Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Bay, and Bisexual Clients:

1. Psychologists (P) understand that homosexuality and bisexuality are not indicative of mental illness.

2. P are encouraged to recognize how their attitudes and knowledge about lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) issues may be relevant to assessment and treatment and seek consultation or make appropriate referrals when indicated.

3. P 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 LGB.

4. P strive to understand how inaccurate or prejudicial views of homosexuality or bisexuality may affect the client’s presentation in treatment and the therapeutic process.

5. P strive to be knowledgeable about and respect the importance of LGB relationships.

6. P strive to understand the particular circumstances and challenges faced by LBG parents.

7. P recognize that the families of LGB people may include people who are not legally or biologically related.

8. P 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.

9. P are encouraged to recognize the particular life issues or challenges that are related to multiple and often conflicting cultural norms, values and beliefs that LGB members of racial and ethnic minorities face.

10. P are encouraged to recognize the particular challenges that bisexual individuals experience.

11. P strive to understand the special problems and risks that exist for LGB youth.

12. P consider generational differences within LGB populations and the particular challenges that LGB older adults may experience.