Roles and Functions of CMHC Research Paper

All these dimensions conclude on one problem which a CMHC could interpret the best through his experience, intelligence and practice.

LOCAL, STATE, and NATIONAL PUBLIC POLICIES POTENTIALLY AFFECT the QUALITY and ACCESSIBILITY of CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

Mental Health parity is considered as an evolution in an American Politics. States took over federal policies and fought hard to implement mental health insurance along with general health insurance. (Harris, 2006) Parity Law says, "Compared with the general population, individuals with mental health problems experienced a deterioration in their health insurance status."

It does not implement any specific conditions about hospitalization, treatment duration but unlike before it allows to avail insurance on mental health treatment

(NAMI, 2007) Although self insured employers, small entrepreneurs and insurance companies are against this law but States Legislation have proved a little in achieving its goal of providing mental health insurances to every individual without discrimination. This issue is publicized by government to influence people because the number of people suffering from mental illness was increasing as they would never refer a consulting counselor due to high charges. Previously people preferred to wait for the extreme to come but the situation was getting worse due to incapability to meet job requirement and end up losing his/her job (Carpenter, 2006). Although it has not made a remarkable difference in Mental Health Service utilization but we can notice a slight increase in the awareness and consultation to mental health counselors. 1.2% increase in lower-stress group, 1.8% in middle stress group and no change in upper stress group. This policy helped in overcoming other rising social issues like maternal disturbances due to unemployment. Substance abuse was increasing and other general issues were surfacing.

All these legislative formations and collaboration gave strength to people who belong to this profession and have encouraged more individuals to pour in to adopt this profession.

CONCLUSION:

Clinical Mental Health Counselors are going through a tough time but just need a little more effort to prove them and be a part of recognized independent counselors. AMHCA is working hard to save the careers of thousands of CMHCs and to streamline them in good shape for future demands. The future for CMHCs look bright and everlasting if policies or governmental support is provided because a continuous researched are being carried out to discover mental health treatments and it has to be implemented or utilized within this world where stress, depression, anxiety and other mental problems are getting very common.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beck, a.T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. New York: International Universities Press.

Finley. J. (2012). "Professional Advocacy: Looking Ahead at Health Care Reform," Retrieved October 11, 2012, from http://www.amhca.org/news/detail.aspx?ArticleId=539.

Finley, J. (2012). "TRICARE Provider Certification Urged for CMHCs" Retrieved October 11, 2012, http://www.amhca.org/news/detail.aspx?ArticleId=524

Hackney, H. (1992). " Differentiating between Counseling Theory and Process," Retrieved October 12, 2012, from http://www.ericdigests.org/1992-3/theory.htm

Harris, K.M., Carpenter, C., Bao, Y. (2006). " the effects of state parity laws on the use of mental health care," National Center for Biotechnology Information, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16707997

Lewis, J.A., Dana, R.Q., Blevins, G.A. (2010). "Substance Abuse Counseling" Belmont, U.S.A, Cengage Learning.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), (2007). " Mental Health Insurance Coverage: A Guide to State Parity Law," from: http://www.nami.org/

NCBI (National Center of Biotechnology Information). "Preparing a Program to Treat Diverse Clients," http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64076/