Clinical interest in lesbian mothers has begun to emerge from the closet in recent years. Culture has dictated the milieu in which lesbian parents live and has prevented most therapists from being able to respond to lesbian parenting as a healthy option. In a heterosexist world, virtually all public displays of sexuality or family life are depicted with heterosexuality in mind. Unlike racial minorities, most homosexuals grow up absorbing the prejudice without having it directed at them because they have not been aware of their sexuality. Until recently, virtually all lesbian mothers had their children while in heterosexual relationships and face a huge emotional hurdle as they come to terms with a different sexual orientation. These women may need intraphysic work focused on depression and accurate information about lesbians and their communities. Clients who already feel good about being lesbians may want help in deciding whether to have children and sorting out how to survive in mainstream society and find services that are nonhomophobic. Single and coupled lesbian parents have different problems and may need counseling. Three basic skills are needed by counselors in working with these women: basic skill within the counselor's theoretical framework, knowledge about lesbians, and an understanding of homophobia. A willingness to learn from these clients is also needed as they are creating new family structures. (ABL)