-
Healing Hearts Counseling endorsed 2016-04-27 16:49:17 -0500
Counseling Unconditionally
The map shown above represents mental health providers in Tennessee who provide affirmative services, especially in regards to sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Please click on the top right of the map to make it larger so you can search your address/location to find counselors close to you and more information about them (e.g., website, e-mail address, insurance options, etc.).
The "Counseling Discrimination Law" (formerly HB1840) passed in 2016 highlights the need for counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health providers to speak out for inclusive and affirmative practices. We urge any mental health provider to endorse the statement at the bottom of the page.
As counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers serving clients in Tennessee, we affirm that we do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity and we will not use our own sincerely held principles as a reason to turn clients away.
Note: The Tennessee Equality Project and the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation reserve the right to refuse membership to any provider or revoke a provider's listing.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to [email protected].
Endorse
-
Dana Vince signed VETO Hate Bill 1840, the Counseling Discrimination bill 2016-04-07 06:36:20 -0500I am a therapist. This vehemently goes against my moral and ethical code. As a culture, we already instill shame and a lack of acceptance of LGBT individuals. As therapists, we are supposed to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment to those who are suffering. What message does this bill send to our community about therapy? My ethical standards dictate that I am not to impose my religious beliefs or world view on my clients. This bill flies right in the face of that. This makes therapy as a whole inaccessible to people who desperately need it. They now have to be scared to be turned away for the very things they might be seeking help for. So now they may shy away from reaching for what might have been their only lifeline. This is morally reprehensible. The therapeutic culture is one that should convey acceptance, non-judgement. Again, what message does this bill send? The therapeutic community has worked so hard for decades to remove the stigma of counseling to make it accessible to those in need. This is a major step backward on that front. I am deeply both saddened and angered that this bill could even be considered or taken seriously, let alone passed. This absolutely violates our ethical code.
VETO Hate Bill 1840, the Counseling Discrimination bill
Please, add your voice and urge Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to veto this discriminatory bill.
Add signatureDear Governor Haslam,
We urge you to veto HB1840, which allows counselors to turn away clients based on the counselor's biases and values. This bill puts the focus on the desires of counselors rather than on the needs of clients, damaging the counseling profession and putting clients at risk.
An anti-bullying amendment was stripped from the bill in the House Health Committee leaving youth vulnerable in areas where mental health services are not widely available.
Thank you for considering our views.
Dana Vince
Marriage, Family, and Relationship Counseling