Mental Health Treatment Barriers in Article Review

The outcome of post-combat rehabilitation counseling is directly dependent on the development of specific techniques and approaches conducive to their needs.

Conceptual Relevance to Mental Health Counseling and Professional Practice:

Antiquated or outdated conceptual approaches to rehabilitation counseling are less effective than those that correspond more closely to the actual needs of patients. As a professional counselor, it is important to understand the specific needs of patients to best assist them achieve the maximum possible reintegration into a fulfilling and productive life after their return from combat with serious injures or long-term disabilities.

Stone, F.P. (1998). Attitudinal and Perceptual Barriers to Accessing Mental

Health Services among Members of the U.S. Air Force. University of Utah.

Summary of Major Findings:

A survey of enlisted members in the U.S. Air Force established that: (1) there is a general perception that seeking mental health counseling is associated with negative stigmas that are detrimental to career goals; (2) the confidentiality of counselor-patient disclosure is no greater than that associated with general social conversations with lay acquaintances; and (3) military psychologists are less well trained and less helpful than chaplains.Conceptual Relevance to Mental Health Counseling and Professional Practice:

The stigmatization associated with seeking mental health counseling is a tremendously important issue, particularly within environments where it affects entire populations of patients. As a practicing professional counselor, it is important to be an advocate for the effective reduction of institutional stigmatization as well as for the maximum possible protection of counselor-patient confidentiality.

References

Dao, J. And Frosch, D. "Military Rules Said to Hinder Therapy." The New York Times.

(December 7, 2009). Retrieved October 15, 2010 from:

http://www.nytimes.com/adx/bin/adx_click.html?type=goto&opzn&page=www.nytimes.com/printer-friendly&pos=Position1&sn2=336c557e/4f3dd5d2&sn1=e073ad1b/4ecb1e75&camp=foxsearch2010_emailtools_1225556e_nyt5&ad=Conviction_120x60_now_printfriendly&goto=http://www.foxsearchlight.com/conviction

Frain, M.P., Bishop, M., and Bethel, M. "A Roadmap for Rehabilitation Counseling to Serve Military Veterans with Disabilities." Journal of Rehabilitation, Volume 76,

No. 1; (2010): 13-21.

Stone, F.P. (1998). Attitudinal and Perceptual Barriers to Accessing Mental Health

Services among Members of the U.S. Air Force. University of Utah......