57.1 USE OF FAMILY THERAPY IN WORKING TOWARD FAMILY ACCEPTANCE WITH GENDER-DIVERSE YOUTH

Abstract

Gender-diverse youth and their families are increasingly presenting to mental health settings beyond specialized gender clinics, yet clinical competence lacks among providers. Child and adolescent psychiatrists should understand the impact of family acceptance and rejection for these individuals and incorporate family therapy in the clinical setting when appropriate. Knowledge of the possible modifications from traditional family therapy interventions should be understood and applied. An overview of the clinical issues in treatment will be provided with a focus on transitional-age youth. We will also focus on the impacts of COVID-19 on gender-diverse youth and how telehealth has changed our work as child and adolescent psychiatrists. We aim to be interactive, with the use of case presentations, role-play, and/or a recording of a family therapy session. We will highlight complex family issues including religious or cultural barriers to family acceptance and the nuanced differences of working with adolescents vs young adults seeking gender-affirming treatment (medical transition). An ensuing discussion will synthesize the main topics and facilitate awareness of acceptance, rejection, stigmatized identities, and family dynamics in the clinical setting. Understanding family acceptance and rejection for gender-diverse youth is a treatment priority for clinicians. Incorporating family therapy interventions can enhance understanding, acceptance, well-being, and positive outcomes for gender-diverse youth from across the life span. Addressing these issues with clinicians enhances clinical competence in an area that has become increasingly more visible to the public yet remains underserved by child and adolescent mental health providers.