The intention driving the Queer Neuropsychological Society (QNS) mentorship program is to counter the underrepresentation of queer individuals in the field of neuropsychology by providing education and mentorship to the next generation of neuropsychologists (e.g., graduate students, externs, interns, and postdoctoral fellows).  The program lasts 6 months, which can be renewed if both parties wish to do so. While each dyad decides on the frequency and length of the meetings, the program recommendation is to meet on a weekly basis to maintain momentum in the conversation.

Online questionnaires were sent to the QNS membership to enlist mentees and mentors. Matching wasprimarily based on areas of interests (1/professional development, 2/Diversity, Inclusion, Social Justice, and 3/clinical skills) and geographical location. In the first cycle (April 2022), 16 licensed clinical neuropsychologists were matched with mentees ranging from first-year graduate students to postdoctoral fellows.  In the second cycle (February 2023), 11 licensed clinical neuropsychologists were matched with mentees ranging from first-year graduate students to postdoctoral fellows. A third cycle will be launched in the Fall.

Outcome data was collected at the end of the first cycle. On a 5-point scale (where "1" was "minimal" and "5" was "extensive"), mentees rated their sense of support as 5, increase in knowledge as 3.25, connection to resources as 4.5, and positive impact on professional development as 5.  Mentees described the most beneficial part of the program as being “seen, understood, supported, and guided.” They also enjoyed “the ability to connect with a mentor with shared experiences as an LGBTQIA+ clinician in the field” or “being able to increase[their] network of support and having someone [they] can talk to about aspects of [their] identity that [they] have been unable to discuss.” Mentors on average rated rapport as 4.86, matching interests as 4.29, ability to connect mentee with resources as 4.43, and desire to participate in future cycles as 4.86.   Mentors reported they enjoyed “establishing new connections, giving back, sharing knowledge, and providing support given the unique challenges queer trainees face.”  Outcome data from 2ndcycle is about to be collected.

The program has been successful in providing a safe space for mentees to discuss the unique challenges they face as queer individuals. Future directions include (1) more structure and guidance in topics and areas to be covered during the mentorship, and (2) programming of didactics based on participants’ feedback (e.g., clinical issues in relation to LGBTQIA+ patients).