Understanding transgender mental health is a large part of an overall growing awareness about transgender rights and struggles in our society. It is crucial for mental health professionals to recognize the wide range of transgender identities and demonstrate cultural competency about transgender and gender non-conforming populations.



In this two-hour continuing education web conference, Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA, will share her experience as a psychiatrist specializing in LGBT health. Dr. Erickson-Schroth will review the history of transgender identities in psychiatry, including the evolution of gender-related diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). She will also discuss the common mental health disparities facing transgender people, as well as the ways in which societal stigma and discrimination contribute to poor mental health outcomes.



Dr. Erickson-Schroth will introduce attendees to basic information about transgender medicine including an overview of hormones and surgeries. She will also review approaches to working with gender nonconforming youth, outline how resilience-building can improve the lives of transgender individuals, and discuss ways in which mental health clinicians can work together to support transgender people as allies. 



This introductory instructional level web conference is designed to help clinicians:




  1. Describe the history of gender-related diagnoses in the DSM.

  2. List common mental health disparities facing transgender people.

  3. Summarize the ways in which societal stigma and discrimination contribute to poor mental health outcomes in transgender populations.

  4. Discuss the basics of hormone treatment and surgeries for transgender people.

  5. Describe clinical approaches to working with gender nonconforming youth.



If you have any questions or concerns about this web conference, or would like more information, please contact us here.


How the Web Conference Works

GoodTherapy.org, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.



Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy.org with specific instructions on how to log in to the web conference center, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable. 



To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the web conference center using a computer or device (smartphone or tablet with internet access) and calling in to the teleconference line on a phone. Attendees will be able to ask live audio questions via phone and/or submit text chat questions via their computer or device. Attendees who are logged in to the event center will be able to see live streaming video and/or document sharing. Alternatively, attendees may dial in to the teleconference line only, though attendees dialing in by phone only will be unable to ask questions. 



At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in the GoodTherapy.org Member's Area. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start and end codes announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate instantly. 



For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here.


Continuing Education (CE) Information

Two CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy.org is an Approved Education Provider by NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals (provider #135463). Of the eight counselor skill groups ascribed to by NAADAC, this course is classified within Counseling Services. 

GoodTherapy.org is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy.org, SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0395.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

Event Reviews from Members

It was very thorough and a wonderful exploration of the issues facing transgender people. - Laura Turnbull, MC, CPsych, CCC

Excellent program. The speaker was quite knowledgeable. I learned a great deal. - Pamela B Brewer, MSW

I was looking for information to help me be more current with the LGBTQ population and this was a good overall basic insight into issues of which I need to be aware. Thanks for this. Excellent. - Erline Towner

Meet the Presenter

Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA

Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA is a psychiatrist working with LGBT people in New York City. Dr. Erickson-Schroth graduated from Dartmouth Medical School, New York University Psychiatry Residency, Columbia University Public Psychiatry Fellowship, and Mount Sinai Psychosomatic Medicine Fellowship. 

Dr. Erickson-Schroth is a board member of the New York County Psychiatric Society and the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists. She is former board member of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality and is the current associate editor for the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Mental Health.

In addition to being the editor of Trans Bodies, Trans Selves, a resource guide written by and for transgender people, Dr. Erickson-Schroth co-authored You're in the Wrong Bathroom!" and 20 Other Myths and Misconceptions About Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People. She has appeared on NPR's “Fresh Air” and “On Point”, and was named to OUT Magazine's OUT 100 in 2014.

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