ACA and HRC Foundation Successfully Launch Educational Initiative to Empower Counselors in Serving the LGBTQ Community

Emotional distress among LGBTQ people, particularly youth, remains pervasive. LGBTQ young people face disproportionately high rates of harassment and bullying in school, rejection from family, and social stigma. Studies show that they are at higher risk of failing academically, dropping out of school, and navigating their teen years without the support of parents or other engaged caring adults. As a result, LGBTQ youth often give up on the idea of pursuing post-secondary education, or some are thrust into the workforce with too little preparation or support for long-term success.  

Recognizing this need, ACA and the HRC Foundation collaborated to produce a free online professional development course on LGBTQ-affirmative counseling competencies. The project was made possible by the Pepsico Foundation. To date, more than 4,000 counseling professionals have registered for the first learning module, Introductory Competencies for LGBTQ-Affirmative Counseling.

“The true success is seeing so many counselors committed to helping the LGBTQ community. We are thrilled counselors are taking advantage of this free resource," said Lynn Linde, ACA's Senior Director or the Center for Counseling Practice, Policy and Research.

Introductory Competencies for LGBTQ-Affirmative Counselingis still available and open to all. More modules coming soon. Click here to learn more or register.