Publication: Defining Mental Health Practitioners’ LGBTIQ Cultural Competence in Thailand
9
Issued Date
2021-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
24654418
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-85099926447
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Population and Social Studies. Vol.29, (2021), 158-176
Suggested Citation
Timo Tapani Ojanen, Darunee Phukao, Pimpawun Boonmongkon, Somporn Rungreangkulkij Defining Mental Health Practitioners’ LGBTIQ Cultural Competence in Thailand. Journal of Population and Social Studies. Vol.29, (2021), 158-176. doi:10.25133/JPSSV292021.010 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/79133
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Authors
Journal Issue
Thesis
Title
Defining Mental Health Practitioners’ LGBTIQ Cultural Competence in Thailand
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This study investigated what competencies are crucial for culturally competent practice for mental health practitioners with LGBTIQ clients in Thailand. The study used two-round Delphi methodology to aggregate views of mental health practitioners with expertise on LGBTIQ issues (n = 14), and of LGBTIQ individuals who had used mental health services (n= 13). Participants proposed competencies in Round 1 through interviews or an online questionnaire, and rated these competencies’ importance in another online questionnaire in Round 2. Various competencies were rated: 41 knowledge competencies, 35 awareness/attitude/belief competencies, 14 skill competencies, and 35 action competencies. Among key themes were understanding gender/sexual diversity and issues affecting LGBTIQ people and their families, and being able to assist on these issues; accepting gender/sexual diversity, respecting clients’ self-determination, and communicating this to clients; being aware of the impact of one’s beliefs, attitudes, identities, and values; recognizing and rejecting stereotypes; being open, humble, and willing to learn more; knowing how to use feminist counseling techniques and other specific techniques; refraining from offending actions; social justice action; and obtaining information sensitively. Developing these competencies is likely to improve the appropriateness of mental health services for LGBTIQ clients and should be included in mental health practitioners’ training in Thailand.