APA Professional and Clinical Practice Guidelines*

APA has approved as policy a variety of professional practice guidelines and related criteria in areas such as multicultural practice, child custody evaluations and treatment of gay, lesbian and bisexual clients. These guidelines address psychological practice with particular populations (e.g., older adults) or in particular areas (e.g., parenting coordination) without focusing on specific disorders or treatments.

APA is in the process of developing clinical practice guidelines which provide specific recommendations about treatment and clinical matters for particular disorders and conditions.

* Note: APA has adopted new terminology aimed at bringing its labeling of guidelines in accord with that of other health care organizations. The term "clinical treatment guidelines" has been replaced by "clinical practice guidelines." Further, the term "practice guidelines" has been replaced by "professional practice guidelines." Clinical practice guidelines are focused on specific disorders and interventions, while professional practice guidelines are mainly concerned with how practice is conducted with particular populations or in particular settings.