Psychologists Say Homosexuality No Reason for Therapy
CHICAGO — Homosexuality is not a mental disorder and doesn’t need treatment, and there’s no good evidence that so-called reparative therapy works anyway, the nation’s biggest group of psychologists says.
The American Psychological Assn. also urged mental health professionals to “take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness from homosexuality.â€
The association’s policy-setting body made the statements in a resolution passed Thursday. The resolution affirms APA’s position that homosexuality isn’t a mental disorder and doesn’t need treatment, the association said.
The resolution says some believe the controversial practice of reparative or conversion therapy--aimed at changing a person’s homosexuality--is ineffective and harmful, while others say it’s effective and helpful. “Well-designed scientific studies to test either belief have not been done,†the resolution said, “therefore, claims of effectiveness need to be very carefully considered.â€
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