AFFIRMATIVE RESEARCH LLC
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

Based in Boca Raton, Florida, AFFIRMATIVE RESEARCH LLC (ARC) is on a mission to uplift the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Since its founding in August 2017, ARC has forged paths by bringing together research and real-world practice into one cohesive framework. Situated in Palm Beach County, this organization collaborates with educators, healthcare professionals, social workers, and policymakers to create evidence-based programs that cater to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. ARC is at the forefront of creating innovative preventive and supportive initiatives aimed at reducing various risks while bolstering resilience among LGBTQ+ youth. Their approach includes providing tailored training and consultation services designed to encourage nurturing care in relevant environments. Furthermore, they extend mentorship and guidance to young researchers eager to make a difference within these communities. At ARC's helm are co-founders like Dr. Craig, who has been making waves with over twenty years' expertise in community-focused leadership, research, and practices. Her standout contribution includes the development of AFFIRM, a group-based intervention that significantly benefits the mental and sexual health of LGBTQ+ youth through cognitive-behavioral strategies. In parallel, Dr. Austin's work at ARC is pioneering transgender-affirmative interventions. She developed the Transgender-Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TA-CBT) model, which uniquely merges affirmative care with traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques to address mental health needs specific to the transgender community. Beyond their significant research contributions, both Drs. Craig and Austin are fervent advocates for creating inclusive spaces that welcome diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions across various sectors of society. Rooted in a commitment to social justice, ARC remains dedicated to closing the gap between academic insights and practical application. This endeavor is key to driving forward meaningful improvements in both affirmative support systems and mental health care tailored for LGBTQ+ populations.