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MFT Program Policies on Referral of LGBT Clients

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Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine program policies that govern whether or not student therapists can refer lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer clients, based on the therapist’s religious beliefs. We conducted a qualitative survey with program directors of Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education—accredited marriage and family therapy programs to ask what policies monitor client referrals that are solely based on the therapist’s beliefs toward sexual orientation and gender identity. Implications revolve around finding congruency between the program’s philosophy, policy, expectations for students, and ethics. We provide recommendations for addressing these issues early on in the recruitment process.

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Notes

  1. We use different acronyms, LGBTQ, LGBT, or LGB, to clearly identify the demographic referred to.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Department of Human Development, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

    Hoa N. Nguyen, Erika L. Grafsky & Fred P. Piercy

Authors
  1. Hoa N. Nguyen
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  2. Erika L. Grafsky
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  3. Fred P. Piercy
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Correspondence to Hoa N. Nguyen.

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Appendix: Example of Student Agreement to See LGBTQ and Other Diverse Clients*

Appendix: Example of Student Agreement to See LGBTQ and Other Diverse Clients*

Instructions: Please carefully read the following agreement and sign below to signify your understanding of this agreement and program policy.

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) code of ethics states the following in regards to non-discrimination: INSERT CURRENT AAMFT CODE OF ETHICS

We as a program embrace the spirit and letter of this non-discrimination policy. Therefore, the policies of our MFT program are likewise committed to the following program policy on non-discrimination: INSERT PROGRAM POLICY

Having read the professional code of ethics and the program policy on non-discrimination, I fully understand:

  1. 1.

    As a student therapist, I will be trained to see a diversity of clients.

  2. 2.

    I agree to maintain respect for the diversity reflected in our community, which includes but is not limited to age, sexual orientation, gender identity, health/ability, racial and ethnic background, socioeconomic status, spirituality, religion, culture, family configuration, and nationality.

  3. 3.

    It is my responsibility to seek additional supervision, diversity training, and/or personal therapy should I feel uncomfortable seeing a client on the basis of any factor of diversity listed above.

  4. 4.

    It is the goal of this program to provide opportunities for me to effectively work with a wide range of clients and presenting problems. I understand that am free to continue my religious and spiritual practice of choice, but I cannot refer clients on the basis of religious and/or personal beliefs.

I understand the above program expectations and the reason for them. I also understand that any diversion from these expectations may result in a negative performance review, a required remediation plan, and ultimately (should failure to comply with these program expectations continue) dismissal from our program.

My signature below indicates that I have read and understand the program policies and procedures as they relate to client referrals and my responsibilities as a therapist-in-training, which is consistent with the program’s commitment to non-discrimination, to the non-discrimination policies of the university, and to those of our professional organization.

figure a

* This student agreement is intended to be a starting point (not a one-size-fits-all). Faculty members can tailor the agreement to fit the policies of their program.

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Nguyen, H.N., Grafsky, E.L. & Piercy, F.P. MFT Program Policies on Referral of LGBT Clients. Contemp Fam Ther 38, 307–317 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-016-9389-3

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