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Embracing Diversity, Championing Inclusivity, & Cultivating Compassion: Celebrating Pride and Advancing LGBTQ+ Healthcare at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa

The Mental Health and Wellness Department at Kaiser Permanente (KP) Santa Rosa celebrated this PRIDE month with enthusiasm and dedication, thanks to the efforts of the Culturally Responsive Care and Inclusivity committee. The committee organized a series of events, including an informative training session on counseling and care considerations for LGBTQ+ patients and families, and a Lunch & Learn the following week. These events provided a platform for education, personal dialogue, and community building, emphasizing the importance of an inclusivity climate and culturally responsive care within the department.

The presentation “Counseling and Care Considerations for LGBTQ+ Patients and Families at Kaiser Santa Rosa” emerged from a series of discussions between Mike Kessler, LCSW (he/they), and Lauren Myers, AMFT (she/they) about the critical need for ongoing education regarding the Queer and Trans community. To Lauren and Mike, sharing this information with their colleagues was both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. The presentation aimed to address various reactions and ensure sensitivity while emphasizing that education can be lifesaving, given the high rates of suicidal ideation and assault within the Queer and Trans community. The feedback from staff and trainees in attendance was overwhelmingly positive, inspiring the duo to plan a follow-up session with managers to continue the conversation and add more critical information. They hope that ongoing training and dialogues, such as the in-person Lunch & Learn session, will build both competency and confidence among colleagues, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Lunch & Learn session following the initial training was a significant and enriching experience for both facilitators and attendees. Three MHTP trainees who were among the attendees shared their takeaways from the Lunch & Learn session. Brianna Zavaglia (she/her) appreciated the session for its depth of information, which expanded her knowledge about LGBTQ+ issues and motivated her to advocate for better access to gender and mental health care within the community. Olivia R. Brice (she/her) emphasized the importance of such educational opportunities for mental health providers to deliver the best possible care to their LGBTQ+ patients. She noted that understanding and welcoming patients are crucial for effective therapy sessions and attending sessions like the Lunch & Learn helps professionals become more knowledgeable. Aleen V. Phelps (she/her) praised the inviting atmosphere of the event, which focused on educating, celebrating, and fostering dedication to creating inclusive therapeutic environments. She found the activities, including a review of queer history in America, both engaging and educational. Overall, these opportunities for colleagues to receive updates, ask questions, and share concerns were seen as a vital component in promoting growth, support, and community building within KP Santa Rosa.

Contributed by Emily Flato, Psychology Doctoral Intern

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