It is no secret that our country is seriously lacking when it comes to managing the mental health issues of its citizens. Not only are mental health services expensive and not covered by many types of insurance, but mental health care providers are not always easy to find. To this end I have developed a career goal that is not something I see coming with a specific job title or one that I can see reaching without the help of others. My career goal is to use my background in both information technology and psychology to benefit those in need and to expand mental health care services into communities that are currently lacking easy access to the services. In order to reach this goal, it will take community planning and funding to obtain the …show more content…
There is a focus on individual psychological make-up and multiple levels of analysis. Community psychologists are more likely to see threats to mental health in the social environment, or in lack of fit between individuals and their environment. They typically advocate social rather than individual change, focus on health rather than on illness, and on enhancing individual and community competencies. Third, community psychology covers a broad range of settings and substantive areas. (Perkins, …show more content…
Because of this, communities will continue to form and evolve for as long as the human race exists bringing with it the same problems we see now and possibly different problems that can be studied and solved using community psychology.
One of the most pertinent issues in community psychology that affect my career goal is how communities address and handle mental illness at a community level. Another issue is the level of acceptance each community has for technology, especially when it comes to using items such as computers, tablets, and other personal technology as a means for mental health care. Other issues include funding, community resources, and the ability to find and train mental health professionals to facilitate the mental health care I intend to
It would be relevant for public health agencies and education to incorporate mental health promotion into chronic disease prevention efforts, conduct and research to progress the evidence base about mental health in the United States, along with collaborate partnerships to develop comprehensive mental health plans to enhance coordination of care in our society (CDC,
Community psychiatric nursing entails collaboration and coordination making nurse eminently suitable to participating in community service. The greatest advancement in community psychiatric nursing is home care which is an array of health related services to clients and families in their place of residence, which includes residential care facilities, group homes, and private homes. Home health is one aspect of community health nursing, not an alternative to institutional care. (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). Services given by psychiatric home care are medical care, social work, family building pharmacy services, and various services such physical, recreational, speech, etc. Valuable principle play a key role in is type of care setting such as
Mental health is an issue that has been bombarded with unanswered questions and cursed with a social stigma. Throughout history this has created a social divide between mental health issues and the mainstream media. This disparity doesn’t only create a social separation, but a lapse in ethics, making it tolerable to look down on people in the mental health community. Historically, patients have been placed or forced into mental institutions in order to “cure” them of their mental obscurity so that they can function normally in the society, yet for centuries this has proven to be an ongoing struggle for the mental health community. With all of the new advancements in medicine and our ability to cure more physical and mental ailments than
NASMHPD. (2014, Accessed April 27). Retrieved from NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM DIRECTORS: http://www.nasmhpd.org/About/AOMultiStateDisaster.aspx
Mental Health is a very important, in depth study that needs more support. Identification of mental stressors is a skill everyone should to have to live with increased mental health. New York State Healthy People 2020 has placed Mental Health as a priority, increasing awareness for mental health illness and prevention. Providing care for Healthcare workers is a small fraction of the entirety of mental health issues. Working in the hospital is stressful, caring for others takes a huge mental and emotional toll on providers. Identifying who is most at risk and understanding what is needed to prevent mental disorders is imperative as a healthcare worker. Mental Health is defined by Healthy People 2020 as having participation in productive activities,
Nursing practice has revolutionized itself throughout the years. Today we realize the causes of current illnesses as complex and multifaceted (source). In past models, for instance the medical model, the approach was straightforward and neglected the patients active involvement in their care; the patient was viewed as the passive recipient and the doctor, an active agent that “fixed” their patients. ( source). New developed models since then, such as the biopsychosocial model, show us that care focuses on many factors. The model demonstrates understanding of how suffering, disease, and illness can be associated by many factors seen at the different levels in society and the medical sciences (source). Caring for each component is important to the healing process.
Living under government oppression since I was a child, the seed of advocating for the vulnerable and those who have been unfairly treated has been deeply planted in my heart. My education and work experiences have further strengthened my faith that pursuing Ph.D. degree in Social Work is the most effective way to achieve my career goals. My life story and education and work histories outlined below will provide evidence of my qualifications and strong motivation.
"Career Info for School Leavers." Careers Info for School Leavers. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
States obtain many services that fall under mental health care, and that treat the mentally ill population. These range from acute and long-term hospital treatment, to supportive housing. Other effective services utilized include crisis intervention teams, case management, Assertive Community Treatment programs, clinic services, and access to psychiatric medications (Honberg at al. 6). These services support the growing population of people living in the...
Perkins, R. Repper, J. (1998) Dilemmas in Community Mental Health. Oxon: Radcliff Medical Press Ltd.
An estimated 61.5 million American Lives, or one in four, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year, and it takes a decade, on average for them to make contact with a health care professional (Pending). One in 17 Americans currently live with chronic mental illness disorders such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder (pending). Despite the new discoveries and advances in science and technology, the social stigma of mental illness prevails. Why is mental illness an issue? Why should healthy people be concerned if their neighbor suffers from acute depression? Those are the questions that the average American faces. Yet, our society remains naïve when it comes to mental health. The roots of this issue are found in the lack of information and lack of mental health accessibility.
Life altering stressors in an individual’s life are frightening. Stressors are varied and, often, unpredictable. Obtaining medical treatment for a physical illness brings hope and perseverance in the fight for health. Losing a job with health insurance and benefits is overwhelming; however, an independent functioning person, with adequate personal and community resources, begins applying for new employment or career change. Enjoyment of life hobbies and interests will be limited, but basic needs are met and health care obtained. However, there are those who have great difficulty obtaining resources for maintaining basic needs. Persons with mental illness, those who are homeless, pregnant teens, or substance abusers are individuals of the vulnerable population. Poverty and discrimination become the way of their life. How does a mentally ill person navigate through the complex process of obtaining health care within their family or community for optimal functioning?
A health psychologist has a substantial functions including primary care programs, inpatient medical units, and specialized health care programs such as pain management, rehabilitation, women 's health, oncology, smoking cessation, headache management, and various other aspects of health (APA Division 38, 2015). This is an important subfield of psychology with a vast majority of health psychologist working with federal agencies, colleges and universities. Health psychologists focuses on cognition, feelings, and actions that effect social issues, that are important to human health as a whole (APA Division 38, 2015). Career prospects in this area of psychology have expanded with positions available in many employment areas
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), role and job description is providing primary mental health care services, to those with mental health problems, or psychiatric disorders. The PMHNP is required to assess, diagnose, provide treatment plans, prescribe medication therapy, and offer counsel across the lifespan. The PMHNP provides care in a wide range of settings to children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and their families. This mental healthcare takes place in the primary care settings, emergency rooms, hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, senior living communities and in private practices. Being culturally competent to care for the ever changing demographics of the United States is necessary. The PMHNP assess and treats in a holistic manor and utilizes evidenced based practice. Regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, political persuasion, or socio economic standing the PMHNP is there to treat. The PMHNP role also includes establishing a therapeutic relationship, being sensitive to many abnormal behaviors, and caring for those frequently distressed emotionally. Collaboration and the ability to make referrals are essential for the PMHNP. Patients present with undiagnosed problems and establishing the proper diagnosis by a qualified PMHNP begins with the initial assessment interview (Gilfedder, Barron, & Docherty, 2010).
I became interested in mental health over the last year. Some individuals who I have very close relationships with are affected by mental illnesses, and being with them during their journey has made me interested in that particular field. While on campus, I have tried to become involved in clubs that support this interest. I am now a member of Lost & Found, which brings awareness to the topics of depression and suicide; I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of this club and helping with bringing awareness to others. A job specializing in the mental health field has been a major goal of mine since deciding to become a nurse, and I hope to accomplish this goal after I graduate from