Mental Health Professionals

Advice and resources for therapists who are working with MAPs

Free Consultation

MAP Resources will provide a no-cost consultation for any support-centered organization seeking to improve its ability to help minor-attracted people. The following services are included in the consultation:

If you would like to request a consultation, please reach out using the contact information on our About page with details about your organization and the services you are planning to provide for MAPs.

Treating MAPs

The first step to effectively treating minor-attracted people is learning how to approach the unique mental health needs they may have due to intense societal stigma and isolation.

Responding to a disclosure

When a client discloses that they experience attractions to minors, your response sets the stage for any future treatment that you provide. Begin by explaining your reporting obligations and any information that may help them stay safe while discussing related topics. Reassure them that your goal is to provide support, then ask what they hope to gain by discussing their attractions with a therapist.

Understanding a client's needs

In general, clients should be in charge of the goals for their treatment and the approach taken to achieve those goals. However, it is important to note that internalized stigma may make it hard for some MAPs to identify their own needs. For example, self-hating MAPs may desire conversion therapy or chemical castration when they would benefit more from coping mechanisms and self-acceptance

Centering support

It can be tempting to focus on sexual abuse prevention when working with MAP clients. However, doing so without reason may worsen internalized stigma and any associated mental health issues. The vast majority of MAPs never offend, so focusing on preventing sexual offenses is only necessary and beneficial when a client expresses concern about their risk of offending or demonstrates high-risk behaviors.

Additional information

To learn more about therapy for MAPs, check out our therapy-related blog posts and our Therapy page for MAPs seeking support. If you have questions, reach out using the contact information on our About page or ask anonymously via our feedback form.

Professional Resources

MAPs often encounter pitfalls when accessing mental health services. To prevent this, some organizations provide educational materials for practitioners who work with MAPs.

B4U-ACT logo, the characters B 4 U dash A C T in capital silver letters are set against a blue rectangle. Below, a silver lip contains the phrase "Living in Truth and Dignity".

Psychotherapy for Minor-Attracted Persons

This guide answers questions that many mental health professionals have about treating MAPs. It also contains advice on developing trust with a group that has been subjected to harmful forms of "treatment."

MDedge logo, the characters M and D in capital black letters, with the D set behind the word edge spelled out in gold lowercase letters.

Minor-attracted persons: A neglected population

This paper shares basic information that therapists should know about MAPs and their experiences. It also addresses common misconceptions and details acceptable forms of support for this stigmatized group.

Join the Conversation

Improving the availability and effectiveness of support for MAPs requires active discussions between MAPs, the researchers that study them, and mental health professionals.

B4U-ACT logo, the characters B 4 U dash A C T in capital silver letters are set against a blue rectangle. Below, a silver lip contains the phrase "Living in Truth and Dignity".

Psychotherapy for Minor-Attracted Persons

This guide answers questions that many mental health professionals have about treating MAPs. It also contains advice on developing trust with a group that has been subjected to harmful forms of "treatment."

Advertise Your Services

A crucial part of supporting minor-attracted people is ensuring they can find you when they're looking for support. There are several organizations that can help you do just that.

All Therapists

ASAP International

Inquire using their Contact form

US-Based Therapists

B4U-ACT

UK-Based Therapists

StopSO

Main focus is on offenders

You may be able to find additional lists for other regions on our Find a Therapist page.