Why is B4U-Act promoting communication with mental health professionals?
Some minor-attracted people would like to receive mental health services but are afraid to do so because of the lack of trust and understanding between minor-attracted people and mental health professionals. Communication between the two groups will develop the mutual understanding and trust necessary for such services to become available. In addition, mental health professionals frequently make statements that influence public perceptions and policies regarding minor-attracted people. Such statements need to be informed by accurate, first-hand knowledge about minor-attracted people, especially about those who do not violate the law or otherwise come to the attention of professionals and the public. Such knowledge can only come from face-to-face communication. Historically, when mental health professionals have learned that popular stereotypes about stigmatized groups are inaccurate, they have challenged these stereotypes and stigmatization.
