SAMHSA addresses harms of conversion therapy, needs of LGBTQ youth

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently published a report addressing conversion therapy for minors with information on effective and ineffective therapeutic practices related to youth sexual orientation for mental health professionals and families.

“Eliminating the practice of conversion therapy with sexual and gender minority minors is an important step, but it will not alleviate the myriad of stressors they experience as a result of interpersonal, institutional, and societal bias and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities,” according to the report.

Recommendations included in the report are based on consensus established by the panel in July 2015. They include:

Same-gender sexual orientation, including identity, behavior and attraction, and variations in gender identity and expression are part of the normal spectrum of human diversity and do not constitute a mental disorder;
Research on conversion therapy is limited, but none of the current research supports the idea that mental or behavioral health interventions can alter gender identity or sexual orientation; and
Interventions with a fixed outcome, such as gender conformity or heterosexual orientation, including those aimed at changing gender identity, expression and sexual orientation are coercive and can be harmful. They should not be a part of behavioral health treatment.

Considering the professional consensus that conversion therapy is inappropriate, the panel established behavioral health approaches consistent with expert consensus and current research that are recommended by professional associations.

They recommend that health professionals provide accurate information on the development of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, increase family and school support and reduce family, community and social rejection of sexual and gender minority youth when providing services to youth and families,.

Treatment approaches should be appropriate for the patient’s developmental stage and have psychological functioning as a goal, rather than any specific gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

In addition to treatment recommendations, the panel provided approaches to end the use of conversion therapy. They include:

reducing discrimination and negative attitudes towards LGBT identities and individuals;
distribution of information, training and education for behavioral health providers; and
legislative, regulatory and legal efforts.

The report also includes guidance for families, providers and educators on sexual and gender minority youth and their increased risk for psychosocial distress, mistreatment and discrimination and how to provide support.

“SAMHSA is committed to eliminating health disparities facing vulnerable communities, including sexual and gender minority children and youth,” the panel wrote. “To build a healthy and supportive environment for all children and adolescents, families and providers need resources and accurate information to help inform healthy decision making. Two key strategies that can help prevent adverse outcomes and support healthy development for LGBTQ youth are: strong and positive family and community engagement, and appropriate and supportive therapeutic interventions by health and behavioral health care providers.” – by Amanda Oldt

Reference:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Ending conversion therapy: supporting and affirming LGBTQ youth. HHS publication (SMA) 15-4928. Published October 2015. Accessed October 16, 2015.