WARWICK, R.I. – Thrive Behavioral Health, one of RI’s leading providers of comprehensive mental health services, is proud to announce the launch of innovative diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, preparing staff to provide personalized, quality care to members of the LGBTQ+ community. The training, formally referred to as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Implicit Bias and LGBTQ+ Safe Zone, includes an interactive digital webinar as well as in-person training with industry experts. The in-depth instruction addresses the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community and the unique barriers faced in receiving care. Specialized lessons teach staff about the nuances of gender identity to better support Thrive’s LGBTQ+, specifically in the healthcare space.
“As a person-centered behavioral health agency, this training is critical to all our staff. Each one of our clients has a right to access the care they need and it is our job to understand their experiences as best we can and provide high quality care, regardless of how they choose to identify” said Dan Kubas-Meyer, CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health. “With this type of training and education, the future becomes brighter and brighter. For staff that may not know anyone from the LGBTQ+ community and is unfamilar with the culture, these learning opportunities allow space for increased open-mindedness and critical thinking.”
DEI training helps boost overall exposure and is one of the first steps to helping staff gain knowledge, empathy, and understanding. Part of Thrive’s mission is to passionately ensure that the quality of care is consistent across the board for every client served. Accordingly, the training was conducted across the organization, with 236 staff members taking part. The program was funded by the Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC) grant program. Thrive will continue to conduct specialized DEI training on an annual basis across all facilities.
Last year, two of Thrive’s locations were officially designated as LQBTQ “Safe Zones” by Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI. Certification requirements included staff training specific to the care of LGBTQ patients, protection for patients and staff from discrimination based on gender identity or expression, gender neutral bathrooms, inclusive forms and procedures, and a public commitment to connecting with and serving the LGBTQ community.
About Thrive Behavioral Health:
Thrive offers a comprehensive range of evidence based, personalized services to children, families and adults who have been impacted by mental illness, addiction or trauma. Their services are recovery focused. They help build resilience in individuals and provide clients with support, skills and tools to make positive and lasting change in their lives for healthy, happy and productive futures.
Thrive is a founding member of Horizon Healthcare Partners. They are one of the first nationally Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Rhode Island. They are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. Their programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
For more information, visit https://www.thrivebhri.org/