NCT06614868 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Minority Stress Counseling for LGBTQ+ Individuals
(MST)
What this study is about
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ (LGBTQ+) individuals experience a breadth of mental health disparities. Reducing these disparities is an area of key psychological research. Minority stress is theorized to be an underlying source of the disparities (Meyer, 2003). Minority stress can be conceptualized as the internalized stigma that results from experiences of social marginalization.
View original scientific description
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ (LGBTQ+) individuals experience a breadth of mental health disparities. Reducing these disparities is an area of key psychological research. Minority stress is theorized to be an underlying source of the disparities (Meyer, 2003). Minority stress can be conceptualized as the internalized stigma that results from experiences of social marginalization. By reducing minority stress, it is hypothesized that generalized mental illness indicators might be reduced and indicators of wellbeing increased.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Up to 16 session of unstructured counseling therapy informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tradition.
BEHAVIORAL
Treatment as Usual (TAU)
Unstructured counseling
Primary outcome measures
Depression
Time frame: 12 weeks
Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Anxiety
Time frame: 12 Weeks
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7
Post Traumatic Stress
Time frame: 12 Weeks
Patient Checklist-5
Internalized Heterosexism
Time frame: 12 Weeks
Internalized Homophobia Scale
Discrimination
Time frame: 12 Weeks
Daily Heterosexist Questionnaire
Alcohol Problems
Time frame: 16 Weeks
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Must identify as non-heterosexual
Exclusion criteria
- Suicide attempt within the past 12 months. Current eating disorder. Narcotics use within the past 3 months Non-suicidal self-injury within the past 6 months. Current/History of psychosis
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations