Telehealth Is a Lifeline for LGBTQIA2S+ Clients in Rural Oregon and Washington
Let’s talk about something big! Telehealth is changing lives. For LGBTQIA2S+ people living in small towns or far from cities, getting mental health care can be hard. There are few mental health providers nearby (especially ones that offer affirming care). That’s where telehealth steps in—it lets clients get help without having to leave home.
The New Norm
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) help shape the future of our profession. LCSWs guide Associate Social Workers (ASWs) by providing supervision and offering support. It is our job to create a stronger and more well-rounded workforce. Here is how we can make our profession better for the next generation:
Is Your Practice Queer Friendly?
Learn how to go beyond flags and rainbows to show you care.
You might have taken part in conversations about diversity recently. Has the topic of LGTBQ+ inclusion even made it into the conversation?
It’s a miss that hurts people in our community. And the mental health professional can lead the way in making improvements.
We can set up our queer clinicians for success.
Are They Connected? BPD and the LGBTQ+ Community
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. My community faces othering, lack of resources, and unhealthy environments. I hear about these challenges every day in therapy sessions.
Does a link exist between identifying as LGTBQ+ and the diagnosis of a personality disorder?
LGBTQIA2S+ folks often face discrimination, marginalization, and social isolation. These factors increase risk for mental health conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD), and Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD).
Research shows clinicians disproportionately diagnose the LGBTQIA2S+ population with these disorders because of complex social and psychological factors.
Your Roadmap to Practicing Social Work
Once you achieve your LICSW and/or LCSW, you’ll have the ability to practice independently as a clinical social worker, providing therapy and clinical interventions to individuals and communities in need.
By following these steps and staying organized, you can successfully navigate the process of obtaining licensure in either state, allowing you to move forward in your career as a licensed clinical social worker in the Pacific Northwest.