LESBIAN, GAY, AND BISEXUAL CONCERNS OFFICE Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Clients Introduction Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Bisexuality Guideline 1.  Psychologists understand that homosexuality and bisexuality are not indicative of mental illness. Guideline 2.  Psychologists are encouraged to recognize how their attitudes and knowledge about lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues may be relevant to assessment and treatment and seek consultation or make appropriate referrals when indicated. Guideline 3.  Psychologists strive to understand the ways in which social stigmatization (i.e., prejudice, discrimination, and violence) poses risks to the mental health and well-being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Guideline 4.  Psychologists strive to understand how inaccurate or prejudicial views of homosexuality or bisexuality may affect the client’s presentation in treatment and the therapeutic process. Relationships and Families Guideline 5.  Psychologists strive to be knowledgeable about and respect the importance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships. Guideline 6.  Psychologists strive to understand the particular circumstances and challenges facing lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents. Guideline 7.  Psychologists recognize that the families of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people may include people who are not legally or biologically related. Guideline 8.  Psychologists strive to understand how a person’s homosexual or bisexual orientation may have an impact on his or her family of origin and the relationship to that family of origin. Issues of Diversity Guideline 9.  Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the particular life issues or challenges experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual members of racial and ethnic minorities that are related to multiple and often conflicting cultural norms, values, and beliefs. Guideline 10.  Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the particular challenges experienced by bisexual individuals. Guideline 11.  Psychologists strive to understand the special problems and risks that exist for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Guideline 12.  Psychologists consider generational differences within lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations, and the particular challenges that may be experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults. Guideline 13.  Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the particular challenges experienced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals with physical, sensory, and/or cognitive/emotional disabilities. Education Guideline 14.  Psychologists support the provision of professional education and training on lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues. Guideline 15.  Psychologists are encouraged to increase their knowledge and understanding of homosexuality and bisexuality through continuing education, training, supervision, and consultation. Guideline 16.  Psychologists make reasonable efforts to familiarize themselves with relevant mental health, educational, and community resources for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Endnotes References Introduction In 1975, the American Psychological Association (APA) adopted a resolution stating that "Homosexuality per se implies no impairment in judgment, stability, reliability, or general social or vocational capabilities" (Conger, 1975, p. 633) following a rigorous discussion of the 1973 decision of the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 1974). Over 25 years later the implications of this resolution have yet to be fully implemented in practice (Garnets, Hancock, Cochran, Goodchilds, & Peplau, 1991; Dworkin, 1992; Firestein, 1996; Fox, 1996; Greene, 1994a; Iasenza, 1989; Markowitz, 1991, 1995; Nystrom, 1997). Many of these authors suggest that there is a need for better education and training of mental health practitioners in this area. This document is intended to assist psychologists in seeking and utilizing appropriate education and training in their treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.1 The specific goals of these guidelines are to provide practitioners with (1) a frame of reference for the treatment of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients, and (2) basic information and further references in the areas of assessment, intervention, identity, relationships, and the education and training of psychologists. These guidelines build on the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (APA, 1992),2 other policies of the APA, and policies of other mental health organizations. The term "guidelines" refers to pronouncements, statements, or declarations that suggest or recommend specific professional behavior, endeavor, or conduct for psychologists. Guidelines differ from standards in that standards are mandatory and may be accompanied by an enforcement mechanism. Thus, these guidelines are aspirational in intent. They are intended to facilitate the continued systematic development of the profession and to help assure a high level of professional practice by psychologists. These guidelines are not intended to be mandatory or exhaustive and may not be applicable to every clinical situation. They should not be construed as definitive and are not intended to take precedence over the judgment of psychologists. These guidelines are organized in four sections: (1) Attitudes toward Homosexuality and Bisexuality, (2) Relationships and Families, (3) Issues of Diversity, and (4) Education. Return to top Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Bisexuality APA Home Page . 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