Dr. Sarah Burgamy will focus on the intersection of health care and sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Specifically, she will explore this intersectionality in light of how clinical approaches to health and wellness may differ in gender and sexual orientation diverse people. Mental health providers will learn a functional way to approach patients inclusive of cisgender women, transgender and gender diverse (TGD) assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals with respect to many aspects of health care. Finally, Dr. Burgamy will explore considerations of sexual orientation and diverse relational orientations as they apply to speaking to patients about health and wellness (e.g., family planning, health of sex-specific organs, care for medical conditions such as breast/chest and gynecological cancers in traditional women’s health settings, and culturally competent aspects of making health care referrals). She will highlight case examples of effective clinical and collaborative strategies for mental health providers to improve the health and wellbeing of cisgender women as well as people who are transgender and gender diverse AFAB people.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, yet under-recognized, endocrine condition, affecting 11-13% of females globally. People with PCOS have a three- and four-fold risk for developing depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, yet psychologists receive limited education and training to address the biopsychosocial and cultural determinants of PCOS-related mental health concerns. Dr. Phimphasone-Brady will address the need for improved clinician education in the comprehensive management of PCOS, discuss the current international guidelines and issues relevant to improving mental health and well-being in PCOS, and review specific evidence-based interventions and strategies for addressing the overwhelming mental health needs in PCOS.

All too many persons receiving care in obstetrical, gynecological, and reproductive medicine settings have experienced trauma in their past, more recently than and/or concurrently with treatment. Dr. Helen L. Coons will highlight essential components of trauma-informed care when individuals are facing obstetrical, gynecological, or infertility procedures. Integrated and community-based psychologists can effectively offer trauma-informed care and collaborate with clinical providers to improve patient experiences, outcomes, and well-being. Dr. Coons will provide case discussions that focus on clinical approaches for patients from diverse communities with histories of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, interpersonal violence, or medical trauma who are receiving care in OBGYN and reproductive medicine.

Dr. Rayna D. Markin will review types and rates of pregnancy loss and common psychological consequences for bereaved parents, including anxiety, depression, complicated grief, and post-traumatic stress. Moving beyond a symptomatic focus, she will focus on the deeper level psychological effects of pregnancy loss, including unresolved trauma and loss and damage to healthy self-esteem and identity. Dr. Markin will also discuss the therapy relationship as a vehicle to help patients process and grow from trauma and loss and restore healthy self-esteem after experiencing pregnancy loss. Special implications for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients will be discussed.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, with profound impact on their life beyond physical health, including mental health, body image, career, and relationships. Dr. Kathleen Ashton will focus on the latest research in psychosocial oncology and best practices in treatment of patients affected by breast cancer. The psychological needs of diverse patients will be discussed, including those with hereditary risk, in active treatment, in survivorship, or with metastatic breast cancer, as well as patients from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations. Dr. Ashton will also include case discussions and interactive clinical application exercises.

Dr. Teni Davoudian will focus on the assessment and evidence-based psychological treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Associated risks and mitigating factors of PMADs will be reviewed. Case studies of women with PMADs will be presented for discussion.

Chronic health conditions, which become more prevalent with age, affect more than 38% of women in the United States. Women’s distinct physiology and the impact of adverse life experiences contribute to the higher prevalence and severity of these conditions. Drs. Kathleen Brown and Jennifer Kelly will explore the reasons behind these patterns and offer practical strategies for practitioners to alleviate suffering and enhance wellness.

As our aging population continues to grow, women’s health and aging are expected to become areas of increasing clinical focus for psychologists. Older adult women are projected to be a large portion of the aging population and with advanced age comes increased likelihood of multiple medical conditions and associated functional changes. Additionally, personal beliefs about aging can influence one’s engagement in health behavior, life satisfaction, and mental health wellbeing. Dr. Nicole Reynolds will explore how aging impacts older adult women and discuss strategies for how to promote aging well through a biopsychosocial lens including reframing aging, addressing functional limitations, planning for end-of-life, and risk mitigation strategies.

Health psychologists need a deep understanding of women’s sexual health across the lifespan to address its complex biological, psychological, relational, and sociocultural dimensions. Dr. Stephanie Buehler will discuss an inclusive framework that explores cultural and systemic factors that shape sexual health, including the experiences of LGBTQ+ women and those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. She will also discuss practical, evidence-based strategies to integrate culturally responsive and affirmative approaches into practice. Through case examples and actionable insights, Dr. Buehler will empower psychologists to assess, intervene, and advocate for women’s sexual well-being.

Dr. Christina Metcalf and Dr. Nanette Santoro will cover essential aspects of menopause, focusing on its stages, symptoms, and the best practices for both short- and long-term management strategies. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of perimenopause and the menopause transition and their impacts on health and mental health, with a special focus on psychosocial interventions and shared decision-making. Drs. Metcalf and Santoro will prepare clinicians to implement effective strategies to help their patients manage menopausal symptoms. Participants will gain practical knowledge to help support women during this important phase of life.