Mental Health Counselor Paper

Sandy Gross
COUN 5223
Introduction to Mental Health Counseling

Abstract
The primary objectives of clinical mental health counselors is to diagnose and treat individuals suffering from mental and emotional disorders by utilizing effective techniques aimed at prevention. The various roles, approaches and responsibilities performed by clinical mental health counselors are important components in regards to strengthening an individual’s ability to regain control of their lives to independently manage their disorder. This paper will (1) discuss the roles and approaches used by clinical mental health counselors across a range of mental health delivery systems, (2) discuss the role of the CMHC in both providing and seeking professional
It is incumbent on counseling professionals to be cognizant of those changes, remaining open to new approaches, interventions, and service options (Gladding & Newsome, 2010, p. 345). The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is the professional membership organization that represents the clinical mental health counseling profession. Initially, AMHCA sought to define and promote the professional identity of mental health counselors. Today, with licensure laws in all 50 states, AMHCA seeks to enhance the practice of clinical mental health counseling and to promote standards for clinical education and clinical practice that anticipate the future roles of Clinical Mental Health Counselors within the broader healthcare system (AMHCA Professional Standards.
Costs are a big barrier to treatments — but so are attitudes about mental health (Kliff, 2012). In March, 2011, NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, released State Mental Health Cuts: A National Crisis, a report documenting deep cuts to state spending on services for children and adults living with serious mental illness. These cuts, which occurred between 2009 and 2011, led to significant reductions in both hospital and community services for vulnerable individuals with serious mental illness (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2013). Today, with demand for public mental health services extremely high, especially at a time of severe economic distress, the crisis in mental health care continues. The impacts are felt throughout society as people go without the treatment they need. Increasingly, emergency rooms, homeless shelters and jails are struggling with the effects of people falling through the cracks due to lack of needed mental health services and supports (National Alliance on Mental Illness,