Course Summary

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) individuals carry a significant lack of access to healthcare services and experience a disparity in health outcomes. There is a need for LGBT-specific health knowledge and communication skills for health professionals involved in the care of LGBT+ people. The issue of bullying and mistreatment of minority groups, particularly LGBT+ communities, has gained significant attention in recent literature, resulting in state laws and public policies aimed at reducing such harmful behavior. One crucial aspect of addressing this problem is to create a safe and inclusive healthcare environment that welcomes and supports LGBT+ patients in seeking proper treatment. This continuing education module presents a case report on the hormonal therapy of a transgender male, highlighting professional guidelines for healthcare providers to follow while assessing the potential risks and benefits of treatment options for their patients.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Birth Sex, Gender Expression, and Orientation
• Stigma and Social Support: Two Important Concepts
• Specific Issues Related to Gender Expression
  • Gender Dysphoria
• Bullying and Stigma
  • Mental Health Treatment
  • Access to Healthcare
• LGBT+ Concerns for Rural Communities
  • Laws Protecting LGBT+
• Educational Considerations for Health Clinicians
• Case Study: Transgender Female-to-Male
• Summary

Author

Alex Holter, AA, BA, MS

Alex Holter has a Bachelor of Art in music, Associate of Art in psychology, and his Master’s of Science with emphasis in Clinical Psychology, research, sex therapy, and clinical counseling. He has worked in the field of mental health in Helena, Montana, including with LGBT+ populations of all age groups. Alex has a passion for helping people in his professional role to access evidence based health care with a high focus to integrate the healing arts of music and other creative fine arts aimed at treating the whole person. He also works with suicide prevention, trauma-based services, educating others on psychosocial issues, and advocating for better mental health care access both nationally and globally. When not working or writing, Alex enjoys playing his violin and viola or enjoying the outdoors with his dog and family.