AFFIRM Youth – NNEDShare

The Program

AFFIRM is an eight session, manualized intervention. It is focused on reducing depression and improving coping and sexual self-efficacy for LGBTTQQ2SA* youth and adults by providing them opportunities to develop identity cognition (self-awareness, identifying risk), mood (recognizing the link between thoughts and feelings), and behaviour (identifying strengths and ways of coping), as well as equipping them with the tools to manage and influence those factors by themselves.

Intended Audience

AFFIRM Youth is designed for any LGBTQ+ young person, including those who are not presenting with clinical symptoms. It can be administered in a variety of settings and with various age groups. However, it is recommended that cohorts are all age-appropriate and that young people attend cohorts with other young people in their age range. For example, a cohort of 18-21 year olds would be separated from a cohort of 12-14 year olds.

Implementation

As a manualized intervention, AFFIRM Youth is typically delivered by trained and certified counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals in a group-based format. In addition to the effectiveness with youth and adults with a myriad of identities, AFFIRM has been successfully tailored to the needs of transgender and non-conforming youth and adults as well as racialized, newcomer, and refugee groups. AFFIRM has also been translated into Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, and Urdu. The eight modules are designed for flexible implementation with all LGBTQ+ youth populations, making them easy to integrate into existing school and other settings (e.g., into existing counseling groups).

Outcomes

Reduce depression, anxiety, and poor mental health

Reduce the impact of LGBTQ+-specific sources of stress (e.g., homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, gender dysphoria, systematic oppression) on mental health

Increase healthy coping and hope for the future

Evidence

AFFIRM Youth is based on extensive research demonstrating that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is among the most effective interventions for child, adolescent, and adult depression, anxiety, and suicidality while simultaneously attending to the unique needs, experiences, and challenges of LGBTQ+ young people through a trauma-informed and affirmative approach.

Additional Resources