Mental health professionals\u27 attitudes toward lesbian and gay clients

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the literature on mental health professionals\u27 attitudes toward lesbian and gay clients in an attempt to ascertain the attitudes which these professionals may bring to their work with gay and lesbian clients. Important terms, key concepts and preferred terminology are addressed. Current research is reviewed and presented in chronological order. The current literature review found that between 13% and 96% of mental health professionals classified homosexuality as an illness, deviant behavior or psychopathology. The most significant finding of this dissertation is that 60% of the mental health professionals surveyed have viewed homosexuality as pathological. Finally, this dissertation concludes with a critique of the literature and provides suggestions for further research in this area