Single-Session Consultations Delivered in a Gender-Responsive Clinic: A Case Series on Implementation and Lessons Learned

Single-session consultation (SSC) interventions are a promising approach for increasing access to timely evidence-based mental health care. This manuscript describes the early implementation, including feasibility and acceptability, of an SSC intervention delivered in a community-based gender-responsive mental health program at an academic medical center in the United States. Six clients completed a 45-60-minute SSC intervention that identified individualized goals, action steps, internal and external supports, and coping strategies. Pre- and post-session measures assessed psychological symptoms, hopelessness, agency, and satisfaction with care. Illustrative case studies are presented for two transition-aged youth. In both cases, the young women collaboratively completed the SSC and their post-session feedback indicated that they found the intervention helpful and aligned with their goals. Clinicians found the service easy to be trained in, viable to implement, and effective. Initial/preliminary results suggest the SSC intervention is feasible and acceptable for use in a free, community-based outpatient clinic serving young women and gender expansive youth. Findings highlighted increases in hopefulness mirroring findings from previous SSC studies. Implementation challenges included lower-than-expected uptake, including difficulty re-engaging youth who did not attend their SSC appointment. Lessons learned included the importance of flexible delivery, structured action planning, and intentional engagement strategies for successful implementation.