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

Background: Single-session consultation (SSC) interventions are a promising approach for increasing access to timely, goal-oriented, evidence-based mental health care, particularly in settings with limited resources. This brief report describes the early implementation of an SSC intervention in a community-based gender-responsive mental health program at an academic medical center. Objective: Feasibility and acceptability of the service was piloted with clients who participated in an SSC intervention Method: 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 of the six clients (transition-aged young adults ages 19 and 23), who consented to research. Results: Across both cases, the young women collaboratively developed meaningful goals, engaged in action planning, and identified personal coping strategies, even in the context of limited external supports. Post-session feedback indicated that youth found the intervention helpful and aligned with their goals. Clinicians found the service easy to be trained in, implement and effective. Conclusions: Initial/preliminary results suggest the SSC intervention is feasible and acceptable for use in a free, community-based outpatient clinic at an academic medical center serving young women and gender expansive youth. Findings highlighted changes in hopefulness mirrored findings from previous SSC studies. Implementation challenges included lower-than-expected uptake, including difficulty re-engaging youth who expressed initial interest but did not schedule or attend their SSC. Lessons learned included the importance of flexible delivery, structured action planning, and intentional engagement strategies to support successful implementation.