Handbook of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice with Sexual and Gender Minorities

Handbook of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice with Sexual and Gender Minorities

Historically, mental health clinical research has taken inadequate account of psychosocial disorders experienced by those who identify as sexual and gender minorities, however, researchers have recently begun developing and adapting evidence-based mental health treatment approaches for use with these groups. Handbook of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice with Sexual and Gender Minorities offers a comprehensive array of evidence-based approaches for treating sexual and gender minority clients' mental health concerns. The interventions detailed here span a diverse spectrum of populations, including sexual and gender minority youth, transgender populations, same-sex couples, sexual minority parents, and bisexual individuals. Chapters also address numerous mental and behavioral health problems, including anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, trauma, body image disturbance, and sexual health. In addition to an overview of the research evidence supporting each clinical presentation and approach, chapters contain practical how-to guidance for therapists to use in their clinical practice. This book reflects a true integration of the best of sexual and gender minority research and the best of evidence-based practice research, presented by the leading experts in the field. As such it is essential reading for mental health professionals who work with these groups, as well as trainees in social work, counseling, and clinical psychology. "The appearance of this much-needed handbook marks a milestone in the emerging evidence-based treatment literature for sexual and gender minorities...This volume is an excellent tool for helping clinicians quickly consider the stressors and developmental concerns unique to the gender and sexual minority community and it also examines adapting existing treatments for these specialized populations. Case examples and thoughtful summaries and recommendations are included with every essay. Contributors are forthright in addressing the lack of treatment research for sexual and gender minorities, and they offer suggestions for enhancing the evidence base of the field...the editors accomplish their mission of creating a ready-reference handbook for mental health practice with sexual and gender minorities." -- CHOICE "Pachankis and Safren have done the field a great service with the publication of this important and timely handbook. This volume is a must-read for researchers and practitioners who seek to develop and disseminate affirmative, evidence-based mental health treatments for sexual and gender minority populations." -- Mark L. Hatzenbuehler, PhD, Associate Professor of Sociomedical Sciences and Sociology, Columbia University "This up-to-date, comprehensive volume integrates findings from cutting edge empirical research with affirming and nuanced case examples and practical suggestions for culturally responsive clinical work, making it a must-read for all practitioners and educators in the mental health professions. The chapters in this important and timely volume include both population- specific and problem-specific approaches for the diverse and dynamic treatment needs of sexual and gender minority clients in the 21st century." -- Kimberly Balsam, PhD, Clinical Psychology Professor at Palo Alto University and Past President of the American Psychological Association's Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Represents the first compendium of evidence-based approaches to sexual and gender minority (SGM)-affirmative mental health practice. John E. Pachankis is an Associate Professor at the Yale School of Public Health. His comprehensive set of peer-reviewed publications are in the areas of social epidemiology and intervention science as applied to sexual and gender minority mental health. Steven A. Safren is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. He is a well-published expert on behavioral health topics, including clinical work with sexual and gender minorities, health-related behavior change, and HIV prevention and care domestically and internationally.