CAMFT Statement on Therapy with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming (TGNC) Clients

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

December 5, 2015

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) Code of Ethics state Marriage and Family Therapists do not condone or engage in discrimination or refuse professional services to anyone on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or marital status.ⁱ

CAMFT reaffirms its respect of human diversity, including variations in gender identity and gender expression.ⁱⁱ

CAMFT affirms being transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC) are positive and healthy variations of gender identities and gender expressions.

TGNC people face discrimination and prejudice in multiple settings including but not limited to employment, housing, education, public assistance, bathroom access, immigration, incarceration, and health care, in a culture that often devalues their inherent contributions to society.ⁱⁱⁱ "Awareness of and sensitivity to the effects of anti-trans prejudice and discrimination can assist therapists in assessing, treating, and advocating for their TGNC clients.” ^ivTherefore, therapists “are encouraged to ensure that their work settings are welcoming and respectful of TGNC people.” ^v

CAMFT appreciates and recognizes the work of the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People.

For more information:

- APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People ^vi

- World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People ^vii

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ⁱ CAMFT Code of Ethics, section 1.1.
ⁱⁱ CAMFT Statement: CAMFT Issues Statement Supporting Marriage Equality.
ⁱⁱⁱ American Psychological Association Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People (2015).
^iv Id.
^v Id.
^vi www.apa.org
^viiwww.wpath.org