When I was a child, between the ages of 5 and 12, I experienced the unimaginable horror of being sexually abused by my older cousin, who was four years my senior. Eventually, I found the courage to tell someone, and a report was made to Child Protective Services (CPS). Unfortunately, it seems that no thorough investigation was conducted. Later, my cousin pursued a career as a psychologist, working with vulnerable populations, but due to the lack of comprehensive background checks, no red flags were raised. The impact of the abuse on my mental health was unfortunate and resulted in multiple suicide attempts, the last being in July 2019, when I was ultimately charged with a criminal offense after an attempted overdose. Ironically, I have to answer for my criminal charge with every background check I complete while individuals like my cousin get to skate by under the radar.

This deeply personal experience has driven me to advocate for stricter standards and oversight of mental health professionals. It is not enough for these individuals to pass a standard criminal background check; they must also be subject to CPS and Adult Protective Services evaluations. These additional checks are crucial in ensuring that those who have histories of abuse, whether as victim or perpetrator, are identified and assessed before being allowed to sit in rooms alone with people seeking mental health support.

Moreover, clear and enforceable guidelines are needed regarding ethics, informed consent, and the necessity of self-disclosure, particularly when it pertains to a history of sexual predation. Mental health providers should disclose any personal history of being a sexual predator, even if it occurred during their childhood. This transparency is essential to protect those who are most vulnerable — the very people our mental health system is designed to support.

Incorporating these measures into the training and ongoing assessment of mental health professionals will not only protect future clients but also enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the mental health field as a whole. I urge the relevant authorities in the mental health sector, including licensing boards and educational institutions, to mandate these changes and improvements. We must ensure that all those who choose careers in mental health are held to the highest ethical and professional standards. Please join me in making our mental health system a safer place for everyone. Sign this petition to demand better oversight and standards for mental health professionals now.