title: Ethical principles in the counseling of gay and lesbian adolescents: issues of autonomy, competence, and confidentiality.
abstract: Ethical dilemmas in counseling gay and lesbian adolescents are analyzed according to underlying ethical principles. Developmental issues and their relevance to therapy are emphasized. Conflicts among client autonomy, claims of paternalism, and limits of confidentiality are examined. Competence to enter therapy for issues of sexual identity is assessed. The author concludes that adolescents are generally competent to explore issues of sexual identity.
authors.affiliation: School of Education, University of Denver.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Sobocinski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D026686:Beneficence; D003219:Confidentiality; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D016743:Mental Competency; D035622:Parental Notification; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011584:Psychology; D012731:Sex Counseling