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Rachael Roberts is a 2019 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee

  • Susan Hawes, Ph.D., Committee Chair
  • Barbara Belcher-Timme, Psy.D., Committee Member
  • Gina Pasquale, Psy.D. Committee Member

Keywords

LGB youth, clinical psychology training, graduate student training, LGB, sexual orientation counselor competency

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2019

Abstract

The focus and purpose of this dissertation was to explore students’ who are enrolled in APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs self-perceived competency levels for working with LGB youth. This research utilized the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale (SOCCS; Bidell, 2005) in conjunction with an experience and demographic questionnaire. A survey was sent to all APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs and all responses were analyzed through correlational analysis. The primary research question dealt with the possibility of a relationship between access and utilization of doctoral program training (in class or otherwise), practicum experiences, and level of confidence that graduate students have when treating this population. The quantitative results of the study show that access to coursework, practicum experiences (including supervisors’ perceived competency), as well as access to the LGB youth population significantly aids in increasing graduate students self-perceived competency to treat LGB youth. Although other subscales from The SOCCS (knowledge and attitude) were not significantly affected by coursework or in-person experience, qualitative information provided by participants highlights the perceived strengths and weaknesses of programs throughout the country in regard to preparation to provide services for LGB youth.

Comments

Rachael Roberts

ORCID Scholar ID# : 0000-0002-0902-2199

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