Gender & Sexual Diversity Initiative

Carolina Partners is happy to provide affirming, affordable health care resources for LGBTQQIA+ members of our community through the Gender and Sexuality Diversity Initiative (GSDI). It is our absolute priority to provide specialized care for a range of communities, especially those that have been traditionally marginalized. The GSD Initiative will provide comprehensive health and wellness services for the LGBTQQIA+ communities throughout North Carolina.

We are queer and genderqueer savvy and understand that there are as many genders as there are people. And as such, each person who is exploring their needs with respect to their gender will be supported however they identify.

If you are seeking referrals or assessments for hormones, we have trained clinicians who want to be a resource to you. Some hormone providers operate on the informed consent model which does not require documented assessment from a mental health professional. Some hormone providers do require documentation. Our GSDI Resource List can tell you which hormone providers use the informed consent model. Our clinicians can also refer for other trans-affirming medical care and provide assessments for surgery.

We are warm and welcoming providers who want to reduce any barriers you may have with exploring your options.

The Initiative provides:

  • An in-house referral network

  • Maintaining best practices and the Standards of Care

  • Providing Inclusive Gender and Sexuality Education for professionals

  • Affirming care and resources

These goals are accomplished through in-house provider trainings on Gender and Sexuality, clinician and administrative staff attendance at conferences and workshops to continually enhance our services, and an ongoing visibility campaign to raise awareness about our services for queer, trans, and intersex communities in North Carolina.

Trainings:

The Gender and Sexual Diversity Initiative offers dynamic, interactive, and educational trainings around best practices for working with queer and trans individuals. From social service and health care providers, to everyday workplace employees, our goal is to improve the climate and support systems for LGBTQQIA+ communities in their everyday environments by fostering understanding, imparting knowledge, and providing strategies for creating safe and affirming environments.

Below are just a few of the trainings we offer:

CLICK for Health Care Trainings:

The cost for the 5 part series is $375 per person, however, you may inquire about the GSDI discount when you sign up with 5 or more practitioners. The 5 part series is offered over two days. 

With less access to inclusive, competent and accessible health care options the goal of the Gender and Sexuality Diversity Initiative is to provide information on best practices for healthcare providers working with the LGBTQ community. We focus on the ways in which sexual orientation and gender identity present themselves in the healthcare, common concerns that may be experienced or presented by LGBTQ individuals in the medical field, and ways to make your clinical environment more inclusive, and supportive, for your clients. GSDI offers 5 dynamic trainings for healthcare staff and professionals. You may take individual trainings but we offer a 5 Part Series where you will be considered as a GSDI resource, and receive documents and ongoing support to help in your practice with the community.

LGBTQ Clients in Healthcare (for practitioners and staff)
In this training, we focus on the ways in which sexual orientation and gender identity present themselves in the healthcare, common concerns that may be experienced or presented by LGBTQ individuals in the medical field, and ways to make your clinical environment more inclusive, and supportive, for your clients.This training was designed to provide education around sexual orientation, transgender, gender varying and gender non conforming clients. We breakdown language while reviewing the laws in NC that may affect your clientele.

Combating Personal Bias
This 2 hour interactive training focuses on discussing non-binary relationships, Identity and development. demographics of the community, current attitudes towards gender, youth and disclosure, and personal bias. In this session participnts will be asked to sign a confidentiality waiver and will be encouraged to discuss personal attitudes towards gender and sexuality to bring about awareness and possible biases to combat when working with the community. Questions such as When did you first learn about gender and What does heterosexual privilege look like, will be among common questions asked in small groups.

Creating Safer Spaces 
Providing a safe space is crucial for your practice and overall wellness of your clients. In this training we discuss gender, sexual orientation, and the complexities of equating identity with behavior. Through individual commitments and institutional best practices we will build guidelines for creating safe spaces and gain a deep understanding of gender and sexuality as they relate to clients.

Body Positivity for Trans and Gender non conforming clients
Participants will be given inclusive sexual education materials and approaches for working through body image, and sexual education, to help enhance self-esteem, sexual practices, expression and pleasure.

Clients in Transition
This training was built to help provide a dynamic view of how a client MAY transition, approaches and techniques for disclosure, as well as providing participants with a packet of documents to assist their clients such as (name change paperwork, medical and community resources, sample letters and assessment) This training is 3 hours and designed for clinical and mental health professionals.

CLICK for Corporate Trainings:

The Gender and Sexual Diversity Initiative offers dynamic, interactive, and educational trainings around best practices for working with queer and trans individuals. From social service and health care providers, to everyday workplace employees, our goal is to improve the climate and support systems for LGBTQQIA+ communities in their everyday environments by fostering understanding, imparting knowledge, and providing strategies for creating safe and affirming environments.

This training is tailored to your specific needs. Typically, your staff will have comprehensive training on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and microaggressions. This training will help your staff understand LGBTQ issues, workplace transitions and state and federal laws as they apply to Trans clients and employees. This also can include a one hour one-on-one consultation to review everything from your paperwork to your bathroom facilities to ensure an inclusive and accepting environment. This training can be structured for members of all groups, from front desk staff to doctors and everyone in between in a plethora of professions and social contexts.

Diversity Training on Gender and Expression (Corporate Training) (2 hours + 1 hour of consultation)

Studies show that diversity makes employees happier and happier employees have 12% higher productivity. Help create an environment where your employees can be themselves by making the workplace a safer space.

During this diversity training, your staff will have comprehensive training on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and microaggressions. This training will help your staff understand LGBTQ issues, workplace transitions and state and federal laws as they apply to Trans clients and employees. This training also includes a one hour one-on-one consultation to review everything from your paperwork to your bathroom facilities to ensure an inclusive and accepting environment. This training can be structured for members of all groups, from front desk staff to doctors and everyone in between in a plethora of professions and social contexts.

Inquire about this training (Rates vary based on number of participants)

Peer supervision is a great opportunity to get support on working with your LGBTQ+ clients. Two supervision sessions are included in the Mental Healthcare Training. Other supervision sessions, including for those who have not yet attended the training, are $15 per session.

Training Dates Available:

March 16 and 17 are 9:00am-3:00pm both Saturday and Sunday

All other trainings are from 9:00am-3:00pm on Saturday and 12:00-6:00pm on Sunday

Click a date below to register.

Our Services:

GSDI Services:

  • Education and Trainings for professionals working with the LGBTQQIA+ community
  • Assessment and referrals for transgender individuals seeking medical treatment
  • PTSD & Trauma Treatment
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Addiction & Recovery
  • Life changes and general wellness goals
  • Somatic Experiencing for trauma treatment
  • Assessment for Mental Health and Addictions
  • Family and couples sessions to address transitions and coming out
  • LGBTQQIA+ affirming therapy

- Evening hours offered to accommodate your schedule

- Flexible payment plans

- We file your insurance for you if you want to attend more frequent weekly psychotherapy sessions for a range of issues related to personal growth.

Our GSDI Providers

  • All GSDI clinicians attend service trainings and ongoing peer supervision.
  • Provider membership of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
  • GSDI clinicians meet the WPATH Standards of Care competency requirements for mental health providers.
  • Regular attendance of in-service trainings and national transgender health conferences for professional development
Louise Newton, LCSW | Durham Therapist

J. Louise Newton, MSW, LCSW, SEP
GSDI Outpatient Psychotherapist

Phone:
(919) 354-0830 ext 522
Louis Sawyer, PhD | Durham Psychologist

Louis Sawyer, PhD
GSDI Outpatient Psychologist

Phone:
919-403-2122
Emmy Johnson | Pro-bono trans counseling

Emmy Johnson
GSDI Program Coordinator

Phone:
(919) 354-0830 ext 529
Email:
[email protected]
Jan Tate, MSW, LCSWA, MEd | Durham Therapist

Jan Tate, MSW, LCSWA, MEd, CSOTP
GSDI Outpatient Psychotherapist

Phone:
(919) 354-0830 ext 525

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