Why did AAMFT feel compelled to write a position statement on gender-affirming care?
Research consistently demonstrates that gender-affirming care significantly improves mental health outcomes, reduces rates of depression and suicide, and supports emotional well-being for transgender and non-binary individuals. Leading medical and psychological organizations recognize gender-affirming care as crucial to the well-being of these populations, making it a necessary part of ethical and effective mental health practice. This position statement emphasizes the impacts and needs of families and loved ones of trans individuals and the importance of competent and effective relational intervention. Given that current research indicates that family support is a vital protective factor for trans, nonbinary, and or gender-expansive youth’s mental health, it is essential for AAMFT, as a systemic professional organization, to clearly state its position.
Gender-affirming care aligns with AAMFT’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. This position statement reflects these values by ensuring that marriage and family therapists are guided by evidence-based practices that are culturally competent and life-saving for vulnerable populations.
Please visit: AAMFT’s Transgender Resources for MFTs for research, information and resources.
How does this position statement benefit clients and the MFT profession?
Supporting gender-affirming care benefits clients by ensuring they receive the affirming, competent care they need to thrive mentally and emotionally. For the MFT profession, this statement enhances cultural competence, aligns with evidence-based practices, and reflects a commitment to ethical care, strengthening the profession’s commitment as inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
What are gender identity change efforts (GICE)? And how will this position statement affect members who are practicing such methods?
Gender identity change efforts (GICE), also known as gender identity conversion efforts, refer to practices that attempt to alter an individual's gender identity to align with the sex they were assigned at birth. GICE includes practices such as conversion therapy, reparative therapies, or other therapies that have the explicit goal of changing an individual's gender identity. GICE practices are widely discredited by leading mental health organizations due to the significant harm they can cause, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
AAMFT’s position statement in support of gender-affirming care reinforces that these harmful practices are inconsistent with the ethical standards of the marriage and family therapy profession. The AAMFT Code of Ethics requires that therapists act in the best interest of their clients, avoid harm, and provide care that is based on sound clinical research and best practices. Gender identity change efforts violate these ethical principles by promoting a model of care that is both ineffective and damaging to the well-being of transgender and non-binary individuals.
AAMFT believes that MFTs and other mental health professionals should not practice GICE. Members currently practicing GICE or considering such methods should cease these practices. The position statement makes it clear that affirming and supporting a client’s authentic gender identity is the ethical approach, in line with both current clinical standards and the commitment to non-discriminatory care.
Members who continue to engage in GICE practices may be subject to ethical review and disciplinary actions.
Does this mean that all MFTs must provide gender-affirming care?
No. MFTs are not required to provide gender-affirming care if they are not adequately trained or are not qualified to do so. The AAMFT Code of Ethics emphasizes that therapists should practice within the scope of their competence. If a therapist is not equipped to offer gender-affirming care, they should refer the client to a qualified provider who can meet the client's needs. AAMFT’s priority is ensuring that all clients receive competent and affirming care, whether directly or through a referral.
What if my belief system does not support this position statement?
AAMFT recognizes that members hold diverse personal beliefs. While respecting personal beliefs, therapists must practice in a manner that is consistent with ethical standards and best practices in the field of mental health. This includes providing affirming, non-discriminatory care to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
The AAMFT position statement on gender-affirming care reflects the overwhelming clinical consensus that affirming a person’s gender identity is critical to supporting their mental health and well-being. Denying or attempting to change a client’s gender identity has been shown to cause significant harm, which contradicts our ethical duty to provide safe, competent care.
If your personal beliefs are in conflict with the principles outlined in this position, it is important to ensure that those beliefs do not interfere with your ability to provide appropriate care. Ultimately, AAMFT’s role is to support therapists in upholding their professional and ethical responsibilities while providing the highest standard of care to all clients.