BHS-026 — Behavioral Health in LGBTQ+ Communities

COURSE DESCRIPTION — BHS-026
Title: Behavioral Health in LGBTQ+ Communities
CEUs: 1.0 Hour | Audience: HHAs, CNAs, PCAs, DSPs

Overview:
LGBTQ+ individuals experience significantly elevated rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidality — driven by the chronic stress of discrimination and stigma. This course equips home care workers to provide affirming, non-judgmental behavioral health care that respects LGBTQ+ identities, eliminates microaggressions, and supports the health and dignity of all clients.

Learning Objectives:
– Understand elevated behavioral health risks in LGBTQ+ communities
– Define minority stress and its mental health impact
– Apply affirming communication techniques
– Recognize and avoid microaggressions
– Support LGBTQ+ clients with non-judgmental, person-centered care

Topics Covered:
Behavioral health disparities, minority stress theory, affirming communication, pronouns and names, microaggressions, heteronormativity, professional obligations, and connecting to affirming resources.