Rate My Professor Jay Bettergarcia

Bettergarcia's research employs community-based action research and mixed-methods designs to examine LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness, including affirming approaches for transgender and non-binary individuals, Latinx/Latine queer and trans resilience and resistance, radical healing with queer and trans people of color, and evidence-based teaching and training on anti-racist LGBTQ+ affirming care. They have authored 14 peer-reviewed publications, often co-authored with undergraduates, such as "Training mental health providers in queer-affirming care: A systematic review" (Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 2021), "Integrating the study of transgender spectrum and cisgender experiences of self-categorization from a personality perspective" (Review of General Psychology, 2014), "Reactions of law enforcement to LGBTQ diversity training" (Human Resource Development Quarterly, 2017), "Re-assessing the role of gender-related cognitions for self-esteem: The importance of gender typicality for cisgender adults" (Sex Roles, 2015), and "LGBTQ diversity training with law enforcement personnel: Receptiveness and resistance" (Human Resource Development Quarterly, 2017). In recognition of these contributions, Bettergarcia received the College of Liberal Arts Early Career Award for Achievement in Scholarship for their community-based social justice research on LGBTQ+ mental health and affirming therapy practices, which has advanced service delivery and policy for underserved communities.