MHC 500 Week Eight Assignment Guidelines And Rubric Overview ✓ Solved

MHC 500 Week Eight Assignment Guidelines And Rubric Overview

For this assignment, you will utilize the Q&A functionality in Bongo to apply your knowledge to the questions in the prompt. It is important to know your role as a mental health counselor concerning emergency services and crisis hotlines. Consider how you have used templates in previous assignments to organize and prepare for cases. You are working a crisis hotline and a man named Derick calls in. He clearly communicates that he has suicidal thoughts and tendencies. How would you address the questions below to best help Derick?

1. Question One: Derick tells you that he has had thoughts of wanting to harm himself, and he thinks everyone would be better off if he were not around. How would you respond?

2. Question Two: Derick tells you that he really has not thought about a plan for how he would hurt himself and admits that he is “a chicken” when it comes to pain. How would you respond?

3. Question Three: Derick states that he is willing to create a safety plan with you. What other referrals or resources in the community would you provide to Derick?

4. Question Four: What ethical and state-specific laws would you need to consider when working with a potentially suicidal client?

5. Question Five: What unique supervisory needs are presented with Derick’s case?

6. Question Six: What supervision model would be most effective to you in managing this case? Please refer to resources on models of supervision.

Paper For Above Instructions

The role of a mental health counselor in emergency services and crisis hotlines is crucial, especially when facing clients such as Derick, who express suicidal thoughts. Each of the following questions provides an opportunity to explore the critical elements of response, referral, ethical considerations, and supervision in such cases.

Question One: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts

When Derick communicates his suicidal thoughts, it is essential to respond with empathy and understanding. I would begin by validating his feelings, letting him know that it is okay to talk about these thoughts. I would express concern for his well-being and ask open-ended questions to encourage him to share more about his feelings (Joiner, 2005). Importantly, I would assess the severity of his thoughts by asking if he has a specific plan to harm himself, coupled with an inquiry about any past attempts (Mishara & Daigle, 2016). Maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor can help Derick feel safe and supported.

Question Two: Exploring Fear of Pain

In response to Derick’s admission of not having a specific plan due to his fear of pain, I would focus on that fear as a point of engagement. This presents an opportunity to reframe his thoughts about self-harm. I would ask him what “being a chicken” means to him and then discuss the value of life and the experiences worth living for (Miller, 2013). This could lead us to discuss his perceptions of pain and broaden the dialogue towards coping strategies he currently employs to deal with emotional pain, emphasizing that there are healthier alternatives to self-harm.

Question Three: Community Resources and Safety Plans

Creating a safety plan with Derick is an excellent step. I would provide referrals to local mental health services, hotlines, and community resources specializing in crisis intervention (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020). I would include local warm lines where he can talk to someone in a non-crisis state and recommend support groups that cater to individuals experiencing similar feelings (Hoffman, 2015). Additionally, resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline would provide Derick with immediate help outside of our sessions.

Question Four: Ethical and Legal Considerations

As a counselor, ethical considerations are of utmost importance, particularly regarding confidentiality and the duty to warn (American Counseling Association, 2014). I must consider the guidelines provided by state laws concerning mandatory reporting when a client expresses suicidal ideation. Each state has different laws regarding the threshold for breaking confidentiality but generally requires that a counselor act upon credible threats to the life of the client or others (Browning et al., 2011). Therefore, I need to familiarize myself with local statutes to ensure compliant practice while protecting Derick’s welfare.

Question Five: Unique Supervisory Needs

Derick’s case presents unique supervisory needs due to the potential risk of suicide. My supervisor’s role would be to provide guidance on clinical interventions and support structures needed to manage crisis situations effectively (Bernard & Goodyear, 2014). Regular supervision would also help in identifying my emotional responses to Derick’s situation, ensuring I maintain self-awareness and avoid burnout while providing support to him.

Question Six: Effective Supervision Model

For managing this case, I would benefit from adopting a developmental supervision model, which focuses on the growth and learning aspects of the counselor's practice (Holloway, 2001). This model allows for an understanding of the complexities involved in crisis counseling and emphasizes continuous professional development through reflective practice and intentional feedback (Carifio & Hess, 2008). Incorporating this model would enable me to engage critically with my counseling techniques and enhance my overall competency when working with high-risk clients.

In conclusion, addressing Derick’s situation requires a multi-faceted approach that incorporates empathetic communication, a solid understanding of ethical requirements, access to community resources, a thorough assessment of supervisory needs, and a relevant supervision model. By utilizing these strategies and frameworks, I can ensure that not only Derick receives the support he needs but that I also am equipped to manage such complexities effectively.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics.
• Bernard, J. M., & Goodyear, K. A. (2014). Fundamentals of Clinical Supervision. Pearson.
• Browning, J. R., et al. (2011). Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling. Educational Publishing.
• Carifio, J., & Hess, M. (2008). The impact of supervisory feedback on fostering independence in clinical practice. Clinical Supervisor, 27(1), 73-87.
• Hoffman, K. (2015). Crisis intervention strategies: A community support approach. American Journal of Community Psychology, 56(3-4), 336-345.
• Holloway, E. L. (2001). Clinical supervision: A systems approach. The Professional Counselor, 1(1), 42-56.
• Joiner, T. (2005). Why People Die by Suicide. Harvard University Press.
• Mishara, B. L., & Daigle, M. S. (2016). Suicide Prevention: A Global Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
• Miller, W. R. (2013). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. Guilford Press.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care.