Enhancing Mental Health Support for LGBTQ+ Youths
This webinar is essential for mental health professionals, counselors, social workers, educators, and anyone committed to supporting the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Whether you’re new to working in this field or looking to enhance your existing practice, you’ll find valuable, actionable insights.
As society continues to embrace diversity, the mental health community is increasingly called upon to provide effective and affirming care for LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youths. With over two million such children and adolescents in the United States—a number that is steadily increasing—the need for specialized knowledge and skills is more important than ever.
Compared to their peers, LGTBQ+ youths experience disproportionate rates of adversity and trauma, including child maltreatment. Well-intended professionals who do not know or understand best practices risk unintentionally perpetuating harm. This webinar serves as a starting point for bridging the knowledge gap and fostering informed discussions.
In this 90-minute session, host David Prescott brings together a panel of mental health providers who either serve LGBTQ+ youths or identify as LGBTQ+ themselves to explore:
- Characteristics of allyship within the mental health field
- Common challenges faced when providing mental health services to LGBTQ+ youths and their families
- Strategies for delivering affirming and inclusive care
Join us as we work together to enhance our understanding and improve the mental health care provided to youths with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. By participating in this discussion, you will not only gain valuable insights from experienced professionals but also contribute to a collective effort to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all young individuals.
Who's Presenting
Jimmy Widdifield, Jr., LPC
Jimmy Widdifield, Jr., MA, is the Project Director of the national Training/Technical Assistance (TTA) Grant for Child Abuse Professionals at the National Children’s Advocacy Center. Mr. Widdifield is an experienced TTA provider in child maltreatment with specific experience with children and adolescents with problematic (including illegal) sexual behavior, the recipient children, and their families; LGBTQ+ youth; and supporting multidisciplinary teams that investigate child abuse and neglect. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma who is trained in several evidence-based treatments that address childhood adversity and trauma.
Megan A. Mooney, PhD
Megan A. Mooney, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Houston, Texas who specializes in serving traumatized children and families, especially LGBTQ+ youth who are disproportionately impacted by a variety of traumatic experiences. She is a member of the clinical faculty with Baylor College of Medicine, adjunct faculty with the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, and an affiliate member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Dr. Mooney was granted the 2022 American Psychological Association Services’ Federal Advocacy Award and the 2023 APA State Leadership Award related to her advocacy leadership on behalf of LGBTQ+ children, adolescents, and families, most recently in response to political attacks on Texas’ transgender communities.
Jordan Held, LCSW
Jordan Held, LCSW (he/him), is the President & Founder of Relentless Pursuit Therapy & Consulting. With expertise in acute and chronic trauma, support for the LGBTQ+ community, navigating complex family dynamics, and aiding young adults transitioning from treatment settings, Jordan’s focus revolves around cultivating healing-centered environments for individuals and their families. His practice is dedicated to breaking negative patterns and fortifying family systems.
As an internationally recognized speaker, Jordan champions the creation of inclusive spaces for gender-diverse adolescents. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and The Laurel Foundation, actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Furthermore, Jordan leads family support groups through JQ International and Transforming Family and maintains affiliations with the NCTSN and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Jordan’s contributions extend to academia with multiple published journal articles delving into the experiences of gender and sexual minority youth, and exploring the intersectionality of trauma and resilience. He also offers fellow healthcare providers consultations, supervision, and educational sessions.
Jordan is deeply invested in guiding individuals toward their authentic selves and purposeful lives.