Date of Conferral

9-29-2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Catherine Garner

Abstract

This project was focused on the significant challenges faced by LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults, specifically those aged 12 to 25 years, who seek mental health care services. Research indicated that discrimination and stigma against this demographic contribute to disproportionately poorer mental health outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for culturally competent health care delivery. The purpose of this project was to educate professionals on the necessary skills and knowledge about the unique needs of LGBTQ+ patients. The question was the following: Would an educational intervention improve providers’ knowledge and confidence in diagnosing and treating the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youths and adolescents? An interactive educational workshop was facilitated for a group of 10 providers in a mental health outpatient network. The workshop included evidence-based content on the health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ youths, practical strategies for building rapport and trust, and frameworks for providing affirming and inclusive care. To evaluate the effectiveness of this training, providers completed feedback questionnaires before and after the workshop, which measured their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived cultural efficacy regarding LGBTQ+ health care. The results revealed an overall average improvement of 20.9 percentage points in the providers’ scores from pre- to post-workshop evaluations. This indicated an enhancement in providers’ competencies related to LGBTQ+ health care, reflecting a successful outcome of the educational intervention and reinforcing the importance of ongoing training in fostering inclusive health care environments

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