use the topic of Telemental Health and address the writing prompt from your theoretical orientation. The client is a 28 African American female who is diagnosed with mild intellectual disability. But states she has ADHD. There is a history of Mental illness in the family mother, her daughter, and her brother. Also, her socioeconomic status is Low below poverty, works part-time and receives public assistance. No legal issues with the court system. She does have an 8-year-old daughter who was recently diagnosed with ADHD.
Telemental Health
Consider a client you have worked with who
would benefit from TMH services but for
whom there are specific barriers to accessing
this service. From your theoretical lens,
present rationale for TMH services for this
client. Discuss these individual, family, or
systemic barriers and necessary steps to
remove them to increase access for this client
and others with similar concerns. Be sure to
take into account ethical, cultural, and legal
considerations
Full Answer Section
There are a number of reasons why TMH services would be beneficial for the client in this case:
- Convenience: TMH services can be delivered directly to the client's home or another convenient location. This can be especially helpful for clients who have difficulty traveling to and from traditional in-person therapy appointments.
- Accessibility: TMH services can be accessed by clients who live in rural or underserved areas where there are limited mental health resources.
- Affordability: TMH services may be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, as clients do not need to pay for transportation or other costs associated with traveling to and from appointments.
- Flexibility: TMH services can be scheduled at times that are convenient for the client, including evenings and weekends.
Barriers to Accessing TMH Services
There are a number of potential barriers to accessing TMH services, including:
- Technology: Clients need to have access to a computer or smartphone with a reliable internet connection.
- Stigma: Some people may be hesitant to use TMH services due to stigma associated with mental illness.
- Cost: TMH services may not be covered by all insurance plans.
- Lack of awareness: Some people may not be aware that TMH services are available.
Steps to Remove Barriers and Increase Access
There are a number of steps that can be taken to remove barriers and increase access to TMH services:
- Technology: Provide clients with access to low-cost or free devices and internet service.
- Stigma: Educate the public about the benefits of TMH services and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
- Cost: Advocate for insurance companies to cover TMH services.
- Lack of awareness: Promote TMH services to the public and to healthcare providers.
Ethical, Cultural, and Legal Considerations
There are a number of ethical, cultural, and legal considerations that need to be taken into account when providing TMH services:
- Confidentiality: TMH providers need to take steps to protect the confidentiality of client information. This includes using secure video conferencing platforms and encrypting all communications.
- Cultural competence: TMH providers need to be culturally competent and able to provide services that are responsive to the needs of clients from different backgrounds.
- Informed consent: Before providing TMH services, clinicians need to obtain informed consent from clients. This includes informing clients about the benefits and risks of TMH services and their right to terminate services at any time.
Conclusion
TMH services can be a valuable resource for clients who have difficulty accessing traditional in-person therapy services. There are a number of steps that can be taken to remove barriers and increase access to TMH services. When providing TMH services, it is important to consider ethical, cultural, and legal considerations.
Specific Recommendations for the Client in this Case
In the case of the 28-year-old African American female with mild intellectual disability and ADHD, there are a number of specific steps that can be taken to increase her access to TMH services:
- Provide her with a low-cost or free device and internet service.
- Educate her about the benefits of TMH services and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
- Advocate for her insurance company to cover TMH services.
- Connect her with a TMH provider who is culturally competent and experienced in working with clients with mild intellectual disability and ADHD.
- Obtain informed consent from her before providing TMH services.
In addition to the above recommendations, it is important to consider the client's unique needs and circumstances when developing a treatment plan. For example, it may be helpful to involve the client's family members in her treatment, or to coordinate her TMH services with other social services that she is receiving.
I believe that TMH services can be a valuable resource for this client and help her to manage her ADHD and other mental health concerns. By taking the steps outlined above,
Sample Answer
Theoretical Orientation
I am writing from a cognitive-behavioral (CBT) perspective. CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their emotional distress. CBT is a well-established and effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including ADHD.
Rationale for Telemental Health Services
Telemental health (TMH) is the delivery of mental health services through telecommunications technology, such as video conferencing or phone calls. TMH has been shown to be an effective and convenient way to deliver mental health services, particularly for people who have difficulty accessing traditional in-person services.