Sexual health knowledge and training in a child and adolescent mental health setting

Abstract

ABSTRACTSexual health is a core component of human well-being. This mixed-methods study (N = 158) assessed mental health clinicians’ sexual health knowledge, attitudes, values, clinical behaviors, and training. Findings pertaining to sexual health knowledge, clinical behaviors, and specific sexual health training are reported. The study found that while many clinicians scored well on the sexual health knowledge scale, most did not discuss sexual health with clients. Additional findings were that the majority of participants believed sexual health should be an important clinical focus, but most did not receive training pertaining to sexual health topics. Reasons for not discussing sexual health will be discussed and implications for training and practice are explored.