Research into information needs of Victorian mental health practitioners in relation to Conversion Practices Act

In Victoria, conversion practices are banned under the Conversion Practices Act. Mental health practitioners are not allowed to engage in practices that seek to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity unless an exception applies. The Conversion Practices Act allows health providers to support or affirm a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

It also allows a health provider to do what is necessary in the health provider’s reasonable professional judgement to provide a health service or to comply with their legal or professional obligations.

The research was conducted to explore the questions that mental health practitioners have in relation to these issues. This independent qualitative research was undertaken to guide the development of information and educational resources for mental health practitioners in relation to the Conversion Practices Act.

The participants of the research included psychiatrists and psychiatric registrars, psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and mental health social workers and nurses who worked in a variety of settings such as private practice, community health, hospitals and schools.

The study revealed that while clinicians were very open to providing mental health care and support to LGBTQA young people, not all felt appropriately trained to do so – particularly if a minor is experiencing gender dysphoria or there is disagreement amongst family members around how to support them. The findings also indicated poor understanding of the Conversion Practices Act and the implications for mental health practitioners. The key findings include:

• Providing mental health care and therapeutic support to children and young people who have issues, concerns or questions around their gender or sexuality was seen as important but challenging work.
• Awareness and understanding of the Conversion Practices Act was low.
• Beliefs around the implications of the Conversion Practices Act for mental health practitioners varied.
• There is a strong appetite for information, resources and professional development opportunities that could equip them with knowledge and skills needed to support LGBTQA young people.
• Information and education resources for practitioners should be available in a range of formats to suit different professional interests and learning styles.
• Practitioners were most likely to engage with and trust information and resources that are delivered or endorsed by those widely recognised as authorities on LGBTQA issues and/or young mental health

A number of recommendations are made in the report about the content and questions which need to be addressed, and the preferred formats for mental health practitioners.

The Commission is working to address these recommendations.