Psychological Association Rejects Conversion Therapy For Homosexuals

The nation’s largest society of psychologists Thursday passed a resolution aimed at discrediting the controversial practice of using therapy to try to change the sexual orientation of homosexuals.

The American Psychological Association’s action - passed on a show of hands by a 106-4 vote - would mean its membership of 150,000 psychologists would be breeching ethical guidelines should they tell potential clients that there is effective “reparative” or “conversion” therapy for the treatment of homosexuality. The organization has endorsed guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association stating that homosexuality is a not mental illness that needs fixing.

“We oppose portraying gay people as mentally ill and in need of treatment for their sexual orientation,” said Clinton Anderson, the group’s Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns officer. “The resolution is the strongest one the organization can adopt on this issue.”

If a psychologist attempts to “treat” a patient without informing the person of the association’s ethical stand, the organization’s ethics committee could ultimately suspend or drop a psychologist from its ranks. “Anyone seeking therapy should be fully informed of the lack of data on treatment efficacy,” Anderson said.

The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic criteria had for almost 20 years included homosexuality as a mental illness. That changed in 1973 when the organization agreed that homosexuals showed no signs of psychopathology related to their sexual orientation. Until 1987, the diagnostic manual continued to have a classification for those conflicted about their orientation. Even that was removed for lack of scientific support.

‘Behavior may change but attraction remains the same,” said Dr. Kenneth Brian Ashley, a psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. “Instead of trying to change people, it’s more appropriate to help them become more comfortable with who they are.”