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Symposia

Program / Treatment Design

The Adaptation of Evidence-Based Interventions to Address Intersectional Self-Stigma in Diverse Populations: Core Principles, Treatment Strategies, and Preliminary Outcomes

2 - (SYM 80) Adapting an Act-based Stigma and Substance Use Intervention for Transgender Adults: Addressing Self-stigma and Refinements for RCT Testing

Sunday, November 23, 2025
2:22 PM - 2:39 PM CST
Location: Foster 2, Level 2
Keywords: Stigma, ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Vulnerable Populations
Recommended Readings: Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Phelan, J. C., & Link, B. G. (2013). Stigma as a fundamental cause of population health inequalities. American journal of public health, 103(5), 813-821.,   Turan, J. M., Elafros, M. A., Logie, C. H., Banik, S., Turan, B., Crockett, K. B., ... & Murray, S. M. (2025). Challenges and opportunities in examining and addressing intersectional stigma and health. Focus, 23(1), 70-84.,   Earnshaw, V. A. (2020). Stigma and substance use disorders: A clinical, research, and advocacy agenda. American Psychologist, 75(9), 1300.,   ,  

    Speaker(s)

  • LK

    Liza Kolbasov, BA

    Clinical Psychology PhD Student
    Illinois Institute of Technology
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • AG

    Arryn Guy, Ph.D. (she/they)

    Illinois Institute of Technology
    Chicago, IL, United States

    • Co-author(s)

  • MS

    Mikey Shock, BA

    Clinical Psychology PhD Student
    Illinois Institute of Technology
    Chicago, IL, United States

  • PE

    Peyton Erb, BS

    Clinical Research Assistant
    Illinois Institute of Technology
    Chicago, IL, United States

  • KL

    Kate Linenbach, BS

    Clinical Psychology PhD Student
    Illinois Institute of Technology
    Chicago, IL, United States

  • MM

    Mayor Manlapid, BA

    MPH Student
    Brown University
    Providence, RI, United States

  • AS

    Aya Shawari

    Undergraduate research assistant
    Illinois Institute of technology
    Chicago, IL, United States

Abstract Body

Self-stigma presents a critical barrier to healthcare engagement and well-being among transgender adults, particularly those with substance use concerns. This presentation details the development and refinement of the Trans-Led Care (TLC) Program, an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based gender-affirming stigma reduction intervention. We will discuss specific aspects of the intervention content designed to address intersecting self-stigmas (e.g., transphobia, SUD and HIV stigma), including how the program uses adapted metaphors, mindfulness exercises, and self-actualization and safety values activities to help participants navigate internalized stigma while reducing substance use and HIV vulnerability. Considerations for adapting ACT to effectively target self-stigma among transgender adults who use substances will be explored, including the integration of gender-affirming principles and peer facilitation strategies. Findings from the open pilot (N=14 trans adults) demonstrated significant reductions in internalized stigma, with less clear signals on community connection, pride, and psychological flexibility. Qualitative feedback underscored the need for more session content practicing mindfulness, discussing substance use triggers, friend groups, and goal setting, as well as added considerations for neurodivergent participants. Final refinements to the intervention before randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing will be presented, with implications for scalability and implementation.