AFFIRM Youth is an evidence-based, coping skills training intervention focused on reducing mental health issues and behavioral risks experienced by LGBTQ+ populations. The eight-module training is supported by a detailed manual, workbook and implementation guide to support clinicians and clients through the process. AFFIRM Youth has been developed specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and has been found to be effective with this vulnerable population across a range of settings (e.g., schools, health care centers, foster care, behavioral health clinics). Designed for any LGBTQ+ young person experiencing stress (including those who are not presenting with clinical symptoms), AFFIRM Youth has been successfully implemented with diverse LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-18.

Extensive research has demonstrated that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is among the most effective interventions for child, adolescent, and adult depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Using a CBT framework and a trauma informed and affirming approach, AFFIRM Youth addresses young people’s mental health challenges while simultaneously attending to the experiences, and resiliencies of LGBTQ+ people.

In 2024, AFFIRM Youth became the first LGBTQ+ youth intervention to be recognized as a promising approach in the California Evidence Based Clearinghouse and was included in SAMHSA’s Evidence Based Guide: Suicide Prevention Strategies for Underserved Youth.

AFFIRM Youth is typically delivered by trained and/or licensed counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals in a group-based format. The eight modules are designed for flexible implementation with all LGBTQ+ youth populations, making AFFIRM Youth easy to integrate into existing programming. AFFIRM Youth is currently being implemented in a host of sites across North America as well as in Australia, The Netherlands, and Hungary.

Register for our AFFIRM Youth training to start delivering AFFIRM Youth in your practice or organization.

For more information see our publications and recognitions.

Learn to Deliver AFFIRM YOUTH Programs

Learn to deliver the AFFIRM Youth approach through our 3-day, interactive training that will teach you the theories, concepts and practices of AFFIRM Youth. You will learn the skills needed to effectively deliver affirmative CBT treatment strategies to diverse LGBTQ+ youth experiencing mental health concerns. Expert trainers will engage you in role playing and other activities that provide a stimulating and practical training experience. The elements of AFFIRM Youth will be presented with a focus on: the supporting evidence, principles for creating an affirmative practice context, and clinical considerations that are necessary to effectively deliver AFFIRM Youth interventions.

You will GAIN the skills to effectively:

1. Affirm youths’ diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

2. Engage in case formulation that will attend to the specific needs of LGBTQ + youth.

3. Help youth enhance their abilities to cope with anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

4. Implement strategies aimed at helping youth modify unhelpful thoughts, create affirmative support networks, engage in healthy and affirming behaviors, and sustain hope.

5. Flexibly deliver evidence-informed interventions.

6. Engage in ongoing assessment and evaluation of the intervention.