Friday evening, May 11^th from 7-9 PM and 8AM-5PM on Saturday May 12^th 2012, Rethinking Psychiatry will host a Symposium at the First Unitarian Church of Portland featuring nationally acclaimed attorney James Gottstein, founder of PsychRights.org.  This second annual Symposium is an inclusive forum for mental health professionals, mental health organizations, and those who have used, currently use, or are seeking to learn more about holistic and integrative treatment options and services for mental health issues.  Gottstein is the Friday night keynote speaker and on Saturday, he will present a workshop clarifying legal rights and issues in mental health. Admission each day will be a donation of $5-$20 at the door, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Our symposium brings together the voices of those who have experienced challenges with our current mental health system, those who have questions about the options for care and support, and those who have found solutions and support from any variety of pharmaceutical, psychotherapeutic and complementary and alternative approaches to mental illness.  This year we will be highlighting client stories as well as practitioner experiences.  With our intent to foster collaboration and build community in the mental health arena, there will be time for networking and affinity groups. If you would like to help us work towards optimizing mental health care, please join us either as a Table Sponsor, Workshop presenter, Volunteer, and/or Participant.  Applications for a Workshop or Tabling are being accepted until April 1, 2012 and are available at www.RethinkingPsychiatry.org, where you will find more information and may also sign up to be on our email list.