The discussion is also intended to help therapists who want to decide whether or not to treat sex offenders. The discussion rests on the assumption that the safety of the community should be the main factor guiding all court decisions for sex offenders. It notes that sex offenders differ from most psychotherapy clients, because they go into treatment involuntarily, have problems that are more severe than suggested by first appearances, and tend to be unusually optimistic about their ability to control their behavior. The authors describe the components of the evaluation process and the course of treatment for sexual deviancy, emphasizing the importance of imposing sufficient external controls to prevent reoffending. They also emphasize that therapists who undertake sex offender treatment must have some specific and uncommon qualifications, experiences, and personal qualities to effectively reduce the likelihood of reoffense. The discussions also focus on the psychological effects of sexual victimization, treatment issues, and methods of gathering information about therapists. Appended chapter outlines and 42 references.