Trans-Led Care (TLC) Study

Overview:
We are currently testing a new mutual-help group called the TLC Program for transgender people who use substances or are recently in recovery.

The TLC Program is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or “ACT” which is a type of mental health counseling that focuses on using mindfulness skills to connect a person to their values and improve their mental health.

The TLC Program was developed by transgender and gender diverse community members, alongside mental health providers and researchers. In an initial pilot study with 46 transgender adults, the program showed promising results. We are now conducting a larger study to compare the TLC Program to current standard care, with a goal of enrolling 124 participants.

What Participation Involves (6–8 months):
  • Weekly brief (5-minute) online surveys for 16–22 weeks (sent via text)
  • 3 Zoom-based survey visits (about 1 hour each) with trained study staff
  • 1 Zoom-based resource connection visit (1–2 hours) with trained study staff
  • If selected, participation in the TLC Program:
    • Peer-led mutual-help group (2 hours/week for 12 weeks)
    • Conducted over Zoom
    • Sessions are audio recorded for quality monitoring and deleted at the end of the study

Compensation:
You can earn up to $320 in Visa gift cards for completing study activities.

Your Rights:
Your participation is confidential
Your participation is completely voluntary

Study Type:
Qualitative

IRB Approved:
Yes

Target Audience:
Trans adults who use substances or are recently in recovery

Target Sample:
124

How to Apply:
Use this link

Study Contact:
Questions?
Website: https://www.craft-research.org/research-projects/tlc
Email: craftresearchteam@illinoistech.edu
Text: 1 (312) 567-6757