2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Assessing Research Related to Transgender and Nonbinary (TNB) Youth is presented by Clark Ausloos, PhD.

This specialized program is crafted to enhance professionals' skills in working with transgender and nonbinary (TNB) youth. Centered on a rigorous analysis of current research, it exposes gaps in knowledge, including overlooked identity factors and areas lacking sufficient study. Attendees critically evaluate existing literature, identifying what is missing and where further research is needed. The curriculum provides a thorough grounding in key concepts and terminologies related to TNB identities alongside a critical assessment of research methodologies and findings. 

Emphasis is placed on understanding the unique challenges faced by these youth, particularly in areas where research is scarce. Participants will develop practical skills for creating inclusive environments, with a focus on applying knowledge to professional settings such as healthcare, education, and social services. 

The program also underscores the importance of advocacy, preparing attendees to influence policy and practices in various institutions, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive and inclusive research. By completing this program, professionals will not only expand their therapeutic toolkit with advanced, affirmative practices but also contribute to addressing the critical research gaps in the field. This empowers them to provide informed, sensitive support to TNB youth, driving career development and fostering a more inclusive society.

This program empowers professionals with the tools and insights needed to support transgender and nonbinary youth more effectively, translating learning into tangible benefits in various spheres:

- Enhanced Practice: It guides professionals across sectors to create inclusive environments, from healthcare to education, improving service delivery and support for gender-diverse individuals.

- Career Growth: Specializing in this area not only broadens job prospects but also fosters career advancement, making participants leaders in their fields and enhancing their professional trajectory.

- Personal Satisfaction: The program offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of marginalized youth, providing a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose in one’s work.

- Distinctive Approach: With its focus on comprehensive understanding, advocacy, and critical research, the program stands out by equipping professionals to address specific needs of transgender and nonbinary youth effectively, fostering a supportive network for continuous collaboration and growth.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe essential terminologies related to transgender and nonbinary identities
  • 2 Identify and articulate the specific psychosocial and health challenges faced by transgender and nonbinary youth
  • 3 Describe the skills to critically review and analyze research studies related to transgender and nonbinary youth, evaluating research methodologies, interpreting data, and identifying potential biases or ethical issues in these studies
  • 4 Demonstrate applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios, developing strategies to create more inclusive environments in schools, healthcare settings, and policy development

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for professionals dedicated to supporting transgender and nonbinary (TNB) youth who are seeking advanced knowledge and practical skills to create inclusive, affirming, and supportive environments. It is most relevant for those specializing in healthcare, education, counseling, advocacy, or policy work with youth populations, and for individuals committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being.


    Examples of Relevant Professionals:
    • Mental Health Professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors, psychologists)
    • Medical Providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners)
    • Educators (e.g., teachers, school administrators, academic advisors)
    • Social Workers
    • Youth Advocates
    • Policy Analysts or Policy Advocates
    • Community Organization Staff
    • Non-profit Program Managers or Coordinators

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at varying stages of experience in supporting transgender and nonbinary (TNB) youth.

    • Beginner: Professionals who are new to working with TNB youth and are seeking foundational knowledge of key concepts, terminology, and the unique challenges faced by this population.

    • Intermediate: Professionals with some experience supporting TNB youth who are looking to deepen their understanding, critically evaluate research, and apply inclusive practices in their settings.

    • Advanced: Professionals with extensive experience in TNB youth advocacy or clinical work who aim to refine advanced skills, contribute to research, and lead systemic change in policy and practice.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals practice in youth-centered, multidisciplinary settings spanning direct-service and systems-level roles, operating across institutional, community, and virtual contexts. Work emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, interprofessional collaboration, and adherence to organizational policies and legal protections.


    Examples of Practice Settings:
    • Hospitals, clinics, and community health centers
    • School-based services across K-12 and higher education
    • Community-based organizations and LGBTQ+ centers
    • Youth shelters, drop-in programs, and foster care agencies
    • Government agencies, public health departments, and policy institutes
    • Telehealth and hybrid service models
    • University counseling and student services
    • Juvenile justice and diversion programs

Presented By

Clark Ausloos, PhD Assistant Professor in the Counseling Department at Oakland University

Dr. Clark D. Ausloos is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a Licensed School Counselor, and a National Certified Counselor. Dr. Ausloos has worked in elementary, intermediate, and junior high school settings, as well as private practice, and with college students. Dr. Ausloos serves as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Counseling Department at Oakland University, and centers his clinical, andragogical, and scholarly work on supporting and advocating for non-dominant populations, specifically queer and trans youth. Dr. Ausloos has authored over 20 peer-reviewed manuscripts and has several book chapters and encyclopedia terms in press, in addition to presenting over 60 peer-reviewed conference presentations. Dr. Ausloos serves on numerous professional counseling organizations and divisions, including ACA, CSI, AARC, SAIGE, ACAC, ACSSW, ACES, as well as NBCC.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Clark Ausloos, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Introduction to Transgender and Nonbinary Identities
    -Brief overview of key concepts, terminology, and understanding gender diversity
    -Quick group discussion on personal perceptions to gauge audience knowledge base

  • Overview of Challenges and Current Research
    -Highlight key challenges faced by transgender and nonbinary youth including mental health, social stigma, and healthcare barriers
    -Summarize existing literature, noting gaps and introducing tools for evaluating research quality and bias

  • Creating Inclusive Environments
    -Share strategies for fostering inclusivity in education, healthcare, and social services
    -Present a condensed interactive activity or role-playing scenario to illustrate practical applications

  • Advocacy and Practical Skills
    -Discuss tools for advocacy in institutional settings and developing a critical perspective on current research and policies
    -Briefly cover case studies or success stories highlighting best practices

  • Application, Integration, and Continual Learning
    -Facilitate a problem-solving session focused on applying knowledge to real-world settings, tailored to the participants' workplaces
    -Share resources for continual learning and staying updated on related research and advocacy

  • Conclusion and Moving Forward
    -Sum up key learnings and discuss strategies for continued advocacy and staying informed
    -Open the floor for brief feedback and evaluation of the workshop

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.