Co-Producing LGBTQ-Affirmative DBT Protocols.

Launched by KING'S COLLEGE LONDON · May 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Co-Producing LGBTQ-Affirmative DBT Protocols," aims to create new support strategies for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13 to 21 who struggle with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or emotional difficulties. The goal is to work directly with LGBTQ+ young people and therapists to develop parts of a therapy program called Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that are specifically tailored to meet their needs. This approach is important because LGBTQ+ youth often face unique challenges when seeking help, and by involving them in the creation of these strategies, the researchers hope to make mental health support more accessible and effective.

To participate in this study, young people must either have completed a full DBT program recently or have experienced similar emotional struggles without having gone through DBT. They should identify as LGBTQ+ and be willing to join focus groups where they can share their thoughts and experiences. DBT therapists with experience working with LGBTQ+ youth will also be involved in these discussions. Participants can expect to provide feedback on their experience in the study and how well they felt supported throughout the process. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it represents an important step toward improving mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • DBT Cohort Young Person Sample 1
• Inclusion criteria will include that the young person:
• • 1. Is aged 13 to 21 years old;
• • 2. has completed at least four months of comprehensive DBT (i.e. inclusive of all four modes of intervention; Linehan, 1993; Miller et al., 2006; Rathus \& Miller, 2015) in the past 24 months or have completed at least four months of DBT and are still in a comprehensive DBT programme;
• • 3. identifies as LGBTQ+ (including those questioning or unsure about their orientation/identity);
• • 4. is willing and able to participate in the study. While no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria will be placed on other variables, typically to be eligible for a DBT programme, young people would need to have a history of self-harm and/or suicidal behaviours, difficulties with emotion regulation, and potentially difficulties with the remaining symptom list within borderline/emotionally unstable personality disorder. Recruitment size is based on PPI recommendations regarding effective group sizes, with allowances for sample attrition.
• • Non-DBT Cohort Young Person Sample 2
• Inclusion criteria will follow similar to sample 1. The young person:
• • 1. Is aged 13 to 21 years old;
• • 2. has not accessed and is not currently enrolled in a comprehensive DBT programme;
• • 3. has experienced difficulties with LGBTQ-related identity confusion, managing stigma experiences, and connecting with similar others;
• • 4. identifies as LGBTQ+ (including those questioning or unsure about their orientation/identity);
• • 5. is willing and able to participate in the study (i.e. are based in the UK and can attend the in-person and online groups).
• • No other inclusion or exclusion criteria will be systematically implemented for this group.
• • DBT Therapist Sample
• Inclusion criteria:
• • 1. Currently practicing or having completed (or recently finished, within the past 12 months) a comprehensive DBT programme as a DBT therapist. In order to practice as a DBT therapist, they must hold a professional qualification recognised by appropriate healthcare regulators.
• • 2. Having experience working with at least one LGBTQ+ client in DBT, who was aged between 13 and 21 years at the time.
• • 3. Being willing and able to participate in the study.