LEXINGTON, Ky. — Meredith “Brooke” Hamilton, LCSW/S, LISW-CP/S, a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) candidate at the University of Kentucky, will present her capstone research on Monday, April 28, at 9:00 a.m. ET during the 2025 Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars.
Her presentation, “Applying Critical Theory, Minority Stress Theory, and Mental Health Outcomes of Gender-Affirming Care for Gender-Diverse Youth to Identify and Interrupt Harmful Policy for Clinicians,” explores the damaging impact of restrictive legislation on gender-affirming care. Drawing from Critical Theory and Minority Stress Theory, Hamilton demonstrates how clinicians can use an ethically grounded framework to recognize and respond to harmful policies.
Despite growing evidence that gender-affirming care improves mental health outcomes for gender-diverse youth, policy efforts to limit access continue to accelerate. In response, Hamilton has developed two practitioner tools—rooted in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics—that enable clinicians to identify and interrupt harmful policies at both micro and macro levels.
A clinical social worker, supervisor, and founder of Centered Counseling and Consulting, LLC, Hamilton brings years of experience in community mental health, private practice, and advocacy to her work. Her research aims to empower practitioners to bridge clinical practice and policy advocacy in ways that honor the profession’s values while reducing harm to marginalized communities.
The Virtual Showcase is free and open to the public. Select sessions offer CE credit.
