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Hey guys! My name is Katherine Mullins, but you can call me Kat! I live in Austin with my boyfriend, our two cats, and our three-month-old puppy. We’re both from Rockdale, which is a small town about an hour away, and we graduated with a whopping 91 people, so Austin has been a welcome change over the past few years! I graduated from Texas State with my B.A. in Psychology in May of ‘21 and am currently in my first year of the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program where I’m working towards my master’s. I am hoping to build a better foundation before moving forward with my Doctor of Psychology and eventually becoming a Perinatal Psychologist!
One professional goal that I have for this course is to learn more about the specific concerns that effect my future client population of perinatal women and start to gather resources that may be helpful in that role. I think this will aid me enormously as a Perinatal Psychologist, because it will provide a solid foundation of knowledge surrounding these mental health issues and a plethora of materials that will be extremely beneficial in my pursuit of helping these women.
One personal goal I have for this term is to sharpen my time management skills.

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As a future perinatal psychologist, I will need to know this like the back of my hand! It is imperative to be up to date on all ethical concerns in order to avoid conflict and offer the best possible care.

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Other specified feeding or eating disorder. National Eating Disorders Association. (2018, July 30). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/osfed

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online. NCTSN Learning Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://learn.nctsn.org/mod/scorm/view.php?id=12151

Quick Facts and Statistics About Mental Health. Mental Health America. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts

Responding to a mass casualty event at a school: General guidance for the first stage of recovery. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/responding-to-a-mass-casualty-event-at-a-school-general-guidance-for-the-first-stage-of-recovery

(2019, March 26). We Are Columbine (J. Stanger, Ed.) [Movie We Are Columbine]. Pluto TV.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? Psychiatry.org - What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder

Why is cultural competence important in mental health care? Fountain House. (2022, October 14). Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.fountainhouse.org/news/why-is-cultural-competence-important-in-mental-health-care

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Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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The Unit 1 Section 1 assignment, Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge, was a great way to kick off the term. I enjoyed introducing myself, getting to know my classmates, and testing my knowledge of mental health! I chose to take all three of the quizzes and was proud of my results. I also learned a great deal through the resources and was quite surprised to learn that only <1% of the US population has schizophrenia. However, it is probable that many people in our country who suffer from this, and other mental health issues, go undiagnosed and untreated (Quick Facts and Statistics About Mental Health n.d.).

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Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions in Specific Populations

Black/African American Community

Percent of African Americans with Mental Illness: 16% [Source]

Number of African Americans with Mental Illness: 7 million

Latinx/Hispanic American Community

Percent of Latinx/Hispanic Americans with Mental Illness: 16% [Source]

Number of Latinx/Hispanic Americans with Mental Illness: 10 million

Asian American/Pacific Islander Community

Percent of Asian Americans with Mental Illness: 15% [Source]

Number of Asian Americans with Mental Illness: 2.9 million

Native American/Alaskan Native Community

Percent of Native Americans/Alaskan Natives with Mental Illness: 19% [Source]

Number of Native Americans/Alaskan Natives with Mental Illness: 827,000

Multiracial

Percent of people who identify as being two or more races with mental illness: 25% [Source]

People who identity as being two or more races are most likely to report any mental illness within the past year than any other race/ethnic group.

LGBTQ+ Community

Percent of Individuals who Identify as LGBTQIA+ with Mental Illness: 39%

Number of Individuals who Identify as LGBTQIA+ with Mental Illness: 5.8 million [Source]

Mental Health America released a report on LGBTQ+ mental health using data gathered from our online screening tools here.
Treatment

Percent of adults with mental illness who did not receive any mental health treatment: 56% [Source]

Number of adults with mental illness who did not receive any mental health treatment: 27 million [Source]

Percent of adults with mental Illness who report they try and can't get treatment: 24.7% [Source]

Number of adults with mental Illness who report they try and can't get treatment: 12.2 million [Source]

Percent of youth with depression who did not receive any mental health treatment: 60.3% [Source]

Number of youth with depression who did not receive any mental health treatment: 2.17 million [Source]

Percent of youth with severe depression who received some consistent treatment: 27.2% [Source]

Number of youth with severe depression who received some consistent treatment: 661,000 [Source]

Ratio of individuals in a state to available mental health providers: 504 to 1 [Source]

Insurance Coverage

Percent of US Adults with Mental Illness who are Uninsured: 11.1% [Source]

Number of US Adults with Mental Illness who are Uninsured: 5.5 million [Source]

Percent of youth with private insurance that did not cover mental or emotional problems: 8.1% [Source]

Number of youth with private insurance that did not cover mental or emotional problems: 950,000 [Source]

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Quick Facts and Statistics About Mental Health

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Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions in Specific Populations Percent of African Americans with Mental Illness: 16% [Source] Number of African Americans with Mental Illness: 7 million Percent of Latinx/Hispanic Americans with Mental Illness: 16% [Source] Number of Latinx/Hispanic Americans with Mental Illness: 10 million Percent of Asian Americans with Mental

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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The Unit 1 Section 2 assignment, Reflection for Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders, was time-consuming but well worth it. I enjoyed diving deeply into each disorder and specific type as well as finding interesting and helpful resources for each. I learned a lot about depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, and substance abuse. It is extraordinary how much you can learn about a subject, even when you think you are well-versed! One thing I had never heard of before this assignment was “Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified” or “EDNOS” which is a category that encompasses those individuals who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia or bulimia but still have an eating disorder (Other specified feeding or eating disorder 2018).

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Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) was previously known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) in past editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Despite being considered a 'catch-all' classification that was sometimes denied insurance coverage for treatment as it was seen as less serious, OSFED/EDNOS is a serious, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder. The category was developed to encompass those individuals who did not meet strict diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa but still had a significant eating disorder. In community clinics, the majority of individuals were historically diagnosed with EDNOS.

Research into the severity of EDNOS/OSFED shows that the disorder is just as severe as other eating disorders based on the following:

Children hospitalized for EDNOS had just as many medical complications as children hospitalized for anorexia nervosa

Adults with 'atypical' or 'subclinical' anorexia and/or bulimia scored just as high on measures of eating disorder thoughts and behaviors as those with DSM-diagnosed anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

People with EDNOS were just as likely to die as a result of their eating disorder as people with anorexia or bulimia

EVALUATION & DIAGNOSIS

Changes to the latest edition of the DSM were meant to clarify definitions of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder to more accurately diagnose eating disorders. Although this reduced the number of OSFED diagnoses, it remains a common diagnosis. In the DSM-5, a person must present with feeding or eating behaviors that cause clinically significant distress and impairment, but do not meet the full criteria for any of the other disorders.

A diagnosis might then be assigned that addresses the specific reason why the presentation does not meet the specifics of another disorder (e.g., bulimia nervosa - low frequency). The following are further examples for OSFED:

Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: All criteria are met, except despite significant weight loss, the individual's weight is within or above the normal range.

Binge Eating Disorder (of low frequency and/or limited duration): All of the criteria for BED are met, except at a lower frequency and/or for less than three months.

Bulimia Nervosa (of low frequency and/or limited duration): All of the criteria for bulimia nervosa are met, except that the binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behavior occurs at a lower frequency and/or for less than three months.

Purging Disorder: Recurrent purging behavior to influence weight or shape in the absence of binge eating.

Night Eating Syndrome: Recurrent episodes of night eating. Eating after awakening from sleep, or by excessive food consumption after the evening meal. The behavior is not better explained by environmental influences or social norms. The behavior causes significant distress/impairment. The behavior is not better explained by another mental health disorder (e.g. BED).

WARNING SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF OSFED

Emotional and behavioral

In general, behaviors and attitudes indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns

Dramatic weight loss

Dresses in layers to hide weight loss or stay warm

Is preoccupied with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting

Refuses to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g., no carbohydrates, etc.)

Makes frequent comments about feeling "fat" or overweight despite weight loss

Complains of constipation, abdominal pain, cold intolerance, lethargy, and/or excess energy

Denies feeling hungry

Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or lots of empty wrappers and containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food

Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics

Appears uncomfortable eating around others

Develops food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food or food group [e.g. condiments], excessive chewing, doesn't allow foods to touch)

Skips meals or takes small portions of food at regular meals

Disappears after eating, often to the bathroom

Any new practice with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, vegetarianism/veganism)

Fear of eating in public or with others

Steals or hoards food in strange places

Drinks excessive amounts of water or non-caloric beverages

Uses excessive amounts of mouthwash, mints, and gum

Hides body with baggy clothes

Maintains excessive, rigid exercise regimen - despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury-due to the need to "burn off " calories

Shows unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area

Has calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self- induced vomiting

Teeth are discolored, stained

Creates lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge-and-purge sessions

Withdraws from usual friends and activities

Looks bloated from fluid retention

Frequently diets

Shows extreme concern with body weight and shape

Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance

Has secret recurring episodes of binge eating (eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is much larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances); feels lack of control over ability to stop eating

Purges after a binge (e.g. self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics, excessive exercise, fasting)

Extreme mood swings

Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down

Body weight is typically within the normal weight range; may be overweight

Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)

Menstrual irregularities - missing periods or only having a period while on hormonal contraceptives (this is not considered a "true" period)

Difficulties concentrating

Abnormal laboratory findings (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low blood cell counts, slow heart rate)

Dizziness

Fainting/syncope

Feeling cold all the time

Sleep problems

Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints (a result of inducing vomiting)

Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity

Dry skin

Dry and brittle nails

Swelling around area of salivary glands

Fine hair on body

Thinning of hair on head, dry and brittle hair (lanugo)

Cavities, or discoloration of teeth, from vomiting

Muscle weakness

Yellow skin (in context of eating large amounts of carrots)

Cold, mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet

Poor wound healing

Impaired immune functioning

HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF OSFED

The health consequences of OSFED depend in part on which eating disordered behaviors are being used. It is important to recognize that OSFED is as serious as other eating disorders and should not be trivialized or underestimated. Health consequences of OSFED can be difficult to pinpoint, as it includes a number of conditions. Watch out for all of the signs already listed. The most important thing to look out for is attitudes about food and weight that conflict with a productive, satisfying life.

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Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder

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Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) was previously known as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) in past editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Despite being considered a 'catch-all' classification that was sometimes denied insurance coverage for treatment as it was seen as less serious, OSFED/EDNOS is a serious, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder.

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The Unit 2 Section 2 assignment, Reflection for Developmental Discussion on Trauma, was a very enjoyable one! I not only liked being able to participate in discussion boards and share with my classmates but also enjoyed the documentary and reading about those my peers watched as well! I chose to watch We Are Columbine and was blown away by the firsthand accounts told by the survivors. I learned a great deal about trauma and how everyone reacts differently, even to the same event. I found it interesting to consider that everyone experiences a different version of the same tragedy. Some students did not even know what was happening. Some left and were watching everything unfold on the news. Some were locked in classrooms and heard everything but saw nothing. Some were firsthand witnesses to the atrocities. This was a new concept for me and shifted my perspective when considering these events (We Are Columbine, 2019).

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On April 20, 1999, Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado experienced one of the most deadly school shootings in United States history. The incident shocked a country that could scarcely imagine the epidemic of teen violence it foreshadowed.

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We Are Columbine - Watch Free on Pluto TV United States

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On April 20, 1999, Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado experienced one of the most deadly school shootings in United States history. The incident shocked a country that could scarcely imagine the epidemic of teen violence it foreshadowed.

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Psychological First Aid Online Certificate

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Psychological First Aid Online Certificate

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The Unit 3 Section 1 assignment, Psychological First Aid Online Certificate, was a pleasant change-up. I enjoyed going through the different modules of the course and learning more about PFA. The interactive nature of the lessons was a great way to stay engaged while learning vital information on being prepared if tragedy strikes. There were examples and case studies that were helpful in applying what was learned, and knowledge checks along the way to ensure the information was sinking in. This course provided critical information on “contact and engagement, safety and comfort, stabilization, information gathering and prioritizing assistance, practical assistance, connection with social supports, information on coping, and linkage with collaborative services” (Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online n.d.).

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Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online_Certificate

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The Unit 3 Section 2 assignment, Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment, was a great way to collaborate with my peers! I really enjoyed getting to work with a group of like-minded individuals with similar goals as my own and learning more about mental health and threat assessments to prevent school violence. I learned quite a bit about the types of school violence, at-risk behaviors and academic, physical, and emotional/behavioral indicators, Threat Assessment Teams or “TATs,” Behavioral Intervention Teams or “BITs,” and much more. It was also highly beneficial to learn about the screening tools, multi-agency collaboration, and legal requirement as well. The most profound thing I learned through this assignment was that “prior planning and coordination is essential for recovery” (Responding to a mass casualty event at a school: General guidance for the first stage of recovery 2021).

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The Unit 4 Section 1 assignment, Crisis and Trauma Resource Padlet, was very informative and will definitely be helpful in the future. I really appreciated this assignment and liked the fact that it was over the entire term and “buildable.” Reflecting on each assignment was a great way to wrap up the section and look back on what I had learned. The additional resources added, such as the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and local support services, will absolutely be beneficial in my future role and on the rest of my journey toward becoming a perinatal psychologist. Having a reminder of the importance of cultural competence and referral processes will also be valuable. The Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders was probably the assignment in which I learned the most and I gathered a plethora of helpful resources; I have attached one here as well (What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? n.d.).

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Facing a Mental Health Crisis?

If you or someone you know are faced with a mental health crisis, please call the crisis hotline of the local mental health or local behavioral health authority for your county. You may find this number by using the online mental health services search form or by calling one of the numbers below.

Crisis services are available 24 hours/7 days a week and include prompt face-to-face crisis assessment, crisis intervention services, crisis follow-up and relapse prevention services. The HHSC Crisis Services Guide (PDF) has information on various state-funded crisis services and organizations that can help connect people to resources.

LMHA Mental Health Crisis Numbers

Need Help?

If you are thinking about suicide, please contact:

Phone Apps

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If you or someone you know are faced with a mental health crisis, please call the crisis hotline of the local mental health or local behavioral health authority for your county.

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Bluebonnet Trails Community Services (Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Williamson counties) bbtrails.org

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512-472-HELP (4357)
SAFE Alliance for Domestic Violence and Sexual Sssault: 512-267-SAFE (7233)
National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
Nationwide RAINN (Sexual Assault) Hotline:1-800-656-HOPE (4679)

Intensive outpatient group therapy including: dialectical behavioral therapy, (DBT), chemical dependency services and dual recovery services. Austin Ascension Medical Group Seton Behavioral Health

Various locations.
https://www.seton.net/behavioral-health-care/seton-mind-institute/

Adult programs including inpatient, outpatient adult partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient (IOP), evening dual diagnosis, substance use disorders impatient rehab and a women's wellness program. Austin Oaks Hospital

1407 W Stassney Lane
Austin, TX 78745
512-440-4800
https://austinoakshospital.com/

Walk-in mental health urgent care clinic for adults and children having a mental health crisis. Integral Care Psychiatric Emergency Services

Richard E. Hopkins Behavioral Health Building
1165 Airport Blvd, Second Floor, Austin 78702
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more about Psychiatric Emergency Services

Provides individual, family and group counseling. Lifeworks

Three locations in Austin.
512-735-2100
http://www.lifeworksaustin.org/

Offers youth, family and adult counseling and education Samaritan Center

Main Office: 8956 Research Blvd
Locations also in East Austin, Georgetown, San Marcos and Round Rock
512-451-7337
http://samaritan-center.org/

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512-472-HELP (4357) SAFE Alliance for Domestic Violence and Sexual Sssault: 512-267-SAFE (7233) National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 Nationwide RAINN (Sexual Assault) Hotline:1-800-656-HOPE (4679) Intensive outpatient group therapy including: dialectical behavioral therapy, (DBT), chemical dependency services and dual recovery services. Austin Ascension Medical Group Seton Behavioral Health Various locations.

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The Unit 3 Section 3 assignment, ABC Model of Crisis Intervention, was incredibly helpful. I learn best working through things physically rather than seeing or reading about them, so being able to go through the case study myself was excellent. I enjoyed identifying the phrases that pointed to physical, emotional, social/relational, and cognitive/mental areas (I love highlighting!) and found this to be a great way to dissect the reading. Putting myself in the shoes of the counselor and addressing needs and/or issues in the aforementioned areas, as well as creating next steps, was a creative and effective way to learn the ABC model (“A” – achieving a relationship, “B” – breaking down the problem, and “C” – commitment to action) for crisis intervention. The attached handout is a great cheat sheet!

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When Should You Refer a Client to Another Professional?

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If you have a challenging case, it can be hard deciding whether to refer the person or continue treatment. Exactly when is referral an appropriate solution?

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When and How to Refer for Mental Health Care

Most children and parents will have some distress or upset - so how do I know when a child or family needs additional help?

Ask your patients (and their parents) about reactions and coping.

Listen for ongoing or severe traumatic stress symptoms.

Consider a referral for a more thorough evaluation with a mental health professional if:

Traumatic stress reactions are severe or prolonged (more than a month).

Traumatic stress reactions interfere with recovery or with returning to normal activities.

Consider: Is the child participating in daily activities to the extent possible given their medical condition? Are stress reactions interfering with treatment adherence? Are new fears or worries troubling the child or parent?

When to make a referral
Steps for making a referral Effective mental health treatment for traumatic stress Online resources - help in finding a mental health professional Distinguishing between types of mental health professionals
Therapist Resource Guide: There are many ongoing stressors that children and families endure after diagnosis of an illness or an injury. This guide focuses specifically on medical traumatic stress and responses that children and families may have.

Steps for making a referral

Mention concerns you have identified.

Say something like: "I'm concerned that (you are / your child is) having these upsetting thoughts and feelings. It might be useful to talk with a specialist who can help your family more."

Involve child and family in making a plan.

Ask for their ideas about what is needed now
Say something like: "What issues or difficulties are impacting you / your family the most right now? What would help make things better?"

Ask for permission to offer advice. Present advice as range of possibilities; be sure to incorporate patient/family ideas

Say something like: "I have some suggestions that have helped other patients in the past in situations similar to yours. May I share them with you?"

Range of possibilities might include: patient education materials / websites; speaking with social worker, local clergy, school counselor; seeking out support group, referral to therapist / community mental health center.

Ask about their readiness to act on this now or in the future.
Say something like: "Is this (suggested plan) something you would be willing to do when you leave today, or if you need it next week...month?"

Ask about barriers to potential plans / referrals, and strategies to overcome barriers.
Say something like: "What kinds of things would interfere with following-up on this plan we just discussed? How can we work through this so you end up getting the help you need.?"

Involve the child and parent in setting the agenda*:

* Adapted from Wissow et al. (2008)

Keep the door open.

If your patient or their parents are not quite ready to act on a suggested referral now, arrange to follow up to see how your patient is doing.

You might say: "I'd like to talk with you again in a few weeks to see how things are going."

Promote continuity of care.
If your care for this patient is ending, ask permission to communicate your concerns about traumatic stress reactions or risk factors to the child's primary care provider, or to other providers who will continue to take care of this patient.

Facilitating collaboration between pediatric health care and mental health providers: The American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Mental Health has developed tools to facilitate collaboration between pediatric health care providers and mental health professionals, including a Physician Referral and Feedback Form template

Effective mental health treatment for traumatic stress

There are very good and helpful treatments for children who continue to have traumatic stress symptoms.

What treatment approaches are effective?

Evidence-based treatments include cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches, and in particular Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides information on evidence-based treatments for youth trauma.

How can I help parents find effective treatment for their child?

When helping parents find a counselor or therapist to help their child with traumatic stress symptoms, you might suggest that they ask prospective therapists questions such as:

Do you have experience working with children after trauma?

What is your approach to working with this type of problem?

What is your success rate?

How do you work with parents?

Online resources - help in finding a mental health professional

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) lists national resources for assistance with various types of child trauma.

The Society for Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology provides useful information on effective treatment and finding a therapist - Effective Child Therapy: Evidence-based mental health treatment for children and adolescents
American Psychological Association - Psychologist Locator National Association of Social Workers - Find a Licensed Social Worker American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists - Psychiatrist Finder Anxiety Disorders Association of America - Find a Therapist Sidran Institute Help Desk - Locate Trauma Resources ISTSS Clinician Directory - Find a Clinician, Counselor or Mental Health Professional
Distinguishing between types of mental health professionals

Psychologists are professionals who have earned a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) after 4-6 years of graduate-level training in human behavior and development, psychological testing and evaluation, and psychotherapy. Psychologists are licensed by the state in which they practice.

Psychiatrists are physicians (M.D. or D.O.) who have completed medical school, plus additional advanced training in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric disorders and emotional and behavioral problems. Psychiatrists are licensed by the state in which they practice. As medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe and monitor medications.

Clinical Social Workers are professionals who have earned a master's degree (M.S.W.) after 2-3 years of graduate training. Clinical Social Workers are licensed by the state in which they practice (LCSW or similar credential - varies by state).

Marriage and Family Therapists are professionals who have completed a master's degree (M.A. or M.S.) after 2-3 years of graduate training. Some Marriage and Family Therapists have completed a required amount of clinical hours and passed a state-administered examination to become licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) & Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) are mental health professionals who have earned a master's degree (M.A. or M.S.) after 2-3 years of graduate training and have obtained a required amount of clinical experience and passed a state-administered licensing examination.

For more information on the training and credentialing of mental health professionals, see Mayo Clinic: Mental health providers.

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Referral to Mental Health Care | Patient Centered Care and Trauma Informed Care for Pediatric Patients - HEALTHCARE TOOLBOX

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Most children and parents will have some distress or upset - so how do I know when a child or family needs additional help? Ask your patients (and their parents) about reactions and coping.

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“Cultural competency means that, as a provider, you are able to interact effectively with people of different cultures, by incorporating their unique beliefs, behaviors, and needs into their diagnosis and treatment plan” (Why is cultural competence important in mental health care? 2022). Cultural competence is an essential aspect of providing effective and responsive mental health services. As a mental health professional, it is crucial to understand and respect the cultural background and beliefs of the clients we serve. This includes being aware of cultural differences in attitudes toward mental health, approaches to treatment, and communication styles. Failure to consider these factors can lead to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and ultimately, ineffective treatment. Additionally, cultural competence promotes a more inclusive and welcoming environment, which can help reduce stigma and improve engagement in mental health services. By practicing cultural competence, mental health professionals can ensure that clients receive the highest quality of care that is tailored to their unique needs and cultural backgrounds. “A culturally competent mental health care provider is able to consider how someone’s culture, race, and ethnicity may influence their mental health and the best way to treat them” (Why is cultural competence important in mental health care? 2022).

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Why is Cultural Competence Important in Mental Health Care?

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The ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures, and incorporating their unique needs into their diagnosis and treatment plan.