NASW-NY Continuing Education • Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative
Content note: This program discusses trauma, sexual assault, violence, abuse, and military policy. Explicit language may be used. See the full disclaimer below.
Workshop Description
This workshop explores themes related to LGBTQ+ veterans, including terminology and proper language. It provides an overview of significant historical events related to the military and LGBTQ+ rights.
Attendees will learn about specific laws and policies that infringed upon this community, and the after effects of this unequal treatment on individuals today, including military discharge status and access to benefits. The panel will cover relevant statistics and facts involving mental health, suicide, addiction, and homelessness, as well as positive movements in history, including marriage equality and the repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.
The panel will review what it means to be transgender, including the path of gender reassignment and life after transition, and how this affects someone in the military or seeking care at the VA.
Most importantly, the panel will discuss the best ways to be an ally to this population, awareness of support services, family resources, misconceptions, stereotypes, appropriate language, and goals of therapy. The training is educational and panel style, with panelists who have professional and personal experiences on this topic.
Learning Objectives
Following this course, participants will be able to:
- Define 3 new terms related to LGBTQ+ culture.
- Identify at least 3 historical facts related to working with LGBTQ+ veterans.
- Develop at least 3 new specific skills regarding language and support of the LGBTQ+ veteran population.
- Identify relevant statistics and trends related to the mental health of LGBTQ+ veterans.
- Identify 3 best practices for building competency, understanding, and resources to assist LGBTQ+ veterans.
Continuing Education
2.0 CE credits
This program is offered through the Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI) and is free to all participants, regardless of NASW membership. It offers a total of 2.0 free continuing education credits for eligible social workers, LMFTs, LMHCs, and licensed psychologists.
Certificate Information
To receive CE credits, participants must attend the entirety of the program. No partial credit will be awarded.
After the program, a course evaluation will be sent to the email address used during registration. Participants must complete and submit the evaluation by Monday, November 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM to receive a CE certificate.
Please allow staff up to 3 weeks, by Friday, December 11, 2026, to create and send CE certificates. Certificates will be sent to the email address used during registration.
Please ensure your information is correct. You will receive a confirmation email with the webinar link after registration. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder.
Fees
Free for everyone
- $0.00All participants, regardless of NASW membership
Faculty
Moderator: Aynisa Leonardo, LCAT, ATR-BC
Aynisa Leonardo is a Licensed Clinical Art Therapist (LCAT, ATR-BC), who has been in the field of addiction and mental health services for over a decade. She is the Chief Marketing Officer at Water Gap Wellness, in support of community outreach, treatment placement, education, and program development. She has concentrated on advanced clinical education, locally and nationally, providing evidence-based and interactive presentations for the community, medical facilities, non-profits, and corporate agencies, to raise awareness on current trends, reduce the stigma associated with accessing care, and improve collaboration within the healthcare community.
Aynisa will be joined by panelists with professional and personal experience on this topic.
Program Information
Disclaimer
This program focuses on veteran experiences, and aims to equip clinicians with a deeper understanding and how to provide effective support.
As part of this learning process, participants may be exposed to difficult and sensitive topics, including but not limited to trauma, sexual assault, violence, abuse, political and geopolitical issues, military policy, and social dynamics within the veteran community. Explicit language may also be used during discussions to accurately reflect veteran communication styles and lived experiences.
The views expressed by speakers and participants do not reflect the official stance of NASW-NY. They are presented for educational purposes, to encourage meaningful discourse, and to raise awareness among clinicians and communities serving, or interested in serving, the military and veteran community.
Anti-Harassment Policy
NASW-NY is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees. By registering, participants agree to abide by the NASW-NY Anti-Harassment Policy.
Grievances & Questions
NASW-NY strives to provide high-quality programming. Participants may provide feedback through the evaluation at the end of the conference. If you have additional concerns or questions, please email info.naswny@socialworkers.org.
Accessibility
Closed captioning through Zoom will be provided for all programs. If you need additional accommodations, please email info.naswny@socialworkers.org. To ensure we can meet your request, please submit accommodation requests at least 10 business days before the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE credits does this program offer, and is it free?
This program offers 2.0 free CE credits. It is held live online on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern Time, and it is free to everyone regardless of NASW membership.
Who can earn CE credit for this program?
The program offers 2.0 free CE credits for eligible social workers, LMFTs, LMHCs, and licensed psychologists.
Who is this program appropriate for?
It is designed for students and for clinicians at the Emerging (Beginner), Mid-Career (Intermediate), and Advanced (Expert) levels.
What will I learn in this program?
You will learn LGBTQ+ terminology and appropriate language, key historical events and policies affecting LGBTQ+ service members and veterans, relevant mental health statistics and trends, and best practices for allyship, support services, and building competency to assist LGBTQ+ veterans.
How do I receive my CE certificate?
You must attend the entire program. No partial credit is awarded. After the program, a course evaluation is sent to the email address used at registration. Complete and submit it by Monday, November 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Certificates are sent to the same email address within 3 weeks, by Friday, December 11, 2026.
How do I get the webinar link?
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with the webinar link at the email address you used. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not see it.
Is this program approved for social work continuing education credit in New York State?
NASW-NY is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Social Workers (Provider ID #0014). This program's 2.0 CE credits count toward your general New York CE requirement.
Does this program satisfy New York's mandatory Professional Boundaries or Child Abuse Identification CE requirements?
No. This program counts toward your general 36-hour New York CE requirement, but it does not satisfy the state's separate mandatory 3-hour Appropriate Professional Boundaries or one-time 2-hour Child Abuse Identification and Reporting requirements.
Is closed captioning available, and how do I request accommodations?
Closed captioning through Zoom is provided for all programs. For additional accommodations, email info.naswny@socialworkers.org at least 10 business days before the event.