Abstract: The problem. The objective of this study was to examine mental health professionals (MHP's) attitudes regarding health in relation to gender. Traditional family therapy theories in general have overlooked the social and cultural context whereby men and women have unequal power both politically and financially. The therapeutic environment is not immune to potential gender bias and in fact can inadvertently perpetuate discriminatory practices. The nature of the client therapist relationship is innately hierarchical and may actually validate the oppressive practices prevalent in our society. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of mental health professionals in relation to health and gender. A Semantic Differential tool was used to measure attitudes of various target terms in this regard. As therapists, we must have an awareness of gender role issues in therapy and how such influences impinge on both the client and ourselves. Method. This study employed survey methods to identify attitudes of mental health professionals in relation to gender using a Semantic Differential instrument. Participants. Participants in this study were a group of 105 licensed Mental health Professionals (MFT's, LCSW's and Clinical Psychologists) who were selected at random sample using a master listing of all licensed mental health professionals in Orange County, California. This was a countywide sample. Instrument. The Semantic Differential Technique is a well-researched, reliable and valid way of measuring people's perception of the meaning of words (Isaac, & Michael, 1997). This technique has participants scale their perception of 'target words' using bipolar adjectives (Osgood, Suci & Tannenbaum, 1971). The three primary dimensions are: Activity (e.g. Active versus Passive), Evaluative (e.g. Positive versus Negative), and Potency (e.g. Strong versus Weak). In this study the following family therapy terms were used as target words: autonomy, emotional, individuation, enmeshed, relatedness, irrational, supportive, dependent, nurturing, and rational. Each of these terms was scaled using a modification of the traditional Semantic Differential Technique (Isaac, & Michael, 1997). Thus, in addition each target word was scaled in terms of the bipolar adjectives for example: 'Healthy-Unhealthy' and 'Masculine-Feminine.' A co-variate question was also included for each target term and corresponding set of adjective pairs to determine if participants utilize these terms within their practice. Results. The results of this study shed light on the current attitudes of mental health professionals in dealing with gender issues in therapeutic relationships.