This research investigated the perceptions of mental health professionals who work directly with sex offenders. Perceptions of rehabilitation, comfort living near offenders, support for treatment of offenders, and residential/employment opportunity were examined as a function of three treatment conditions: no treatment, moderate treatment, and extensive treatment.

Furthermore, the results from the current study were compared with previously collected data obtained through sampling members of the public. While the results suggest that there are some differences in perceptions between mental health professionals and the general public, participants' perceptions toward rehabilitation were influenced by the treatment condition. The treatment level did not significantly impact perceptions related to comfort living near offenders, support for increased spending for treatment, or belief that offenders should be afforded similar opportunities relating to employment and housing.