ARQ2: Appendix - Creating the Guide and Manual

The content for this manual was developed through two phases of the project:

Phase 1: ARQ — Addictions

We conducted focus groups, individual in-person interviews and telephone interviews with 26 clinicians from Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa and London) who had clinical experience working with LGBTTTIQ clients with substance use problems. We collected data about the content and process of assessment and the issues specific to these clients.

We also conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 38 past and current clients of the LesBiGay Service (now Rainbow Services) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Most of the clients identified as gay or lesbian, and a small percentage identified as bisexual. As there were very few transgendered or transsexual clients in the LesBiGay Service at that time, they were not included in this phase of the study. Data we collected included information about the content and process of assessment, disclosure of sexual orientation in addiction services and the issues specific to LGBTTTIQ clients with substance use problems.

We then used the results of the focus groups and interviews to develop a template of the guide. This template was field-tested with clinicians from the Assessment and LesBiGay Services at CAMH and was reviewed by external clinicians.

Finally, we asked for satisfaction responses from clients who were administered the new template.

In addition, because we were unable to reach clients from diverse populations, we sought information from secondary resources and from people in diverse communities for their added comments.

Phase 2: ARQ2 — Mental Health, Counselling and Addictions

In this phase of the project, we conducted focus groups, individual in-person interviews and telephone interviews with 29 service providers from Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, London, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie) and British Columbia (Vancouver, Fort Nelson) who had clinical experience working with LGBTTTIQ clients with mental health problems. We collected data about the issues specific to these clients. Service providers were also asked to identify any gaps in the original ARQ manual, especially those related to mental health.

We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 31 people who had used mental health services in Ontario. Participants identified as gay (14), lesbian/dyke (9), bisexual (4), queer (3), two-spirit (1), MSM (1) or WSW (1). Six participants identified as transsexual or transgendered. The most common mental health concerns were depression and anxiety. Others included bipolar disorder, trauma, suicidality, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, self-harm, seasonal affective disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We collected data about disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity in mental health services and the issues specific to LGBTTTIQ clients with mental health concerns.

The results of the focus groups and interviews were analyzed and used to revise the manual.

Finally, we asked service providers working in the community (at other agencies or in private practice) to review the revised manual for further comments.

Asking the Right Questions 2

• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Using the manual
• Background information:
  • Part A — Client Questionnaire
  • Part B — Conversation Guide
• Counsellor competence
• Resources
• References
• Appendix

• Print
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