School Counselors' Education And Training, Competency, and Supportive Behaviors Concerning Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Students

This study examined high school counselors’ education and training, counseling competency, and supportive behavior regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. Sexual minority students often face a range of school and mental health problems. Results show that participants’ counseling competency skills, knowledge, and attitudes predict affirmative behavior. Counseling competency also mediates the relationship between sexual orientation education/training and affirmative behavior. This article concludes with recommendations for preparing school counselors to work with gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth.