Boston Association to Stop Treatment Abuse 528 Franklin St. Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 661-4667

California Consumers for Responsible Therapy P.O. Box 2711 Fullerton, CA 92633 (714) 870-8864

Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence 1914 N 34th St., Suite 105 Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 634-1903

In Motion- People Abused in Counseling and Therapy 323 S. Pearl St. Denver, CO 80209 (303) 979-8073

Therapy Exploitation Link Line P.O. Box 115 Waban, MA 02168 (617) 964-8355

Professional Organizations

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy 1133 15th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20005-2710 (202) 452-0109

American Psychiatric Association 1400 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 682-6000

American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 (202) 336-5700

Reference Materials

Books:

Sex in the Forbidden Zone. Peter Ritter, M.D., Ballantine Books Edition, 1991

Psychotherapists sexual involvement with clients: Intervention and Prevention. Gary Schoener., Walk in Counselor Center Breach of Trust., John Gonsiorek., Sage 1994

You Must be Dreaming. Kitty Waterson., Barbra Noel., Doubleday, 1992

Sexual Abuse by Professionals: A legal guide. Steven Bisbing, Linda Jorgenson, Pamela Sutherland, Michie Company, 1996

Videotapes:

"Ethical Concerns about Sexual Involvement Between Psychiatrists and Patients: Videotaped Vignettes for Discussion." Prepared by the American Psychiatric Association Subcommittee on Education of Psychiatrists on Ethical Issues, for sale through American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1400 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20005, 800-368-5777

HOW CLOSE IS TOO CLOSE IN THERAPY

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 30 million Americans need help dealing with situations that seem out of their control. Choosing to work with mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists or marriage and family therapists is considered one approach to resolving such problems. Psychiatrists and psychologists are trained professionals who specialize in psychotherapy and other forms of treatment to prevent, diagnose and treat human behavior. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who graduate from accredited medical schools and are licensed by their state licensing board. Psychologists are not medical doctors, but have varying degrees of education depending on state licensing and accreditation requirements.

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards is the alliance of state, territorial and provincial agencies, however regulatory authority exists at the state level. Psychiatrists are licensed (medical) at the state level and state licensing boards handle any regulatory issues regarding a physician's medical license. Psychiatrists who are board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in Psychiatry and Neurology do so on a voluntary basis and have additional training and certification requirements considered by the American Medical Association to be a "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval." For information about a physician's certification status call 800- 776-CERT.

More stories about psychotherapists and sexual misconduct

next: ECT, The Thymatron and Dr. Richard Abrams