective in the general population, there is a lack of professional knowledge and research available to guide clinicians in adapting CBT to meeting the needs of the LGBTQ community and specifically the needs of the transgender and gender non-conforming community. This workshop will examine the ways in which CBT can be adapted in a culturally competent way to meet the needs of transgender individuals. The training will provide a general overview factors that need to be considered when providing mental health treatment to transgender individuals such as the sociological, psychological, legal, and environmental challenges transgender clients face and how these challenges impact one’s mental health. The training will also provide an overview of the historical context of the treatment of transgender individuals in the field of mental health, and the application of the minority stress model to better understand the increased risk for mental health concerns due to factors of oppression, transphobia, and discrimination. The training will then explore the ways in which the traditional CBT model (including theoretical underpinnings of CBT, concrete CBT interventions, and the structure of CBT treatment) can be adapted to meet the needs of our transgender clients. We will specifically explore how tools such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation can be used effectively with transgender clients to increase their sense of empowerment and ability to cope with internal and external stressors that may be triggered or exacerbated by transphobia and minority stress.

- Outline the basic tenets of CBT including naming 2 CBT interventions
- Identify at least one challenge to applying the CBT model to transgender clients
- Identify at least two ways the CBT model and/or specific CBT tool can be adapted in working with transgender clients


2. Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty - Medical Track and Behavioral Health Track
Jaromir Slama, MD

Overview of indication criteria, technique, result and complications.

- Identify the steps necessary to indicate a patient for neo-vaginoplasty
- Describe the anatomic basis for reconstruction
- Recognize and manage most common post-operative complications

3. Trans Cancer and Tobacco Use - Public Health, Behavioral Health Track, Medical Track
Arjee Restar, MPH, PhDc & Scout, MA, PhD & Michelle Veras, BA

Join a team of crack researchers as we dig deep to find never before seen information on how these two issues affect our population and lead a discussion to generate action steps needed to improve services in our state.

- Articulate at least three factors that lead to increased cancer risk for the trans communities
- Provide evidence of a health disparity in this area
- Name at least three major action steps community members advise to enhance services on this topic locally
 

4. Understanding and Restoring the Harm of Microaggressions - Behavioral Health Track and Medical Track
Jaymie Campbell, PhD & Kira Manser, MEd, LCSW

This workshop will cover the intersection of racial and transgender microaggressions and how to foster healing and repair after experiencing a microaggression.

- Describe three categories of microaggressions/
- Identify examples of racial and transgender microaggressions
- Practice CPR as a person who has committed a racial microaggression

5. Understanding Pubertal Suppression with GnRH - Medical Track and Behavioral Health Track
Jason Rafferty, MD, MPH, EdM

This presentation will review the physiology and mechanism underlying pubertal suppression with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, including leuprolide and histrelin acetate. It will review clinical indications and considerations for use of GnRH analogues as well as interactions with other sex hormones. Participants will be invited to bring cases and questions regarding pubertal suppression.

- Discuss the biology and rationale justifying use of GnRH analogues for pubertal suppression, including risks, benefits and some alternative approaches.
- Identify which patients are eligible and will most benefit from treatment with GnRH analogues
- Incorporate prescribing of GnRH analogues into practice, including systems for monitoring and improving adherence.