Standards of Care, Guidelines, Toolkits (DEI)

DEI Toolkit for AAMFT Workgroups

This comprehensive toolkit serves as a foundational guide for workgroups to embed DEI values into their operations and culture. It includes a robust glossary of key DEI terms, guidance on the significance of DEI to AAMFT and to each unit’s mission, and strategies to build diverse, inclusive, and equity-centered communities. The toolkit supports leaders in conducting self-assessments, structuring DEI into leadership roles and decision-making, and applying reflective frameworks like VIBE (views, inclusion, benefits and burdens, and equity). Additionally, it provides insights into practicing cultural humility, fostering belonging, and maintaining respectful dialogue. This living document is a practical, values-driven resource to help workgroups sustain DEI principles as part of their everyday work.

Individual Assessments

• DEI Self-Assessment
• Implicit Bias Test

Clinical Guidelines

• Gender Affirming Care Guidelines
• AAMFT Clinical Guidelines for LGBTQIA-Affirming Marriage and Family Therapy

• Spirituality: While there are no universal standards specific to spirituality in MFT practice, efforts to build spiritual competency and engage with clients’ spiritual frameworks can significantly enhance therapeutic effectiveness. Below are some recommended approaches and best practices for MFTs interested in doing so:

Standards of Care

• American Medical Association Standards of Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse People
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8
• Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth is Neither New nor Experimental: A Timeline and Compilation of Study, by Julia Serano

Spirituality

While there are no universal standards specific to spirituality in MFT practice, efforts to build spiritual competency and engage with clients’ spiritual frameworks can significantly enhance therapeutic effectiveness. Below are some recommended approaches and best practices for MFTs interested in doing so:

• Develop Spiritual Competencies: Research suggests that spiritual competencies, such as understanding religious diversity and employing spiritually sensitive interventions, can strengthen the therapeutic alliance. MFTs should strive to be open and respectful toward clients’ spiritual beliefs and integrate these into therapy if clients express such needs and preferences.
• Assessment and Client-Centered Practices: Assessing spirituality as part of intake can help identify clients’ beliefs, practices, and spiritual resources. Including these discussions early ensures therapy aligns with their worldview, which can be especially beneficial for those using spirituality as a coping mechanism for stress or trauma.
• Training and Accreditation: There is growing recognition of the need to incorporate religion and spirituality (R/S) education into mental health training programs. MFTs can seek professional development or certifications that enhance their ability to work effectively with spiritual or religious clients. Establishing spiritual care guidelines in accreditation standards would also provide practitioners with clearer pathways to integrate spirituality meaningfully.
• Intersectionality and Holistic Care: Spirituality often intersects with other identities (e.g., cultural or LGBTQIA+ identities). A holistic, intersectional approach ensures that spiritual needs are integrated without marginalizing other aspects of a client’s identity. This can help promote comprehensive well-being for diverse populations.