Recommendations for the Inclusion of Training about Persons with HIV Disease in Counseling Psychology Graduate Programs

Abstract

Historically, exposing future mental health professionals to diversity has primarily meant preparation for different racial and ethnic groups. Recently, however, thanks in large measure to the efforts of counseling psychologists, there has been an increasing interest in acknowledging the special needs of other underrepresented groups, such as the elderly, gay men and lesbians, and persons with disabilities. This article presents a rationale for including training about persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in psychology graduate programs. Some of the reasons why students need training about HIV include the prevalence of the disease, ethical obligations, and competency considerations. A specific way to introduce students to the many issues related to HIV disease is to include persons with HIV disease in courses on providing services for diverse populations. Specific information that should be covered includes the epidemiology of HIV disease, confidentiality concerns, the issue of rational suicide, the students 'personal prejudices, HIV disease basic, HIV-related semantics, neurological conditions, and psychosocial factors and stressors.