Mental Health Information

A good mental health therapist seeks to improve the state of mind of individuals and help them overcome things that bar them from learning and growing. People, who are psychological stable, are well emotionally and behaviorally. They are said to be mentally healthy. This means that a mental health therapist would be interested in solving problems related to emotional well-being, behavioral health and psychological stability in order to improve the stability of the state of mind. In order to select a good mental health therapist, one should consider the following things:

Existence of license: Anyone considering hiring a mental health therapist must ensure that they are licensed in the areas which they practice. In other words, therapists must have an authorization certificate, because it proves their professionalism and qualifications. It is important to consider that state departments do not offer these certificates and licenses until they are satisfied of the qualifications of the therapist. To say less, a good mental health therapist must be a professional counselor or a psychological therapist. At the beginning of therapy the practitioner must identify and establish treatment goals in the treatment program, in addition to having a treatment program.

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GIRL POWER! is paving the way for girls to build confidence, competence, and pride in themselves, in other words, enhancing girls’ mental wellness. Girl Power! is also providing messages and materials to girls about the risks and consequences associated with substance abuse and with potential mental health concerns. For instance, did you know:

Girls are seven times more likely than boys to be depressed and twice as likely to attempt suicide.*

Girls are three times more likely than boys to have a negative body image (often reflected in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia).*

One in five girls in the U.S. between the ages of 12 and 17 drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.*

Girls who develop positive interpersonal and social skills decrease their risk of substance abuse.*

Girls who have an interest and ability in areas such as academics, the arts, sports, and community activities are more likely to develop confidence and may be less likely to use drugs.*

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This article is part three of a series of five that explores interesting, unique and noteworthy trends in the mental health profession. Examining these changes often brings about exciting opportunities if we, as clinicians, are able to look at these new service offerings and competitive influences in unique and creative ways.

Virtual Communities and the Use of the Social Networking Model

The Internet began simply as a way to display and find information. This information was presented in a static manner, meaning there was no functionality – only data. Today’s Internet has evolved into a dynamic social medium where people come together to share ideas, meet one another, build relationships and offer support. The impact of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn has had a powerful effect on the World Wide Web, and this model has now made its way into the area of mental health.

One example of this trend at a regional level involves a woman who started a Yahoo Group for caregivers of children with autism. Within 6 months her group grew exponentially. Mental Health practitioners offered it as a resource and families spoke about it to others within their community. The group provided an online forum where people could ask questions, learn about valuable resources and build relationships with others who could empathize with their situation. It was particularly powerful with parents who were feeling isolated and were coming to terms with their child’s disability. This online community provided a highly supportive and informative environment that had not existed prior to the formation of this social network. Without it, families simply had no options other than receiving guidance and suggestions from family physicians or mental health practitioners.

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