LGBTQ Affirming Care Series:

Part 1 Introduction to LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care

The population of LGBTQ+ identifying individuals in America continues to rise. The percentage of US adults who self-identify as something other than cis-heterosexual has increased from 5.6% in 2020 to 7.1% in 2022 (Jones, 2023). Pew Research Center’s survey conducted in the summer of 2022, found that amongst young adults under 30-years-old, this percentage is as high as 17% (Pew Research Center, 2023). While many national LGBTQ organizations have worked to make data collection a priority, much information is lacking about this demographic that the National Institute for Mental Health and Health Disparities has named a health disparity population, noting how little specialized focus is offered in medical and mental health training programs (GLAAD, 2023). With these statistics in mind, it is imperative that mental health clinicians are able to compently serve or refer this population that cuts across all other social demographics.


This is an introductory course for the unfamiliar clinician looking for an introduction to LGBTQ+ Inclusive care.

To make the world safer and increase cultural competence in the mental health field for the lgbtq+ population, gather & Grow Education is proud to offer this course free of charge.

1 CE credit is available with a donation and submission of course evaluation and distance learning post-test.

see more via the Course promotion flyer (to the left) and donation info below the course content.

All materials must be reviewed and process activities completed to receive full credit for the course.


Section 1 (Slides 1-7)

  • Course Description

  • Educational Goals

  • Learning Objectives

  • Definition of Gender-Affirming Care

  • Explanation of Informed Consent

Resources & Links


Section 2 (Slide 8-31)

  • Identity Labels

  • Myths & Misunderstanding

  • Unwinding the LGBTQ+ Acronym

Resources & Links


Section 3 (Slides 32-39)

  • Levels of Care

  • Learning Zones

Resources & Links


CE & Course Completion Certificates

Ce credit for this course is available by donation of $5, $10, or $15 (follow links below to donate). Students, associates, and other providers may also request a non-ce certificate of completion via donation. by offering some of our courses for free and CE credit by self-selected donation we hope to create as much accessibility as possible for education that makes the world safer for our marginalized communities.

$15 is the true value of the course and administration.

please, support as you are able.


Unwinding the Acronym Flashcards

Supplemental Learning Materials


Keywords: Continuing Education, CEPA, LMFTs, LCSW, APCC, Introduction to LGBTQ Inclusive Care, LGBT Affirming Care, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Wellness, Provider Education, Ace, Ally, Aromantic, Asexual, Bisexual, CisHet, Gay, Intersex, Lesbian, Queer, Questioning, Transgender