Extending Training in Multicultural Competencies to Include Individuals Identifying as Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual: Key Choice Points for Clinical Psychology Training Programs

Abstract

Traditional models of multicultural training for professional psychology have focused primarily on racial and ethnic minorities and have not included competencies focused on individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB), despite documented evidence of health disparities for sexual minorities. Ways to adapt models based on Sue’s (1992) 3 × 3 competencies (attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, and skills across the dimensions of awareness of one’s own cultural influences and biases, understanding the client perspective, and appropriate interventions for an individual client) for LGB health are described. This includes the addition of an action/advocacy dimension. Six key choice points for clinical psychology training programs adding LGB competency to a multicultural competency training component are outlined. Potential challenges and solutions for expanding multicultural training are discussed