LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapist Certification
Who seeks LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapist Certification?
Mental health professionals who focus primarily on the sexual health and well-being of individuals and couples, inclusive of LBGTQIA identities. LBGTQIA Affirmative Therapist Certification applicants apply theory and methods to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychosocial and relational distress and/or dysfunction. Certified LGBTQIA Affirmative Professionals take an approach that embraces a positive view of LGBTQIA identities and relationships, and addresses the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of phobia (e.g., acephobia) have on the lives of LGBTQIA people.
Why Apply for the LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapist Certification?
Certification as an LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapist provides assurance to the public that you have obtained advanced training in, are knowledgeable about, and positive in your approach to individuals and people in relationships who identify as LGBTQIA plus.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?
- A current IBOSP membership in good standing
- A Master’s or Doctoral degree in a mental health or medical field.
- Current professional license or equivalent as an independent practitioner
- A minimum of 100 hours of experience working with individuals and people in relationships who identify as LGBTQIA plus
- Documentation of 50 hours of LGBTQIA education. Education to include topics such as: basic gender and sexual minority group(s) overview (terminology, appropriate language, understanding of fluidity, diverse expression of sexual lifestyles); ethical practices (provider bias, navigating medical services and understanding legal practices/services); clinical considerations (current statistics, assessment tools, shame reduction approaches, assessing trauma, discerning gender dysphoria and implications for transitioning services); process of transitioning and coming out; cultural competency (intersectionality of minority status, addressing internalized homophobia, role of religion/spirituality).
- Have two satisfactory colleague references completed by a licensed (or comparable) mental health or medical professional.
- Adherence to the IBOSP Code of Ethics.