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The Trans-Led Care Study
Sponsor: Illinois Institute of Technology
Summary
This study is testing a new mutual-help group called "the TLC program" for transgender adults who use substances or are recently in recovery. The TLC Program is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or "ACT" which is a type of mental health counseling that focuses on using mindfulness skills to connect a person to their values and improve their mental health. The TLC Program was developed by transgender and gender diverse community members, mental health providers, and researchers.
Official title: A Gender-Affirming Stigma Intervention to Improve Substance Misuse and HIV Risk Among Transgender Women
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
124
Start Date
2025-02-10
Completion Date
2027-07-31
Last Updated
2026-03-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
The TLC Program
Participants randomized to the TLC Program will receive TAU plus the telehealth, peer-delivered group intervention. The TLC Program was adapted from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - an acceptance and mindfulness-based third wave cognitive behavioral therapy. The intervention will be delivered in a group format with peer facilitators via telehealth using videoconferencing. The protocol covers all six ACT core concepts (i.e., contact with the present, acceptance, defusion, self-as-context, values, and committed action) with tailored examples and exercises focused on gender affirmation, internalized stigma, and substance use. Additional sessions are included defining stigma, how stigma affects physical and sexual health and engagement with healthcare, and values-driven self-care goals of substance use reduction and healthcare engagement. Sessions are approximately 1.5 hours each and are delivered over 12 weeks.
Locations (1)
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, Illinois, United States