Mental Health Counseling Research Articles

Current Status of Integrated Palliative Care Among Parkinson Foundation Centers of Excellence in the United States.

To assess the current structures, knowledge, and readiness to integrate palliative care (PC) into Parkinson disease (PD) care at Parkinson's Foundation Centers of Excellence (COE) in the United States. Three unique surveys were administered to health care professionals/staff at COEs to assess PC (1) resources, (2) knowledge and comfort, (3) clinical experience and processes, (4) barriers, and (5) readiness for implementation. Response rates for the 3 surveys were 97%, 98%, and 56%. In total, 41% of COEs have access to outpatient PC specialists, 71% have mental health counseling, 82% have support groups, and 9% had very limited PC resources. Overall, 74% of providers believed persons with advanced PD should receive PC, and knowledge of PC fundamentals was good across providers. For high-needs persons with PD (PWP), only 16% of physicians and 24% of advanced practice providers made referrals to PC specialists ≥75% of the time, while 9% and 16% never made such referrals. Limited time, space, financing, and staffing were seen as major barriers to PC implementation. In total, 37% of providers were satisfied with their COE's ability to provide PC services. Most COEs report a culture open to change and appear well-positioned to implement PC in a more comprehensive fashion. These results demonstrate the emergence of structures and processes to provide PC to persons with PD at COEs. They also identify concrete opportunities to strengthen integration of PC through educational, quality improvement, and advocacy efforts.

Factors Influencing Acceptance and Use of Online Counseling Technology among Thai Psychologists and Mental Health Counsellors

Factors Influencing Acceptance and Use of Online Counseling Technology among Thai Psychologists and Mental Health Counsellors

Medicare inclusion of licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists.

Medicare inclusion of licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists.

Inner Wealth: Predicting Lower Levels of Depression and Anxiety Severity

Anxiety and depression are the two most prevalent mental health issues among adults living in the United States. Consistent with the wellness, prevention, and development pillars of the counseling field, inner wealth (IW) is a strengths-based construct centered on empowering clients to realize their inherent value and potential as people. We investigated the capacity of IW for predicting lower levels of depression and anxiety severity with a national sample (N = 793) of adults in the United States. We also examined demographic differences in IW among U.S. adults. Results revealed support for the capacity of IW for predicting substantially lower anxiety and depression scores. In addition, significant demographic differences in IW emerged by gender and help-seeking history. Results are discussed in terms of the potential utility of IW for edifying the practice of mental health counselors, particularly when working with adults in the United States who are living with anxiety and/or depression.

Cultural Diversity and Mental Health Care: A Case Study

IntroductionIn today’s world of global migration and cultural diversity, mental health care grapples with persistent challenges. Despite efforts to promote cultural competency and person-centred approaches, it’s vital to delve into the issues surrounding cultural differences and linguistic diversity in mental health care. This exploration highlights the complexities where culture, language, and healthcare intersect (Brisset et al., 2014; Desai et al., 2021).ObjectivesOur aim is to analyse cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care for migrants and assess their impact on access and quality of care.MethodsLiterature review, drawing from sources such as PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. This review will be framed around the case of a 34-year-old man from Bangladesh, who has been residing in Lisbon for a year. His clinical presentation includes depressive symptoms, disorganized behaviour, and psychotic manifestations, such as persecutory delusions. He does not speak Portuguese or English, thereby limiting his access to essential mental health treatment services. Through this review, we intend to elucidate the intricate dynamics surrounding cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care.ResultsMigrants from diverse backgrounds face many challenges, including the loss of homes, livelihoods, and family, often leading to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Two primary challenges include adapting to a new life and experiencing discrimination and marginalization (Amri et al., 2013; Satinsky et al., 2019). Social stigma and mistrust hinder access to mental health services. Limited culturally competent services widen the gap between mental health needs and help-seeking attitudes. Language barriers significantly contribute to disparities in access to services (Amri et al., 2013). Additionally, mental health care providers’ organizational culture often prioritizes ‘ideal’ patients who are native speakers, favouring individual-oriented treatment over community-focused care (Desai et al., 2021).To address these barriers effectively, it is crucial to employ specific strategies. The Multi-Phase Model of Psychotherapy, Social Justice, and Human Rights (MPM) equips mental health counsellors to better serve immigrant communities while addressing social stigma. This comprehensive framework comprises five phases of intervention: psychoeducation, culturally responsive service delivery, cultural orientation, collaboration with local healers, and connecting patients to essential resources (Amri et al., 2013). Additionally, practitioners should receive training in effective collaboration with interpreters to provide multilingual healthcare (Brisset et al., 2014).ConclusionsAddressing cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care is vital. The Multi-Phase Model of Psychotherapy offers a promising approach, while collaboration with interpreters remains essential.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence and predictors of Anxiety and Depression among Adolescents and Young Adults: Findings from the MoreGoodDays Support Program in Alberta, Canada

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in psychological disorders among adolescents and young adults. There is an increase in the prevalence of likely anxiety and likely depression among the subscribers of MoreGoodDays supportive text message program, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this cohort.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence, severity, and correlates of likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and likely major depressive disorder (MDD) among subscribers of MoreGoodDays program.MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional design. An online survey questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical information from subscribers of MoreGoodDays program, a daily supportive text message program co-designed with adolescents and young adults for their peers in Alberta. Validated instruments, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 PHQ-9 were used to collect information on likely GAD and likely major depressive disorder (MDD), respectively. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 using chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression analysis.Results343 subscribers of MoreGoodDays participated in the survey. Overall, 117 (56.0%) respondents had a likely MDD and 97 (46.6%) had a likely GAD. Participants who would like to receive mental health counselling were 27 times more likely to experience GAD (OR = 27; 95% CI: 3.09–250.00) and 40 times more likely to experience MDD (OR = 40.03; 95% CI: 4.43–361.51) than those who did not. Respondents who had received mental health counselling in the past were 18.5 times more likely to experience MDD compared with those who had not (OR = 18.52; 95% CI: 1.55–200.00). Demographic variables, including age, education, employment, and relationship status, and clinical variables, such as history of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, and adverse childhood experience, did not independently the predict presence of likely GAD or MDD in subscribers of MoreGoodDays.ConclusionsThe prevalence of anxiety and depression was relatively high among subscribers of MoreGoodDays, indicating the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding has significant implications in the broader context of mental health research and emphasizes the need for more research into innovative mental health support for this cohort. The desire to receive counselling was predictive of both anxiety and depression and is a positive sign of the openness of this cohort to receive psychological intervention. Since this group is mostly adapted to mobile text technology, government agencies and policymakers should prioritize and implement readily accessible interventions such as supportive text messages to support their psychological well-being.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence and predictors of PTSD and resilience among Adolescents and Young Adults: Findings from the MoreGoodDays Support Program in Alberta, Canada

IntroductionAdolescents and young adults have particularly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a rise in the incidence of mental health issues. Increased exposure to traumatic events may lead to decreased resilience and subsequently increased likely PTSD.ObjectivesThis study sets out to examine the predictors and prevalence of likely PTSD and determine the level of resilience among adolescents and young adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was adopted to collect sociodemographic and clinical information from the subscribers of MoreGoodDays. The PTSD Checklist Civilian (PCL-C) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS was respectively used to assess likely PTSD and resilience Data was analyzed with SPSS version 25 using chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results343 of MoreGoodDays subscribers who participated in the survey were about 343. Most were female (79.0%), and 13.7% were male. Overall, 95 (45.7%) of respondents had likely PTSD and 109 (51.7%) had likely low resilience. Approximately 176 (51.3%) respondents had received mental health counselling, and 64 (35.4%) expressed the desire to receive mental health counselling. When all other variables are controlled in the regression model, respondents who have received mental health counselling in the past year were 13.7 times more likely to experience likely PTSD (OR = 13.70; 95% CI: 1.23- 142.86) and 15.15 times more likely to experience low resilience than those who did not (OR = 15.15; 95% CI: 1.46- 166.67). Again, those who would like to receive mental health counselling were 20.8 times more likely to experience PTSD than those who did not (OR = 20.76; 95% CI: 2.61- 165.401) and 29.4 times more likely to experience low resilience than those who did not (OR = 29.42; 95% CI: 3.31- 261.445). Finally, those with four or more ACE scores were 6.2 times more likely to experience likely PTSD than those who had zero scores (OR = 6.24; 95% CI: 1.46- 26.67).ConclusionsMoreGoodDays subscribers were disproportionally affected by likely PTSD and low resilience, reflecting the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased ACE has been linked to low resilience, which may also lead to a rise in mental health issues. Strategies to promote resilience may reduce the incidence of likely PTSD. Educational institutions may adopt innovative mental health interventions, including psychological interventions such as mobile text technology, to support the mental health of this cohort. Policymakers and government agencies are encouraged to give the mental health of young adults and youth more prominence on their agenda.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Mental Health Stigma in Minority Communities: Understanding Cultural Perceptions and Access to Care

Purpose: The general purpose of this study was to understand how cultural perceptions and beliefs about mental health in minority communities influence their access to mental health care services. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to mental health stigma in minority communities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that cultural perceptions heavily influenced access to care. It emphasized the necessity of cultural competence in mental health advocacy and intervention, stressing the importance of engaging community leaders. The research identified significant barriers to care, including language barriers and distrust of mainstream healthcare systems. Recommendations included increasing diversity among mental health professionals and implementing policies to address disparities. Overall, the study highlighted the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive approaches to destigmatize mental health and improve access to care in minority communities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Cognitive theory, Intersectionality theory and Cultural Adaptation theory may be used to anchor future studies on mental health stigma in minority communities. The study on "Mental Health Stigma in Minority Communities" offered recommendations that contributed significantly to theory, practice, and policy. It emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive interventions, community engagement, education, policy changes, research, and intersectionality in addressing mental health stigma. By advocating for tailored approaches, collaborative efforts, awareness-raising campaigns, systemic reforms, and inclusive strategies, the study aimed to reduce barriers to mental health care access and promote a more supportive environment for individuals within minority communities.

Discipline, caregiving, and identity work of frontline professionals: Talking about the acts of compliance and resistance in the everyday practices of social workers

Abstract This article investigates how the identities of frontline professionals are (re)constructed in their talk about their everyday work activities. Based on a study of a mental health and addiction counselling service organization in Ontario, we illustrate that when talking about acting in accordance with their organizational policies, the social workers’ identities are disciplined by and appropriated from addressing the practices of documentation and regular meetings with their supervisors that constitute the routine processes of organizing. However, when discussing instances where they override the organizationally sanctioned rules, their identities are disciplined by the aspiration of fabricating a client-centred caregiver identity adopted from the dominant discourse in their profession. We, therefore, counterbalance the understanding that professionals’ identity work related to their deliberate micro-emancipation acts are merely an expression of agency and argue that their preferred resistant identities pertaining to their self-declared apparent deviation from the organizational order are also made within frameworks of disciplinary power. By delineating that both discursive conformity and resistance cut across the boundaries between acting in alignment with and against organizational guidelines, we unveil an underexplored complexity of conducting professional identity work associated with the interrelationships between practices of talk and action that has largely been overlooked in prior scholarship. We, therefore, offer an action-related analysis of discursive identity work that extends beyond the context of this study and informs future research.

Marital Rape as Structual Violence in the Legal System

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) stands as a significant concern for mental health professionals and advocates for women's rights. In this realm, marital rape is identified as the unwelcome sexual acts a husband imposes on his wife, frequently accompanied by physical violence and threats, instilling fear and injury in women. Despite the profound trauma it causes, marital rape is not universally illegal or considered a severe crime in some areas. The lack of attention to marital rape by society and the legal frameworks, especially in the context of increasing awareness of women's health, warrants a closer look. This study seeks to explore the influence of societal views on marital rape on the seeming leniency of the legal system and proposes possible remedies. It is clear that in societies with deep-rooted patriarchal values, where a husband's authority is prioritized, marital rape is normalized as a form of structural violence, thereby undermining the legal system's response. Addressing this issue requires strict legal reforms, including joining international frameworks and comprehensive public education to raise awareness.

The potential role of artificial intelligence in the clinical management of Hansen's disease (leprosy).

Missed and delayed diagnoses of Hansen's disease (HD) are making the battle against it even more complex, increasing its transmission and significantly impacting those affected and their families. This strains public health systems and raises the risk of lifelong impairments and disabilities. Worryingly, the three countries most affected by HD witnessed a growth in new cases in 2022, jeopardizing the World Health Organization's targets to interrupt transmission. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help address these challenges by offering the potential for rapid case detection, customized treatment, and solutions for accessibility challenges-especially in regions with a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. This perspective article explores how AI can significantly impact the clinical management of HD, focusing on therapeutic strategies. AI can help classify cases, ensure multidrug therapy compliance, monitor geographical treatment coverage, and detect adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. In addition, AI can assist in the early detection of nerve damage, which aids in disability prevention and planning rehabilitation. Incorporating AI into mental health counseling is also a promising contribution to combating the stigma associated with HD. By revolutionizing therapeutic approaches, AI offers a holistic solution to reduce the burden of HD and improve patient outcomes.

Texas degree program to address Hispanic MH disparities

Observing that Hispanic adults in Texas are struggling with mental health issues and are less likely to receive treatment compared with other ethnic groups, Texas A&M University‐Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) has launched a new online graduate degree program for counselors to work with Hispanic populations and address these barriers. The online master of science in professional counseling‐Hispanic mental health counseling program will commence in fall 2024.

Misunderstood and underappreciated: a critical review of mental health advocacy and activism in low- and middle-income countries.

Mental health advocacy and activism have been highlighted as important in the effort towards creating environments for better mental health. However, relevant research in low- and middle-income country settings remains limited and lacks critical exploration. We seek to contribute to filling this gap by exploring driving factors behind mental health advocacy and activism efforts in low- and middle-income country settings. This review uses a critically informed thematic analysis employing conceptual frameworks of productive power to analyse peer-reviewed articles on mental health advocacy or activism over the last 20 years. We suggest that the current body of research is marred by superficial explorations of activism and advocacy, partly due to a lack of cohesion around definitions. Based on our findings, we suggest a conceptual framework to guide deeper explorations of mental health advocacy and activism. This framework identifies 'legitimacy', 'context' and 'timing' as the main dimensions to consider in understanding activism and advocacy efforts. The fact that they remain misunderstood and underappreciated creates missed opportunities for meaningful inclusion of lived experience in policy decisions and limits our understanding of how communities envision and enact change.

AI Assisting in Mental Health

Abstract: This research paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of mental health counselling, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of support services. As the demand for mental health care continues to rise globally, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to bridge the gap between the increasing demand for counselling and the limited availability of human counsellors. Our study focuses on the integration of AI technologies to assist mental health counsellors in various aspects of their practice. Through an extensive review of existing literature, we analyse the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing AI in counselling settings. The paper highlights AI's ability to augment traditional counselling approaches by offering timely and personalised interventions, improving the overall efficiency of therapeutic processes. Drawing on case studies and pilot programs, this research presents empirical evidence supporting the positive outcomes and user acceptance of AI-assisted counselling interventions. Additionally, the paper discusses potential limitations, such as the need for continuous refinement of algorithms and the importance of addressing concerns related to data security and privacy.

Roll for Initiative: Using Dungeons and Dragons in Play Therapy

ABSTRACT Dungeons and Dragons® (D&D) is more than just a roleplaying game. D&D can help children develop real-world skills through cooperative storytelling, character development, and fantasy play. With the support of a trained mental health counselor, children can work toward clinical goals using D&D to improve social skills, self-concept, empathy, and problem-solving. D&D provides a framework for allowing children to experience challenging situations and learn in non-threatening ways to solve problems and collaborate with peers. We provide an overview of D&D, identify benefits to using D&D in play therapy settings, present a pathway to becoming a game master, and explore steps for implementing D&D into play therapy practice.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Eleventh‐graders at a western Massachusetts high school have created their own lesson in mental health advocacy. An assignment from Pioneer Valley Performing Arts School history teacher Gary Huggett has grown into an effort to convince Massachusetts state legislators to pass a bill establishing a mandatory mental health staffing ratio serving grades K–12, Spectrum News 1 reported. Students in Huggett's civic action class reported seeing themselves and their peers dealing with issues of anxiety and depression, and they are backing a Senate bill that would require Massachusetts schools to employ at least one mental health expert for every 250 enrolled students. “They all had somewhat personal stakes that drew them to the topic, so they thought, ‘What can we do to address mental health awareness in schools that will actually live beyond our little project?’” Huggett said of his students.

Some California mental health groups remain fearful over state ballot measure

With California voters just over a week away from deciding on a ballot measure that would represent a major transformation of the state's mental health service delivery system, a striking number of mental health advocates remain either lukewarm about the proposal or bitterly opposed.

Temporal Trends in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation and Its Core Components: A Nationwide Cohort Study From the Netherlands.

Patient- and disease-specific data on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation and changes over time are limited. The objective of this study was to describe time trends in CR participation between 2013 and 2019 and provides insights into the utilization of CR components. Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) with an indication for CR were enrolled between 2013 and 2019. Dutch health insurance claims data were used to identify CR participation and its components. In total, 106 212 patients with CVD were included of which 37% participated in CR. Participation significantly increased from 28% in 2013 to 41% in 2016 but remained unchanged thereafter. Participation was highest in the youngest age groups (<50 yrs 52%; 50-65 yrs 50%), men (48%), patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (73%), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (59%), and coronary artery bypass grafting (82%). In contrast, it was the lowest in the oldest age group (≥85yrs 8%), women (30%), and in patients with heart failure (11%). Most participants in CR received referral plus an admission session (97%) and exercise training (82%), whereas complementary services related to dietary (14%) and mental health counseling (10%) had a low utilization. CR participation rates increased to 41% in 2016 but remained unchanged thereafter. Participation modulators included age, sex, CVD diagnosis, and undergoing a cardiothoracic procedure. Education and exercise sessions were frequently adopted, but dietary and mental health counseling had a low utilization rate. These findings suggest the need for reinvigorated referral and novel enrollment strategies in specific CVD subgroups to further promote CR participation and its associated underutilized adjunctive services.

Financial toxicity in early-onset colorectal cancer: A National Health Interview Survey study

BackgroundFinancial toxicity is increasingly recognized as a devastating outcome of cancer treatment but is poorly characterized in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. Young patients are particularly vulnerable to financial toxicity as they are frequently underinsured and may suffer significant disruptions to professional and financial growth. We hypothesized that financial toxicity associated with colorectal cancer treatment confers long-lasting effects on patients’ well-being and disproportionately impacts patients diagnosed at <50 years of age. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the National Health Interview Survey from years 2019 to 2021 was performed. Patients with a history of colorectal cancer were included and stratified by age at diagnosis. Randomly selected age-matched controls with no cancer history were used for comparison. The primary endpoint was financial toxicity, as assessed by a composite score formulated from 12 National Health Interview Survey items. The secondary endpoint was food security assessed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s food security scale, embedded in the National Health Interview Survey. ResultsWhen compared to age-matched controls, patients with colorectal cancer experienced significant financial toxicity, as reflected by a composite financial toxicity score (P = .027). Within patients with colorectal cancer, female sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.46, P = .046) and early-onset disease (adjusted odds ratio = 2.11, P = .002) were found to significantly increase the risk of financial toxicity. Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer more frequently experienced food insecurity (P = .011), delayed necessary medical care (P = .053), mental health counseling (P = .043), and filling prescriptions (P = .007) due to cost when compared to patients with average-onset colorectal cancer. ConclusionColorectal cancer is associated with significant long-term financial toxicity, which disproportionately impacts patients diagnosed at <50 years of age. Targeted interventions are warranted to reduce financial toxicity for patients with high-risk colorectal cancer.

Perceived Importance of Social Support on Undergraduates' Academic Resilience in a Nigerian University: Where do Social Workers come in?

Academic success is critical for young people's effective development. Students who perform well in school are better prepared to enter adulthood and attain occupational, social, and economic success. The study aimed to provide fresh insights into how social support might assist university students in sustaining their interest in academics, and more importantly, drive them to excel academically while dealing with psychosocial difficulties at a Nigerian university. A qualitative research methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 students from varying departments. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that social support is highly valued among Nigerian undergraduates, with practical benefits of increased motivation and better grades. Furthermore, it was observed that family tradition, students' attitudes towards learning, as well as social support, were seen as important factors to consider while attempting to improve undergraduates' academic success. The study recommended that interventions targeted at boosting undergraduates' academic resilience should emphasize the relationship between social support and the learners' attitude towards the learning processes. We also urge various university administrations, social workers, and other stakeholders to provide more opportunities for students’ socialization, expand support services, and ensure that students have access to mental health counselling and other forms of psychological support.