Assignment:
Mental health professionals from different specializations frequently need to work together in order to provide effective services to students, families and individual clients. Identify three types of mental health professionals who may be involved in assisting a student, family, or individual client. Describe the role and function of each of the professionals. Identify the characteristics that make each role unique and make them effective counselors. As well, explain how you would ensure good collaboration and communication between the team members both inside the agency and with other agencies or organizations, if you were leading the team to help this student, family, or individual client. Provide specific examples or strategies you would use to illustrate your ideas.
Clients:
Ashley:
Ashley, a 12-year old girl, admits to one of her teachers that she feels very depressed. Her mother has recently re-married and the girl is having difficulty adjusting to life with her stepfather and his two children. She is not able to concentrate in class or do her homework. Ashley also reveals that she has been cutting on herself.
Paul:
Paul, a 32-year old man, seeks counseling at a community mental health center. He has recently returned from his third deployment to a combat zone. He reports drinking frequently and feeling anxious. For the past three weeks, Paul has been extremely worried that his neighbors are spying on him. Paul's wife has tried to reassure him that he is imagining things, but he cannot get these concerns out of his mind. Paul feels reluctant to leave the house and has missed over a week of work.