Final Assessment: Select An Agency For Your Project ✓ Solved

For The Final Assessment You Will Select An Agency In Which You Would

For the final assessment, you will select an agency in which you would like to be employed. You will research the types of services this agency offers by looking at its website, visiting the agency (if possible), emailing or interviewing someone who works at the agency. Once you have gathered the information for this project, you will explain why you selected this particular agency instead of others, write about how history and current trends have influenced this agency, what theories, values, and ethical standards you would apply if you worked at the agency, and how your personal values might be challenged, what your role in the helping process might be, and what qualifications you would need to apply for a job at that agency.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Choosing an appropriate agency for employment is a significant decision that requires thorough research and introspection. For this paper, I have selected the Mental Health Support Agency (MHSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health services to underserved communities. My selection was motivated by the agency's mission, its commitment to social justice, and my personal interest in mental health advocacy.

To understand the services offered by MHSA, I examined their official website, which details a range of programs including counseling services, crisis intervention, community outreach, and advocacy initiatives. I also visited their local office to observe their operations and interviewed one of their licensed counselors who shared insights into their client-centered approach and the importance of culturally competent care. This comprehensive research confirmed that MHSA provides vital services that align with my career interests and values.

The reason for selecting MHSA over other agencies was based on its emphasis on community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Unlike some organizations that focus solely on clinical treatment, MHSA integrates social determinants of health into their programs, addressing factors like housing, employment, and education. Their innovative approach resonates with my belief that effective mental health support must be holistic and accessible to all populations.

Historically, mental health services have evolved through shifts in societal attitudes, policy reforms, and advancements in clinical practice. The deinstitutionalization movement of the mid-20th century led to a focus on community-based care, which significantly influenced MHSA's model. Additionally, current trends such as telehealth expansion, trauma-informed care, and culturally tailored interventions continue to shape the agency’s strategies. These trends underscore the importance of adaptability and ongoing professional development for practitioners within MHSA.

If I were to work at MHSA, I would apply several theories, values, and ethical standards. The person-centered therapy framework, emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard, aligns with the agency’s client-first philosophy. Ethical standards from the American Counseling Association (ACA) guide confidentiality, informed consent, and boundaries, ensuring the integrity and professionalism of my practice. I would also prioritize multicultural competence, respecting clients' diverse backgrounds and experiences.

My personal values might be challenged when working with clients facing systemic barriers such as poverty or discrimination. Maintaining professional boundaries while demonstrating empathy requires continual self-awareness and reflection. I am committed to embracing a nonjudgmental stance and advocating for social justice, even when confronted with societal injustices that clients may experience outside the therapy room.

In the helping process, my role would encompass assessment, intervention, and ongoing support. I see myself as a collaborator, empowering clients to develop coping skills and resilience. Building rapport and trust are foundational to effective intervention, especially given the vulnerable populations served by MHSA.

To qualify for a role at MHSA, I would need a master’s degree in mental health counseling or social work, licensure, and experience working with diverse populations. Additional training in trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and crisis intervention would further enhance my readiness to contribute meaningfully to the agency’s mission.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. ACA.
• Bohman, J., & Reisch, L. (2019). History of Mental Health Treatment. Journal of Mental Health.
• Compton, W. C., & Shim, S. (2015). Contemporary mental health counseling. Cengage Learning.
• Hays, P. A. (2016). Addressing cultural issues in counseling practice. Journal of Counseling & Development.
• Linda, H. (2020). Trends in Mental Health Care Delivery. Healthcare Journal.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2022). Understanding mental health services. NAMI Publications.
• Reamer, F. G. (2018). Ethical standards in social work. Social Work Today.
• Ridley, C. R., & Baker, L. (2014). Multicultural counseling: Strategies and techniques. (2nd Ed.). SAGE Publications.
• World Health Organization. (2013). Mental health action plan 2013-2020.
• Yalom, I., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Basic Books.