New counseling law gets mixed reviews

JACKSON, Tenn. — Counselors have mixed opinions after Gov. Bill Haslam said he signed a bill into law that allows mental health counselors to refuse treatment based on their religious or personal beliefs.

David Pickering, a clinical psychologist at the Association of Behavioral Counselors in Jackson, called the law unnecessary.

“If personal biases interfere with our provision of services, we’re supposed to refer those clients to a psychologist that can actually meet their needs,” he said.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee released a statement saying in part, “This measure is rooted in the dangerous misconception that religion can be used as a free pass to discriminate.”

The Tennessee Counseling Association released a statement saying in part, “Matters such as these should be addressed within the profession, rather than through the legislative process.”

Residents said they hope people will get the help they need. “It doesn’t matter who they are — any color, race, or creed — no one should be denied help,” Heather Hill, of Jackson, said. “But if someone’s going to deny you, you don’t need help from them.”

Pickering said he doubts the law will have any impact on patients. “For years we’ve been required to refer clients to other psychologists if we can’t meet their needs,” he said.

The American Counseling Association vowed to work to change the law.

Haslam said he signed the bill after talking to numerous counselors, including people for and against it.