Understanding the needs of LGBTQ clients and their risk for commercial sexual exploitation: Training community mental health workers

Abstract

Training on commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and victimization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youths can increase awareness among professionals who provide services to this community. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based training program geared toward mental health workers in a diverse metropolitan city. The training provided information about the continuum of sexuality and gender identity, sensitivity when working with LGBTQ clients, LGBTQ clients’ risks for CSE, and ways to improve service delivery to this population. Participants’ (N = 64) knowledge level of these areas was examined prior to the training, immediately thereafter, and in a six-month follow-up. Participants showed an increase in knowledge from pretest to posttest. Follow-up testing on a limited sample revealed scores that were lower than posttest scores, but higher than pretest scores. Overall, through this community-based training, participants gained knowledge about the continuum of sexual and gender identity, appropriate service delivery when working with LGBTQ individuals, and the risk factors for CSE for LGBTQ youths. Participants also reported feeling satisfied with the training approach and format. Implications for future training to enhance mental health workers’ competence with LGBTQ victims of sexual exploitation are explored.