Trans youth in Michigan can get free therapy through this grant
Trans youth in Michigan can get free therapy through this grant Interlochen
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Transgender Youth in Michigan Gain Access to Therapy through Stand with Trans Program
A new program launched by Stand with Trans, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that supports transgender kids, young adults, and their families, is now providing financial assistance for therapy to transgender youth in the state. The program aims to address the limited access to mental health services faced by trans youth aged 13 to 24 who are financially constrained and unable to afford counseling.
The program, funded by a $10,000 grant, offers limited spaces for therapy sessions. The number of sessions provided depends on the individual’s needs and the number of applicants. The application process is currently open.
Connecting Transgender Youth with LGBTQ-Affirming Therapists
In addition to financial assistance, the program also connects clients with a pre-approved list of mental health providers in Michigan who specialize in caring for the LGBTQ community. These therapists have expertise in gender-affirming care, which focuses on elevating the child’s voice and providing a supportive environment for exploration and understanding.
Susan Radzilowski, a licensed clinical social worker and one of the approved therapists, shared her personal experience as a parent of a transgender child. She emphasized the importance of psychological support for trans youth, as they face increased risks of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-harm due to social stigma, discrimination, and rejection from family.
The Role of Therapy in Supporting Transgender Youth and Their Families
Radzilowski highlighted the crucial role of therapy in supporting not only transgender youth but also their families. She emphasized the need for parents to receive guidance on how to respond to their child’s gender diversity and provided information to build supportive relationships. Therapists can also assist families in working with schools to develop support plans tailored to the specific needs of the child.
Addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – The program aims to improve the mental health and well-being of transgender youth by providing access to therapy services.
- Goal 4: Quality Education – By supporting transgender youth in schools, the program contributes to creating inclusive and safe learning environments.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – The program recognizes the unique challenges faced by transgender youth and aims to promote equality and acceptance.
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – By providing financial assistance for therapy, the program addresses the inequality in accessing mental health services faced by financially limited trans youth.
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Stand with Trans collaborates with mental health providers and community organizations to ensure the success of the program.
An earlier pilot version of the therapy assistance program served approximately 10-12 individuals over a two-year period, according to Stand with Trans.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 3.4: Prevalence of mental health disorders.
- Indicator for SDG 4.7: Percentage of students receiving education on sustainable development.
- Indicator for SDG 5.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to violence.
- Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people living below the national poverty line.
- Indicator for SDG 16.7: Proportions of positions in public administration held by women.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Prevalence of mental health disorders. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Percentage of students receiving education on sustainable development. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. | Proportion of women and girls subjected to violence. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | Proportion of people living below the national poverty line. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. | Proportions of positions in public administration held by women. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: interlochenpublicradio.org
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