Closing the Transgender Gap: Moving from Fear and Lack of Knowledge to Compassionate Affirming Care
October 18, 2024 
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM Pacific Time
Hybrid Event (in person & virtual)

Research has demonstrated a higher prevalence rate of mental health conditions transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Additionally, current standards of care require a letter from a mental health professional in order to access gender affirming medical care. However, mental health providers often lack the knowledge and skills to provide transgender affirming services. This presentation aims to begin to close that competence gap by providing foundational knowledge about gender identity and the unique issues TGB clients may present in therapy. Connor will provide concrete strategies for providing clinical services in ways that affirm TGD clients as well as suggestions for utilizing existing evidence-based approaches in gender affirming ways.

Presented by: Connor Gallik, Ph.D.:

Connor Gallik, Ph.D., is the attending psychologist for the Adolescent Program on the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Acting Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at University of Washington. Prior to joining the staff and faculty at Seattle Children’s/UW, Dr. Gallik completed his graduate education at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in child and adolescent clinical psychology. He completed his clinical internship at Pacific University’s Psychology and Comprehensive Health Clinic and went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at Seattle Children’s Hospital with an emphasis in DBT and inpatient care. His research focuses on understanding factors related to the mental health and wellbeing of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) TGD youth and evidence-based practice on inpatient units. Clinically, he is interested in working with children, adolescents, and their families, with a focus on TGD youth. Dr. Gallik also provides training in TGD affirming care for mental health and medical professionals and speaks to community audiences about supporting transgender youth.

CE Credits: 3.0
Learning Objectives:

1. Have a basic foundation of knowledge about transgender individuals and their unique and specific challenges in therapy.
2. Understand and think about ways to make their practice and clinical work affirming for transgender individuals.
3. Have practical strategies for utilizing evidence-based therapeutic approaches in gender affirming ways.

Cancelation policies

• Refund request due to special circumstances will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Refunded fees may be applied to new membership dues or membership dues renewal.

Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. WSPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.