Assignment: Collaborating and Advocating for Diverse Clients
If you have not already done so, review the media presentation, "Advocacy Competency Domains," from this unit's studies as part of your preparation for this discussion.
In this discussion, you will present a plan for collaborating with other professionals and advocating on behalf of a client. This discussion is a comprehensive one and should be at least 300-400 words.
Choose one of the following cases for your analysis for this discussion. For each case, assume that the client has signed a consent for treatment that included permission to consult with other experts on an as-needed basis. Consider and reference your assigned readings when building your plan for how to collaborate and advocate for your client.
Case 1
Parents have contacted you about counseling for their teenager. The family immigrated to the US when their child was two years old. Despite some challenges they feel their family has made a positive adjustment to a new culture. They contacted you because they are concerned about their teen's poor academic performance, which has plummeted since the beginning of 9th grade. They are also distressed because a beloved grandmother who lived with the family recently passed away; this happened about the same time their teen's grades began to drop. Their teen has also withdrawn from friends and usual social activities and has expressed self-consciousness about being "different." The parents are concerned but are not sure how to proceed. They hope that you can speak to the school counselor because they feel intimidated about going to their teenager's school themselves.
Case 2
A biracial couple has come to see you. They are struggling with their relationship due to differences in values of their families of origin. During the intake, they reveal that they are contemplating divorce, but want to work amicably for the sake of their son, a pre-school child with special needs that require expensive medical equipment. They want your help in making the best decision. As the couple describes the scenarios they are considering, they ask you questions about the process of divorce in your state such as the dividing of assets, and child custody laws. The have limited resources and are worried about how they will help their child achieve independence someday.
Case 3
A senior adult client presents at your counseling center with symptoms of depression. Your counseling center has close ties with a senior housing center in your community; a social worker employed at the senior center referred the client to you. The client recently experienced a family rejection after revealing a previously undisclosed relationship with someone from a group not accepted by the family, and has become increasingly despondent. The client indicates a willingness to try counseling but also expresses a desire for you to prescribe "some pills for depression." The client remembers being previously prescribed medications by a physician, but cannot remember what they were. Your client would also like to find part-time work in order to feel more worthwhile and to have a place to go during the day. However, your client feels hopeless about being able to do so due to transportation and ageism issues.
First, briefly identify the case you will use as your focus in this discussion. You may fill in hypothetical details so that the case resembles one with which you might work in the future. Then, analyze the case. Answer the following questions in your analysis:
• With whom would you find it useful to collaborate regarding this case?
• What institutional or social barriers can you identify that might impede access, equity, or success for your clients in this case?
• What local-, state-, and national-level policies may impede or enhance your clients' adjustment and access to mental health care?
• What strategies can you utilize in your work to advocate for your client in this case?
Support your ideas by citing readings and Web sites from this unit, using APA style.
Response Guidelines
Reply to two learners who selected a different case for analysis in this discussion than you did. From the role of a peer consultant, identify strategies and considerations for consultation and client advocacy that you see as particularly useful. Offer additional strategies that your peers could use to provide comprehensive care in this case.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.