Stress is a common factor in our society that affects and impacts us daily. For marginalized communities, the stress factor increases. For decades, the LGBT+ community has been a marginalized and stigmatized by the State. For Latinxs being part of an ethnic minority increases the stress factor. This webinar will discuss the Minority Stress Model as it describes the excessive stress to which individuals of stigmatized social categories are exposed as a result of their social position, and its impact on mental health. Furthermore, the presenter will address how Latinx cultural values can shape the coping mechanisms used to manage these stressors. The presentation will discuss the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Model as a recommended approach to work with Latinx LGBTQ+ communities with mental health challenges. This model works mainly with the acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity / expression of the person served and requires that mental health professionals have the knowledge and sensitivity necessary to work with the community.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the webinar participants will:

1. Identify stressors among LGBTQ+ Latinx communities

2. Describe the Minority Stress Model and mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ Latinx

3. Discuss the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Model as a recommended approach for Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals and communities

Who should attend? This webinar is designed for mental health providers including psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and graduate level students in the mental health field who are interested in learning about the vulnerabilities and uniqueness of this period.

About the presenter:

Miguel Vázquez, PhD- Dr. Miguel Vázquez has a Masters in Research in Clinical Psychology from the Barcelona Autonomous University, and a Masters and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Carlos Albizu University in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has researched topics such as sexual and gender diversity, suicide, psychotic disorders, youth risky behaviors, and substance abuse. He has presented in congresses and symposiums in Puerto Rico, United States, Mexico, Spain, Las Bahamas, Colombia, South Africa, and Peru. He has published social responsibility essays for local newspapers and magazines, and is the principal editor of the text book, LGBT 101: An introductory look at the community, being the first of its kind in the island, and author of LGBT+ Health: A therapeutic manual to work with the communities. He works as psychologist and investigator at Centro Ararat and has his private office. He has been awarded Alumni of the Year 2015 from the Carlos Albizu University, and Psychologist of the Year, 2015 from the Puerto Rico Psychology Association. He is the developer and coordinator of the 1st LGBT Intervention Certification, education created to sensibilize and educate professionals on LGBT health.

Please read the following before registering: 

• The National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center use GoToWebinar as our online event system. 

• Audio for the event is accessible via the internet. To receive audio, attendees must join the event by using computers equipped with speakers or dial in via telephone. 

• After registration, a confirmation email will be generated with instructions for joining the event. To avoid problems with log-in, please use the confirmation email to join the event.