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at the

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Beginning at 2:00 p.m. with BRUNCH until 6:00 p.m. TEA DANCE 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. featuring

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with DISCO from 10:00 p.m. until closing

OPEN CLOSET

3330 Secor Road, Toledo, Ohio Farmer Jacks Shopping Center

Rt. 20

Rt.13

419-537-6697

in the

Richard's

Wednesday, October 31st

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October 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th

Two Shows Nightly

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direct from the Parliment House in Orlando, Florida

also starring

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1-71

Your Lifestyle

by Frank Ginn & Jeff Eiberson

Mental health consumerism

We have written before in this space about the subject of when one ought to seek professional counseling or psychotherapy and how to go about it. We discussed the types of problems best handled in a counseling situation and we looked at the historical lack of understanding between gays and many straight therapists.

The response to that column over the months has been encouraging. Many individuals have indicated that they are properly concerned about how to find appropriate help for emotional concerns and have raised what we believe are intelligent questions about patient rights and the chances of being "ripped off" either emctionally or financially by incompetent or unethical therapists. We have summarized below some of the questions we've been asked. and indicated our response: Does it matter if my therapist is gay or straight?

No. What does matter is his/her attitude towards homosexuality. Does he/she view gay people as having an inherent sickness or can that therapist deal with each client as a whole person, who, just like a heterosexual, may or may not have sexual problems? As a consumer, you might ask how much experience a therapist has in working with gay men and/or lesbian wo-

men.

Who is qualified to do therapy?

That is a tricky question, and does not necessarily mean the same as who is competent to do therapy. However, according to most state laws and professional codes of ethics, a person is permitted to conduct therapy only if he/she is licensed or certified to do so. In all 50 states, psychologists must be licensed by the respective state and psychiatrists must be licensed medical doctors. In the case of psychiatric nurses and psychiatric social workers, the professional associations can be contacted for appropriate criteria. Unlicensed or uncertified individuals are not permitted by law to do therapy unless supervised by some one who is licensed or certified. In addition, he or she is not permitted to engage in independent private practice or accept direct fees for service.

There are, of course, many unlicensed or uncertified people who

are competent and good therapists, but it is always a good idea for the consumer to check out the nature and extent of that person's supervision arrangements before entering therapy, because you cannot easily be protected from unethical or inappropriate acts on the part of an unlicensed or uncertified person.

What legal and other protection do I have as a patient?

Here again, your best protection comes from knowing something about the therapist, his/her reputation and past experience and making sure he/she is licensed or certified. These therapists are required to adhere to a code of ethics which gives you legal protection in terms of confidentiality, and related protection. For example, codes of ethics provide that licensed persons may not divulge client information to anyone without your consent, except in extremely unusual circumstances. This is an important protection for the consumer. In addition, psychologists, for example, are expressly forbidden to engage in sexual relations with patients under any circumstances. An uncertified person is under no such restriction. What about my insurance coverage?

Traditionally only medical docItors could be reimbursed for office visits, etc. However, 28 states, including New York, New Jersey. Pennsylvania and Ohio now require Blue Cross and other insurance carriers to pay for your seeing either a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist (and sometimes other professionals). This is called "freedom of choice". legislation and is designed to help the consumer to have more options in choosing a therapist.

What about competence?

As we indicated above, that is a difficult question. The best rule of thumb is that you seek a person who is licensed or certified, has experience with gays, is known in the community, and who does not "push" you into therapy without talking over your options with you. If you have any questions or concerns don't be afraid to ask, since it is important for you to begin therapy in a climate in which you feel comfortable and in which you have some confidence in the person with whom you're working..

6TH st 5TH St

Rt. 30

here

at 5th f Main

Toledo

2 hrs.

Mansfield

Cincinnati

1 hr. Columbus

3 hrs.

Cleveland Lhr.

"Unlicensed or uncertified individuals are not permitted by law to do therapy unless supervise by someone who is licensed or certified."

GAY NEWS-Sept. 21, 1979