Training Mental Health and Social Services Professionals for Gender-Sensitive Work with Men: Results of a Promising Continuing Education Initiative

OBJECTIVES: To report on the impact of a training program for mental health and social service professionals designed to foster gendersensitive work with at-risk and underserved men. METHODS: A mixed-method study consisting of qualitative and quantitative components was conducted. A phenomenological thematic method was employed in the qualitative component to identify changes in the participants’ perceptions about men. The quantitative component consisted of an analysis of the impact of the training on the participants’ knowledge, skills, and self-awareness regarding the process of working with men. RESULTS: Qualitative findings revealed a positive shift in the participants’ attitudes about working with men. Quantitative findings indicated significant improvements in the participants’ knowledge (p < .001), skills (p < .001), and self-awareness (p < .001) related to men and their issues. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education about the socialization of men and their needs enhances practitioners’ understanding and empathy for men and efforts to help at-risk and underserved men.