A striking emergence of scientific and public awareness of lives and issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) has been observed since last two decades So, American psychological association (APA) drafted some guidelines for psychologists to provide a better care of the concerned community and present a stress free environment. The Psychological Practice Guidelines for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) Clients were adopted by the Council Representatives of American Psychological Association in 2011. The guidelines are grouped under following sections: Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Bisexuality; Relationships and Families; Issues of Diversity; Economic and Workplace Issues; Education and Training; Research. The guidelines are to provide the right way of information for the practice, education, training and research of psychologists considering LGB issues.
Attitudes Toward Homosexuality and Bisexuality
Guideline 1. Psychologists strive to understand the effects of stigma (i.e., prejudice, discrimination, and violence) and its various contextual manifestations in the lives of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.
Guideline 2. Psychologists understand that lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not mental illnesses.
Guideline 3. Psychologists understand that same-sex attractions, feelings, and behavior are normal variants of human sexuality and that efforts to change sexual orientation have not been shown to be effective or safe.
Guideline 4. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize how their attitudes and knowledge about lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues maybe relevant to assessment and treatment and seek consultation or make appropriate referrals when indicated.
Guideline 5. Psychologists strive to recognize the unique experiences of bisexual individuals.
Guideline 6. Psychologists strive to distinguish issues of sexual orientation from those of gender identity when working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.
Relationships and Families
Guideline 7. Psychologists strive to be knowledgeable about and respect the importance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships.
Guideline 8. Psychologists strive to understand the experiences and challenges faced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents.
Guideline 9. Psychologists recognize that the families of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people may include people who are not legally or biologically related.
Guideline 10. Psychologists strive to understand the ways in which a person's lesbian, gay, or bisexual orientation may have an impact on his or her family of origin and the relationship with that family of origin.
Issues of Diversity
Guideline 11. Psychologists strive to recognize the challenges related to multiple and often conflicting norms, values, and beliefs faced by lesbian, gay, and bisexual members of racial and ethnic minority groups.
Guideline 12. Psychologists are encouraged to consider the influences of religion and spirituality in the lives of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.
Guideline 13. Psychologists strive to recognize cohort and age differences among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.
Guideline 14. Psychologists strive to understand the unique problems and risks that exist for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.
Guideline 15. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize the particular challenges that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals with physical, sensory, and cognitive-emotional disabilities experience.
Guideline 16. Psychologists strive to understand the impact of HIV/AIDS on the lives of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals and communities.
Economic and Workplace Issues
Guideline 17. Psychologists are encouraged to consider the impact of socioeconomic status on the psychological well being of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.
Guideline 18. Psychologists strive to understand the unique workplace issues that exist for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals.
Education and Training
Guideline 19. Psychologists strive to include lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues in professional education and training.
Guideline 20. Psychologists are encouraged to increase their knowledge and understanding of homosexuality and bisexuality through continuing education, training, supervision, and consultation.
Research
Guideline 21. In the use and dissemination of research on sexual orientation and related issues, psychologists strive to represent results fully and accurately and to be mindful of the potential misuse or misrepresentation of research findings.
Full Guidelines: https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines