PSY85013V - Clinical Elective: LGBTQ Health Disparities

(3 units)

This course introduces graduate students to the professional literature about LGBTQ health disparities; helps them understand conceptually the various psychological, sociocultural, and community-specific factors that drive such disparities; and strengthens their case-conceptualization skills using a biopsychosocial model that is LGBTQ affirming (from assessment and diagnostic formulation to treatment planning). The course also helps students understand the relationship between psychological and physiological wellness (i.e., the mind-body connection), and how various sources of stigma, oppression, and other forms of minority stress impact LGBTQ individuals emotionally, behaviorally, and physically. Students learn to consider and apply the minority stress model and theories on micro-aggressions when approaching clinical work with LGBTQ individuals, particularly those presenting with co-morbid mental health and medical concerns.