Tag: mental

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

chibueze uchegbu | July 2nd, 2022


There are different clinical mental health counseling programs you ought to know and today, we bring them directly to your screen.

The pervasive and damaging effects of untreated mental illness are becoming more widely known. At the same time, awareness that treatments are available to reduce and eliminate damage is spreading.

As a result, health care providers, government officials, citizen groups, and other organizations are banding together to promote mental health outreach and clinical mental health counselors are at the forefront of this.

Clinical mental health counseling refers to the services provided by trained professionals to clients who seek assistance in dealing with issues in their lives.

Personal problems or issues of a behavioral, emotional, marital, vocational, rehabilitative, educational, or life-stage nature, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), can be included.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

Counseling services are further defined by the APA as assistance provided by professionals such as psychologists, licensed counselors, nurses, and social workers through government, mental health, or social service agencies.

Here are a few clinical mental health counseling Programs available:

1. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) (St. cloud state university )

This is one of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs designed to educate and prepare culturally diverse professional counselors to advance the profession through practice, advocacy, scholarship, research, leadership, and service.

The program emphasizes a reflective-practitioner model that combines intensive, supervised clinical experiences, research, evidence-based and creative resources, and current technology to work in a diverse global society.

Individuals, couples, and families are encouraged to achieve optimal personal, educational, and relational development through a holistic approach to counseling. They will teach you how to be a culturally competent, trauma-informed, and ethical counselor.

2. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program ( THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH)

The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty’s fundamental mission is to educate and train counselors who will promote the optimal functioning of individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Through self-reflection and constructive feedback, the course of study will support the acquisition of competency-based knowledge while also fostering professional and personal growth. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialty prepares students for entry-level counseling positions in community mental health and human service organizations.

This specialty is currently designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of Utah, as well as national standards for master’s level licensure in the majority of other jurisdictions across the country.

As a result, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialty requires at least 60 credit hours over three years, with the final year culminating in a 1000-hour field-based internship.

3. Master of  Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  (University of Wisconsin-Parkside)

This program is housed within the psychology department at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and fulfills the pre-credential educational requirement for Wisconsin professional counselor licensure.

The 60-credit-hour counseling program assists students in developing the knowledge and skills required for clinical mental health counseling practice by adhering to the National Board of Certified Counselors’ core general counseling competencies (NBCC).

Low student/faculty ratios distinguish the program, providing students with opportunities for supervision, consultation, and mentorship. If students follow the recommended semester plan, they will be able to complete the program in two and a half years.

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The program incorporates CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs) core standards into the curriculum and practice. Students complete 700 hours of counseling and related work in placement sites that correspond to their clinical interests and potential career paths.

Students gain skills and knowledge in areas such as assessment, diagnosis, intervention, advocacy, and evaluation in clinical mental health counseling.

Furthermore, students have the opportunity to collaborate with program faculty on research that is directly related to their future work as professional counselors.

4. Master of Arts in Counseling (University of Mary Hardin-Clinical Baylor)

The University of Mary Hardin-Clinical Baylor’s Mental Health Counseling track is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track has been accredited in accordance with the 2016 standards. This degree requires 60 hours of coursework.

If the student enrolls full-time year-round, it will take approximately seven semesters to complete the degree.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track’s mission is to prepare students for licensure and certification as knowledgeable and ethical professional counselors to meet the increasing demand for mental health services in a complex society with a diverse population by providing a curriculum that combines theory and concepts with skill development and meets the requirements set forth by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Council on Accreditation of Counseling Programs.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Jobs

A master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling can lead to a variety of career opportunities.  Individuals with the appropriate licensure and/or certification can work with a variety of clients with varying counsel needs. Here are a few jobs available to a clinical mental health counselor.

  1. Counselor at School

School counselors assist students with academic, emotional, and social needs in K-12 private and public institutions.

Typical job responsibilities include advising students on which classes to take, assisting them in choosing a career path, assisting them in selecting a college, assessing skills, discussing emotional issues, stress, or problems at home, resolving conflicts between students, and assisting students in overcoming social or behavioral problems.

A master’s degree in school counseling or a related field is required, as is a license to practice and, in some states, 1-2 years of teaching experience.

  1. Marriage and Family therapist

Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families to assess and treat any mental, emotional, or relationship issues, especially those that cause stress.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a common treatment plan for patients; it is the process of addressing negative self-talk, thoughts, and behaviors and developing ways to replace them with positive ones; it also includes discussing healthy coping mechanisms and any important decisions the client must make. Marriage and family therapists usually work in private practice, so they must be licensed.

  1. Grief counselor

Grief counselors are licensed counselors who focus on grief and trauma. They assist patients in overcoming situations such as the loss of a loved one, the death of a pet, or the loss of a job. Empathy, communication, professionalism, sensitivity, and compassion are all important skills in this field.

  1. Counselor for Behavioral Disorders

Behavioral disorder counselors can work with individuals or in groups to help patients with disordered behaviors such as eating disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and so on.

They assist their patients in determining what causes their behavior, how to cope with it, and how to positively change their behavior, as well as educating the patient’s loved ones about their disorder and how to deal with it. Behavioral disorder counselors must also hold a master’s degree in a related field and hold a private practice license.

  1. Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors work with individuals and/or groups who are addicted to alcohol or drugs to help them develop healthy coping mechanisms for situations that may have led to addiction or could lead to relapse.

They may use programs such as the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program to assist the patient’s recovery, repair any broken relationships, and educate the patient’s loved ones on how to deal with their addiction.

Substance abuse counselors typically need a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field, as well as the ability to pass a state board exam in order to counsel patients privately.

  1. Rehabilitation Counselors

Rehabilitation counselors assist people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities in overcoming or managing the physical, social, and psychological effects of disability so that they can live independently.

They can assist clients in locating resources such as medical care, career training, and legal aid, as well as adjusting to new limitations and discovering new strengths.

Individuals with a master’s degree in mental health counseling who have obtained a license to practice can provide counseling services to rehabilitation clients.

A final thought about the mental health counseling programs

Mental health counselors work with their clients to set goals and develop approaches to address emotional issues, strengthen coping and communication skills, boost self-esteem, encourage behavioral changes, and strive for improved mental well-being.

We all face difficulties in our lives. Counselors for mental health are frequently among the first resources available to people in need of emotional and psychological support. The most important qualities for a successful career as a mental health counselor are your strong sense of compassion and commitment to helping people.

You will need your own strong support system to ensure your well-being as you embark on this challenging and rewarding vocation.

Clients learn how to make informed and healthy decisions about themselves, their relationships, and their futures by addressing concerns with quality care from a mental health counselor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How can I become a mental health counselor?

You could study counseling or psychotherapy at the diploma, degree, or postgraduate level. Some undergraduate programs combine counseling with other subjects such as psychology, sociology, or criminology. Look for a program that includes hands-on training and supervised placements.

  1. How much do mental health counselors earn in the United Kingdom?

Counselors’ starting salaries can vary greatly, but can range from £20,000 to £26,000. Counselors with experience can earn between £30,000 and £40,000 per year.

Some lead or specialist counseling positions, such as those in addiction, can pay more than this.

  1. How can I become a counselor without attending university?

Volunteering with organizations like Family Action will allow you to hone your counseling skills while also providing you with ongoing support from the organization.

In some cases, the agency may provide training in specialist counseling services, which can then be reimbursed through volunteer hours.

  1. Can I work as a counselor without a bachelor’s degree?

A counselor’s training consists of both theoretical and practical experience, but you do not need a degree to become one.

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Online Mental Health Courses

Best 16 Online Mental Health Courses

chibueze uchegbu | April 30th, 2022


You’ll find various free online mental health courses in this post that you can enroll in right now using your smartphone or laptop.

From the comfort of your own home, you’ll be studying mental health at leading universities, colleges, and other institutions across the world.

The value of an individual’s mental wellness cannot be overstated. Individuals who are mentally and physically well are extremely productive; yet, the same cannot be said for those who are not.

Your well-being is analyzed and taken into account before you are hired by any firm, and you are hired if your well-being is satisfactory to HR.

Why Take a Mental Health Course Online?

Online education has several advantages, but the most important is its flexibility and convenience, as well as the fact that online courses are often cheaper or even free, as in this case.

This implies you can learn a trade or get a degree without interrupting your current activities by studying online.

So, if you work for a firm, own a business, or are pursuing a degree at a traditional institution. You can still take advantage of online learning opportunities, such as the free online mental health courses featured in this article.

What is a Mental Health Course?

Mental health courses are psychology classes that teach people about mental health problems, how to solve them, and how to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.

Top Free Online Mental Health Courses

The 16 free online mental health courses listed below will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to become an effective mental health worker.

  1. Diploma in Mental Health

A mental health diploma can help you get a career as a mental health support worker in any company, and you’re studying it for free this time.

You may get useful methods to solve mental health difficulties in no time thanks to the internet and Alison, an online learning platform that is offering this course.

By taking this course, you will obtain a greater understanding of all types of mental diseases, how to recognize signs, and how to treat those who are impacted. You’ll also learn how to take care of your own health and the health of others around you.

Enroll Here. 

  1. Beating Depression

This is another of Alison’s free online mental health courses, and it teaches students how to overcome depression. You can use it in your own life or for others who are suffering from depression and need help in overcoming it.

You’ll have every essential skill you’ll need to overcome depression. This involves learning about the physical and psychological aspects of depression, depression facts and statistics, depression misconceptions, and medical therapies for depression, among other things

  1. Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Illness

You’ll need to learn how to deal with persons with intellectual disabilities as well as mental diseases if you want to be a psychologist or a mental health practitioner. To do so, you’ll look at the four guiding principles of support work, as well as how clients’ and communities’ strengths and resources are used in the care process.

This is one of the best free online courses for establishing yourself as a mental health expert in the health business.

  1. Psychological First Aid

Psychological First Aid is a course taught by Johns Hopkins University on Coursera, and it is one of the university’s many free online mental health courses. In an emergency, the training teaches students how to administer mental first aid to people.

The RAPID method is used to administer first aid: reflective listening, needs assessment, prioritization, intervention, and disposition. Which you can use in any public health context while simultaneously honing your psychology skills.

Enroll Here.

  1. De-Mystifying Mindfulness

Although it was frowned upon as a mystical practice in those days, meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation were employed in the past to heal the mind.

It’s back now, and it’s firmly established in the medical field, particularly in psychology and neuroscience.

Psychologists use mindfulness to treat a variety of therapeutic procedures as well as to promote wellbeing and pleasure.

  1. The Arts and Science of Relationship: Understanding Human Needs

This is one of the University of Toronto’s free online mental health courses, which is given through Coursera.

In the domains of social work and health care, you’ll be introduced to a variety of topics that are relevant to everyday relationships.

You will develop abilities in psychology, assertiveness, communication, and building great relationships with those around you by the end of this course.

  1. Mental Health and Nutrition

Individuals’ mental health is influenced by their diet, therefore knowing what foods to eat to improve wellness is an essential topic to research. If you are already a health professional who works with people who have mental health concerns, you can participate in this course.

You can also sign up if you’re having anxiety, tension, or a bad mood. You’ll discover how to eat the appropriate foods and get the right nourishment to help you tackle these problems. The course is one of the University of Canterbury’s free online mental health courses, available through edX.

Enroll Here.

  1. Managing Study, Stress and Mental Health at University

This course is for university students; conventional school brings a lot of stress, and there have been many cases where it has harmed students’ mental health.

This course will give you the skills, information, and awareness to detect, identify, and respond to mental health difficulties in yourself and others, and will serve as a stress reliever.

It is one of Curtin University’s free online mental health courses, which is distributed via edX.

  1. Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance

Is your daily productivity lacking inefficiency? Or are you overstressed at work and it is affecting your performance? Then this course is for you.

In this course provided by Monash University, you will learn effective mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and enhance your wellbeing or performance either at work or school.

The course is one of the free online mental health courses offered online by FutureLearn, and you can also implement the techniques for the people around you suffering the same mental challenges. You can enroll here.

  1. Youth Mental Health

Teenagers have a lot of pressure as they grow up, and anxiety disorder is one of them. Of course, they require assistance. Enroll in this case to improve your health-care abilities and learn how to support young individuals with anxiety issues.

You should also enroll in this course if you are a teacher seeking a strategy to help young people overcome their anxiety concerns.

This course will teach you how to spot teenagers who have anxiety issues and how to help them get better. 

  1. Addressing Postnatal Depression as a Healthcare Professional

Women experience sadness, anxiety problems, and mood swings while pregnant, which is harmful to their mental health and need assistance. You will learn how to provide excellent support to new and expecting parents in this course.

You’ll learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression, as well as how to help afflicted parents improve their mental health and well-being.

The University of Exeter offers the curriculum, which is provided online by FutureLearn.

  1. Awareness of Mental Health Problems

This course offers free certifications in mental health awareness and comprehension of a variety of mental health issues.

Individuals with this ability and knowledge are in great demand in the United Kingdom, and you may reassure your present or potential employer that you are knowledgeable in this subject.

StriveTraining offers the course online, and it takes an average of 5-10 weeks to finish.

Enroll Here.

  1. Dementia Care

Dementia is becoming more widespread among the elderly, and they require competent care. However, few people have the necessary skills to care for them.

You can participate in this Dementia Care course to understand the key principles for supporting and caring for people with dementia in the most effective way possible.

The course is offered online by Vision2learn and is completely free. It takes 16 weeks to complete and includes a certificate at the end. 

  1. General Psychiatric Management for BPD

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a type of mental illness marked by mood swings, unpredictable conduct, and strained relationships.

This course is one of the free online mental health courses given by Harvard Medical School, and it teaches health professionals how to recognize and treat people with BPD.

Enroll Here.

  1. Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health

Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health is one of the free online mental health courses given by Coursera and presented by the University of Sydney.

The course covers a variety of topics related to mental health, including the primary categories of mental diseases, their causes, treatments, and how to get help and support.

  1. Caring for Vulnerable Children

Enrolling in this course will give you an understanding of what it’s like to look after vulnerable children. This course is for you if you enjoy working with children or if you work in an environment where there are many children.

The course delves into a variety of child development and parenting strategies that can aid in the care of children who have mental health difficulties.

A final thought on the Online Mental Health Courses

Many people are afflicted with one or more ailments, with mental illnesses being one of the most common.

And most people aren’t aware of this until it’s too late, which leads to their demise; the subject of mental illness isn’t addressed enough, and there isn’t enough knowledge about it.

Break the link in the chain. Take one or more of these free online courses to learn more about your mental health and the mental health of people around you at home, at work, or at school. Because these courses are available online, they will not interfere with your regular life; you can study while working or attending school.

Some of the courses listed here include a completion certificate, and while some of the certifications are free, others are not.

FAQs about Online Mental Health Courses

What is the best mental health course? Below are some of the best online mental health courses.

  • Mental Health in the Workplace (EdApp)
  • Living a Resilient Life (EdApp)
  • Mental Medicine (EdApp)
  • ‘Talk to me’ – Improving mental health and suicide prevention in young adults (edX)
  • Mind Control – Managing your Mental Health During Covid-19 (Coursera)
  • Health and Wellbeing (EdApp)

How do you become a mental health counselor?

How to Become a Mental Health Counselor: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • Acquire a bachelor’s degree.
  • Get a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
  • Pass Your Licensing Exams
  • Apply for licensure after completing the supervised clinical experience.
  • Additional Mental Health Counseling Certifications should be sought.
  • Maintain your license as a mental health counselor.

What is the difference between psychologists and mental health counselors? Psychologists are more focused on evaluation within the field and provide interventions for clients with specific disorders through diagnostic test administration, consultation with healthcare professionals, and research, whereas counselors are more focused on general therapy that may apply psychologists’ research.

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How Delta 8 Helps In Reducing Mental Strain

How Delta 8 Helps In Reducing Mental Strain?

chibueze uchegbu | March 30th, 2022


In today’s post, we will unravel How Delta 8 Helps In Reducing Mental Strain. To deal with the ever-increasing difficulty of our days, we increasingly travel about in search of answers.

As a result of a worldwide epidemic, we feel even more disoriented than before. There are a few items on the market that may be able to assist us in getting away from here.

They contain Delta 8 THC and other cannabis products. Aside from herbs making these, recreational items may also be considered natural because of their high quality.

Things were a little different then, however. Quality was not a concern in the production of ancient leisure products.

The majority of individuals attempted to compensate for low quality by increasing the amount of work they produced.

There has never been another moment in history quite like this one. There are a few products available on the market that may be able to aid us in our efforts to get away from this place.

Delta 8 products, for example, are well-known for their exceptional quality and broad range of applications. We will explain Delta-8 and the commodities related in further detail.

All Your queries regarding Delta-8 are the subject of discussion in this article. There are a few products available on the market that may be able to aid us in our efforts to get away from this place. Products such as Delta 8 THC are also part of this classification.

When looking for these things or learning more about them, here is the best location to start your search. You may search for a top-shelf premium delta-8 THC flower. It seems that others throughout the globe are beginning to notice this trend as well.

What Is Delta-8?

The production of Delta requires Hemp. This plant was originally native to Asia but has now spread worldwide. Many people refer to the Hemp plant as the Cannabis plant. The plant is taller than 1 meter.

A 45-day growth cycle and more than 10 hours of sunshine each day are typical for this plant’s needs.

One obtains the Hemp extract from the plant’s leaves. Delta-9 is the product of physical reactions on this molecule.

Another THC derivative, Delta-9, is potent but of poor quality. Because of the high yield %, it is an easily accessible option. It’s a great starter product for newcomers. More experienced users need something more powerful.

The Delta-8 e-juice is a well-liked product among advanced vapers. The quality of Delta-8 exceeds that of other THC products.

The Hemp extract is the most beneficial since it contains the smallest amount. It also has a crucial impact on the user compared to the other THC medications available today. The high concentration of THC in this strain is the primary contributing factor.

Consequently, it’s a very pricey marijuana-based product. It’s worth it for many people because of the superb quality. 

The Woe And Effect Of Mental Strain On Humans

The hypothalamus, a minute control tower in your brain, orders stress chemicals to take over. These stress chemicals stimulate the body’s “fight or flight” response.

Your heart beats faster, your lungs fill with air, and your muscles tense. This reaction prepares you to respond rapidly in an emergency. However, chronic stress might jeopardize your health.

Everyone feels stressed at times. Life events such as war or losing a loved one may cause stress. Stress may be helpful to your health in short-term scenarios.

It can help you deal with challenging problems. It causes your body to release chemicals that raise your heart and breathing rates and prepare your muscles to react.

People suffering from stress and anxiety are becoming an increasingly widespread issue today. Even though the area is still in its infancy, much research is going on.

The researchers investigate the effects of the immunological and neurological systems on the psychological repercussions of stress.

Researchers in the discipline of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) look at how people’s mental and emotional health is affected by the way their immune systems and neurological systems communicate with one another and interact with their environment.

According to PNI research, chronic stress may cause or aggravate mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, cognitive (thinking) difficulties, personality changes, and problem behaviors, among other things.

How Does Delta -8 Help?

Delta-8 can help the user in many ways, and some of them are below-

  • Typical Stress

We can consider the complications in mind as a category of stress. Clinical investigations are now underway to examine the impact of high pressure on people. Coronavirus pandemic has worsened the situation.

You will feel more stress if there is a constant bombardment of violent images. Worse, stress may harm your physical and emotional well-being in unanticipated ways. Procrastination, which is detrimental to your mental well-being, may be exacerbated.

A high-THC hemp extract may help you relax and decrease stress by promoting a calming effect on the mind. Instantly, Delta-8’s Hemp extract calms your nervous system by interacting with your brain’s neural cells. 

  • Anxiety

Chronic anxiety is the effect of prolonged stress. Anxiety sufferers know how difficult life can be when even the simplest things cause them tension.

It’s hard to go through the day without feeling overwhelmed. You may also have insomnia or even depression as a result of this.

Even if you don’t feel completely relieved of your anxiety, you may notice a decrease in the intensity of your symptoms. There is a possibility that the power of Delta 8 to slow metabolism and relax us will be helpful in such situations.

  • Lifestyle

For both physical and emotional illnesses, Delta-8 products are the finest choice. They may alleviate discomfort in the consumer’s muscles.

It also helps reduce muscular and backaches due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. Many experts believe it may assist with a variety of different diseases.

You can alleviate pain, weakness, nausea, and vomiting by using this supplement. When it comes to food and drink, it’s a one-stop-shop for all your needs.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle and a happy outlook may be achievable by regular use. If used at the recommended dosage, the excellent quality assures that there are no adverse side effects. Due to the product’s high THC level, it stands out from the rest of the competition. Delta-8 thereby contributes to a more fulfilling living.

Conclusion

To sum up, Delta 8 is a good product that has the potential to appeal to a broad audience because of its wide variety of advantages. Its popularity may increase even more with additional studies and investigations.

In terms of legality, the United States has made it a federally legal substance for human use and research.

Various states, on the other hand, approach it in different ways. Like New York and Alaska, some states have even declared it illegal. Therefore, you must verify the legal requirements in your region before making a purchase.

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Government programs for mental illness

5 best Government programs for mental illness

chibueze uchegbu | March 13th, 2022


Are you wondering about the government programs for mental illness? There are a couple of programs set aside for those suffering from mental sickness through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

SAMHSA is a lead agency that is saddled with the responsibility of providing targeted funding for states to design and implement tested trusted services for people with substance use or mental illness.

The programs provided by this agency help reduce skyrocketed fees of hospitalization, emergency department usage, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

The truth is, if there’s access to behavioral health services in the states, there’ll be improved health on the part of the Americans, and the containing is will also be more accessible. Government works in collaboration with the states to address the menace of mental health.

What the Government does is that it establishes and enforces some minimum standards that states can be expanding upon.

Here are some of the programs set up by the Government for mental illness:

 Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT Block Grant)

If you’re looking for a foundation that supports the prevention and treatment system, Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SAPT Block Grant) is a great choice.

This program is remarkable, as evidenced by its serving of about 2.5 million people in each of the states and extremely.

Are you one of those folks who need assistance to deal with their addiction resulting in mental illness? The Government, in its capacity, continues to provide funds for the project the SAPT Block Grant with the purpose of effectively preventing youth alcohol and drug abuse.

Mental Health Block Grant 

Another interesting program of the Government to support mental illness is the Mental Health, Block Grant.

This fund supports employment, housing, and rehabilitation services for families and children going through mental sickness.

The grant also helps special people such as those who are homeless, those who live in remote areas, and military families. The majority of these services are not catered for under private insurance and Medicaid.

There’s also a five percent set-aside to focus on evidence-based practices to address the needs of individuals with early serious mental illness.

Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration

This is another program of the Government designed for the purpose of getting rid of mental illness in the country.

The primary and behavioral health care integration helps in the provision of essential primary care services to adults with serious mental ailments.

While using the program, the Government has screened and treated more than 33,000 people with different cases of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

This means diseases, including heart disorders and other terminal ones, have been stemmed, thus preventing unnecessary death from these conditions while leveraging the primary and behavioral health care integration.

Mental Health First Aid 

Here’s another public education program designed to assist those struggling with substance use and mental health condition to identify, understand and respond to any sign of mental sickness they may be passing through.

It’s a course that uses five actionable plans to get to those struggling with any mental diseases.

The first aid funding was appropriated in the 2014 budget to connect and support training activities for local and state education agencies.

What makes the program more relevant is that more and more people are experiencing mental illness and substance use, and this has necessitated this urgent intervention to curtail it.

Mental Health and Addictions Research

Mental health and addiction research is another set-aside initiative by the Government for mental illness.

All thanks to the continued investment in basic scientific and applied research, there have been rapid and effective treatments that help in dealing with these conditions while also anticipating the positive effects of new diagnostic markers in proper identification and intervention.

This initiative’s got all its needs regarding tools needed to curb this menace, which means with sufficient funding resources, this vision of finding sustainable cures to these troubling sicknesses will be a reality.

That’s why mental health and addictions research is of the best initiative the Government has put out there to handle terminal diseases such as mental illness.

Concluding thoughts 

One of the things that concern almost everyone today is the issue of mental health and well-being as the cases continue to rise.

This means addressing it is a must for every stakeholder, especially the Government and that’s many programs have been set aside to deal with this terminal illness that has claimed the lives of many people.

Also, eradicating mental illness means attaining sustainable development goals – SDG 3. This can be achieved through a wide range of promotive, preventive, and rehabilitative services set aside as programs to help deal with this sickness.

Frequently Asked Questions on Government Programs for Mental Illness 

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about government programs for mental sickness:

What’s a mental health program?  

A mental health program is a set-up in which there’s a provision of services for mental, neurologic, and substance use disorders at the primary level from assessment, treatment, and management to referral.

It also involves offering psychotropic drugs, which are medicines that are provided for free.

What are the things Government can do to support mental health?   

There are a ton of things the federal government can do to assist in dealing with mental health issues, including the provision of mental health block grants, which support the state in building out their community mental health services.

There’s also the support of the Federal Government in funding services and advocates for expanded and sustained funding for mental health services.

Are mental health programs effective as widely claimed?  

There’s been a ton of findings that show that mental health programs are effective in promoting good mental health and related outcomes in people.

For instance, studies conducted by FRIENDS have shown a reduction in anxiety and improved reading scores, and fewer suspensions of school due to mental health programs.

How can we promote adolescents’ mental health?    

There are a couple of ways in which parents can promote their children’s mental health, including a proper show of love, affection, and care for your kids. Parents must also show the commitment of knowing everything going on in the lives of their children.

As a parent, you also need to set aside quality time to enjoy some great moments with your children, so they get to feel your presence as their mother or father.

You also need to remind them that they can always confide in your regarding whatever that’s going on in their lives.

How do I handle mental health challenges?     

The first thing you should always take care of is taking good care of yourself. Always get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and also engage in some exercises, so you’re in shape at all times.

Don’t joke with lack of sleep; if you notice you aren’t getting much sleep, quickly reach out to your doctor for proper advice and medication to arrest this issue.

How does mental illness affect the brain? 

One of the things that get troubled with mental illness is the brain. This means the brain’s chemistry is negatively impacted, which leads to many other problems.

After this, there’s a disruption in the communication between the neurons.

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chibueze uchegbu | February 15th, 2022


The mental hospitals in Liverpool are worth knowing since mental health must be cared for at all costs.

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave.

People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder. Mental health can affect daily living, relationships, and physical health.

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder.

Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. Doing this involves reaching a balance between life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

Conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine.

Although the term mental health is in common use, many conditions that doctors recognize as psychological disorders have physical roots. In this article, we unveil the comprehensive list of mental hospitals in Liverpool;

Top mental hospitals in Liverpool

Let us take a look at the mental hospitals in Liverpool the United Kingdom;

Access Sefton

Address: Unit 5, Stella Nova, Washington Parade, Bootle L20 4TQ, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 300 303 2708

Website: Visit

Addiction treatment Liverpool

Address: The Foundry, 36 Henry St, Liverpool L1 5AY, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 706 7888

Aintree University Hospital

Address: Lower Ln, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 525 5980

Founded: 2006

Website: Visit

Ashworth Hospital by Mersey Care

Address: Parkbourn, Liverpool L31 1HW, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 473 0303

Care system: NHS

Website: Visit

Broadgreen Hospital

Address: Thomas Dr, Liverpool L14 3LB, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 706 2000

Number of beds: 180

Website: visit

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Chester Health Park, Liverpool Rd, Chester CH2 1BQ, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 1244 397397

Website: Visit

Clinical Partners Psychiatrists in Liverpool

Address: 88 Rodney St, Liverpool L1 9AR, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 3326 9160

Website: Click here

Clock View Hospital, Mersey Care NHS Trust

Address: 2a Oakhouse Park, Liverpool L9 1EP, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 330 7200

Website: Visit

Fresh CAMHS Liverpool

Address: Alder Rd, Liverpool L12 2AP, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 293 3662

Website: Visit

Gateway Recovery Centre | Elysium Healthcare

Address: Bennett’s Ln, Widnes WA8 0GT, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 422 2140

Website: visit

Gray Healthcare

Address: Building 2000 Vortex Court, Enterprise Way, Liverpool L13 1FB, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 255 2830

Website: visit

North Liverpool Community Mental Health Team

Address: Falklands Approach, Liverpool L11 5BS, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 737 4800

Rathbone Hospital

Address: Mill Ln, Old Swan, Liverpool L13 4AW, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 250 3000

Stoddart House

Address: Aintree Rd, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 151 529 3782

Importance of mental health institutions

There are a lot of challenges associated with mental health illnesses ranging from but not limited to stigma, negligence and high care costs.

It is estimated that more than 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression and in 2012 suicide was the 15th leading cause of death and the second leading cause of death for 15-29-year-olds worldwide (WHO, 2016).

In spite of these challenges, these institutions have been striving to make sure people are properly cared for despite their mental state.

Let’s take a look at some of the cardinal impacts of these mental hospitals in Liverpool;

Showing individuals respect and acceptance removes a significant barrier to successfully coping with their illness.

Having people see you as an individual and not as your illness can make the biggest difference for someone who is struggling with their mental health. With professional help from mental health services, most of these people enjoy improved life quality.

Types of mental disorders

There are many different types of mental disorders. Some common ones include:

  1. Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias
  2. Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders
  3. Eating disorders
  4. Personality disorders
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder
  6. Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia

Top causes of mental disorders

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as:

  • A mother’s exposure to viruses or toxic chemicals while pregnant
  • A traumatic brain injury
  • Biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain
  • Having a serious medical condition like cancer
  • Having few friends, and feeling lonely or isolated
  • Use of alcohol or recreational drugs
  • Your genes and family history

Signs of mental illness

  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability
  • Extremely high and low moods
  • Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
  • Social withdrawal
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

How to improve mental health

Here we have a comprehensive list on how to improve on your mental health;

  • Accept who you are
  • Be active
  • Care for others
  • Drink sensibly
  • Eat well
  • Engage in things your do better
  • Keep in touch
  • Rest
  • Seek for help
  • Talk about your feelings
  • Volunteer
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Playing games can be a good source for your mental exercise

Playing games can be a good source for your mental exercise – How?

chibueze uchegbu | February 8th, 2022


Playing games can be a good source for your mental exercise – How?

Usually, people think that playing games are a waste of time and mental health.  Well, excessive playtime of some games can indeed be harmful to kids, but not all games have bad impacts on mental health. 

Some games are considered a good source of exercise for both kids and adults.  Yes!  Scientific research has shown that certain brain games like puzzles, Sudoku, and chess have many health benefits.

If you want to know how playing games can be a good source of mental exercise, then we would suggest you read about the benefits we have discussed below:

How is playing games helpful for mental health?

Here are some of the reasons why mental games are considered to be helpful:

  • Games can help in mental stimulation

Playing brain games is considered very beneficial because almost every part of your brain is working in the process. 

When you are playing a game, your brain receives a higher level of thinking, and this is because every nerve is functioning at that moment. 

Mental stimulation depends on the game you are applying.  Playing games is not all about having fun, but it also involves strategizing analysis and thinking skills. 

  • Games provide a feeling of accomplishment 

When playing a game, there is always a goal or objective behind it.  So when you complete different levels, they would also feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction. 

Feeling of accomplishment in games helps you in the player’s overall well-being.  Getting trophies, points, or badges in games makes a young player happy!  Virtual achievements can change a person’s mindset and help them perform well in life too!

  • Games make you emotionally resilient 

Playing games is also considered an exercise because it helps you become emotionally resilient.  Games would not always provide you with a sense of accomplishment; sometimes, you face failure. 

Failure in games can be frustrating, but it helps you train your mind to be calm and positive when you face failure in real life. 

When you fail in a game, you try again, which is what it teaches you.  No matter how many times you fail in life, you have to keep trying again.

  • Games help in mental health recovery

A very big benefit of playing brain games today is contributing to mental health recovery.  Playing different mind games can easily help a person recover from mental trauma. 

This is why you would see today that health experts would usually recommend playing relaxing games to people going through depression, anxiety, trauma, or any stressful situation. 

You would be surprised to know that more than hundreds of dedicated anti-stress games applications on the web offer different kinds of games for stress release and satisfaction.

  • Games provide improved social Interactions 

Games are also a source of social interactions.  When you are playing multiplayer games, your brain automatically learns cooperation. 

As a person, it makes your mind more confident and helps you in real-time social interactions.  A person playing multiplayer games would feel easier to build relationships with new people than those who don’t show interest in games and are bookworms!

  • Games help you release stress

Playing games is one of the easiest ways of reducing stress.  You can find multiple antistress games that can help you calm your mind. 

Antistress games can help users take their minds off stressful events and strengthen the mind.  Mind relaxing games are considered to be very beneficial for boosting mood.  It doesn’t matter whether you are a kid or an adult; antistress games can easily cheer you up!

Game application for brain exercise!

Today you don’t have to create a gaming den for brain exercise, and you certainly don’t have to make time for playing games. 

This is because today, you have your gaming world at your fingertips.  You can install any game you like on your mobile phone and play it whenever you want. 

You can easily try the Antistress- Relaxing games app if you feel exhausted and stressed out because of uncertain events. 

This application provides more than fifty different mind-satisfying games under one digital roof.  On this game app, you will find mission-based, musical, mind-relaxing, and all kinds of games that can exercise your mind. 

The game is free to play and is best for people of all ages.  Even a kid can enjoy playing different games offered by the app. 

End words

It is high time that everyone should become aware of the positive effects of playing games on a player’s mind. 

Certain games promote violence and are not good for a child’s mental health, but that doesn’t mean that all games are a complete waste of time. 

In our opinion, the monitored playing of games should be promoted for the better mental growth of kids!

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Ways To Find Inner Peace

8 Ways To Find Inner Peace And Heal Your Body And Mind

chibueze uchegbu | November 26th, 2021


Here are proven 8 Ways To Find Inner Peace And Heal Your Body And Mind in a given period of time.

Life, as we know it, is unpredictable. Some days you’ll be on top of the world; other days, you’ll be sad without knowing why.

In this chaotic and sometimes tender whirlwind of life, serenity might seem like a feeling you hardly ever have the chance to experience.

So, ever wondered what’s missing?

Two words- inner peace.

We know it seems like a cliché, but it is much more than that. Inner peace soothes our minds and allows us to view our path clearly, helping us remain focused.

When you are at peace, you feel a sense of compassion and preparedness. Above all, you become unbothered by all the typical day-to-day worries.

On the other hand, some might assume that you can gain peace through diet and exercise. But, that only works for your physicality, not for your mind and soul.

For instance, a stressful situation causing horrid thoughts can lead to illness or physical pain. Meaning no amount of exercise or diet can save you from falling apart.

Here, gaining a balance between your body, mind, and soul by nurturing your whole self will help you form a shield against your negative thoughts.

Ways To Find Inner Peace And Heal Your Body And Mind

There are many things you can do in your life to achieve inner peace and wellness. Don’t know where to start? Here are a few ways that will help you navigate through life’s often turbulent waters more smoothly.

Keep your aura clean

Negative energy is real. It can cause stress, problems and drain your positive brain chemicals. Therefore, you need to get rid of it by cleansing your aura.

Keeping your aura unsoiled entails discovering ways to eradicate negative energies that can blur your wisdom and vision. The world is a horrible place.

There’s plenty of different energies in peoples’ electromagnetic fields. Even for the most spiritually in-tact person, it is all too easy for your aura to become muddied, drained, or mired with outside influences.

There are plenty of ways you can employ to clean your aura, including meditation, plunging into the water, carrying crystals, and so on.

However, it is best to have your soul and mind enriched by a professional. You can get an aura cleansing in Los Angeles through a well-reputable crystal healer and remove every bit of negative energy around you to find inner peace.

Similarly, turn to Google to look for professional aura cleansers near your location.

Let the anger go

You are only depriving yourself of inner peace if you hold on to your anger. Anger is the ultimate warship of your inner peace. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “It’s me, not you,” please know that it is true.

People will treat you in the way you allow them to. If you consider yourself a lovely person and someone tries to throw a fit at you, you need to know that it is their problem, not yours. Allowing yourself to become angry will only hurt you, not them.

If you want to achieve inner peace, you must learn to let go of your anger and recognize that anger cannot defeat itself.

Control your rage by displaying the opposite emotions – compassion, patience, love, and tolerance. Do this, especially if someone is angry with you or you are mad at yourself.

Acceptance is key

Say “yes” to whatever is happening at the moment. Don’t fight it; don’t struggle against it, and don’t argue with it. The present has arrived, and it is what it is. When you’re unhappy with the way things are right now, you’re dissatisfied with the entire universe.

No amount of disagreeing will change the fact that we are in the present moment. Arguing with the way things are now only added to the suffering.

Accept and admit defeat to what is rather than arguing about it. Then, ask yourself what you need to do in the present moment, and do it.

Meditation is miraculous 

We know it sounds woo-woo, but there’s a lot of power in deliberately shutting down your mind for at least a few minutes every day. Some of the most successful people, including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and even the late Steve Jobs, swear by daily meditation.

When you meditate, you give your mind a break from the usual stimulation. The process allows you to reason more clearly and feel calmer.

Another good part is you don’t have to meditate for an extended time. Begin with 2 minutes, then 5 minutes, and so on. It takes practice, just like anything else, and you should start small.

Write your thoughts

Writing things down may give you peace of mind by getting them off your mind. When you’re experiencing stress, take a few minutes to jot down some quick thoughts about your feelings or how your day is going.

You could do this on your smartphone’s app for taking down notes or in an actual notebook. Don’t worry about being poetic or correctly spelling everything. Simply expressing yourself will help you relieve some of your stress and give you peace of mind.

Mind what you eat

You may be oblivious to how bad you feel because you’ve become accustomed to it. For one week, try eating the way you know you should.

Take note of the shift in your mood. Investigate meals that can make your memory better, increase your focus, and make you feel better about yourself.

Now, experiment with eating junk food to see what happens to your mood and overall sense of well-being. You’ll feel as if you’ve been hit by a truck. So keep harmful edibles and drinks at bay. We strongly advise consulting with a doctor to manage this tip.

Use the Superman Pose to gain power and calmness

If you practice Bikram yoga, the Superman pose is essentially the full Locust position (airplane position). The only difference is the hands and arms stretch out to the front rather than the sides. You lie on your stomach on the floor, your arms extended in front of you.

Simultaneously, you spread your legs behind you and keep them straight. Hold that position for ten seconds. It’s an excellent workout if you’re groggy, overstimulated, sidetracked, or antsy.

Be grateful

Our faith, love, and belief should be deeply rooted, and then everything else will take care of itself. The thought, “I am blessed,” can help you overcome any failure.

When you realize you are blessed, all of your problems and grumblings fade away, as do your insecurities, and you become contented, peaceful, and grateful.

Conclusion on ways to find inner peace

Believe it or not, inner peace can help you move life’s heaviest mountains with a nice amount of emotional grit and resilience.

With the above-said tips, you can take control of your stress and negative thoughts by learning how to relax and not give a flying frog about anything that doesn’t need your reaction. And yes, achieving inner peace takes time, but you can get there with a bit of dedication.

Just remember NOT to let the chaos of life get the best of you; have some patience, and good things will come your way.

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Can CBD help you treat mental health conditions

Can CBD help you treat mental health conditions?

chibueze uchegbu | November 10th, 2021


Can CBD help you treat mental health conditions? Everything you ought to know about CBD is comprehensive

Health consists of behavioral, social, mental, and physical wellness, and if you feel any difficulties among any of these factors, you might not fall into a good state of health.

There are many cases where people get treatment only for physical pain like fever, injury, or other health issues, but most ignore their mental health.

Healthcare experts state that mental health issues have become a cause for concern, and according to data;

  • 1 in 4 people in any year will experience mental health issues.
  • 1 in 5 employed Americans will suffer from anxiety, or depression in any year.

Mental health issues could make your life quality very poor. Research points out that sometimes a cultural mindset prevents the person from treating these health issues.

To get better treatment, you may use natural therapy like Cannabidiol (CBD) for better mental health conditions. Let us have a better understanding of how CBD could help prevent these disorders and what its benefits are.

Meaning of Cannabidiol

CBD, a chemical known as Cannabinoid, is found in the cannabis or marijuana plant. It is one of the numerous chemicals found within the marijuana plant. CBD is not as psychoactive as the other cannabinoids, such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the “high” sensation associated with marijuana. Sunday Scaries CBD sleep oil is developed by extracting the compound from the Cannabis plant.

This quality of CBD makes it an effective option in treating mental conditions without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or other prescribed drugs.

Benefits of CBD

Below are some of the benefits of CBD;

CBD for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Nightmares, fearfulness, intrusive thoughts, and weakness are symptoms of PTSD that affect your quality of life.

70% of adults in the US reported that they have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives.

CBD is believed to work in a similar way to antidepressants (medicine to treat depression).  Our body produces endocannabinoids that CBD stimulates and increases the level of neurotransmitters like serotonin and induces a sense of well-being. That way, you may experience negligible stress and more joy in your life.

CBD for Anxiety

Due to high pressure and an imbalanced work-life, most working professionals suffer from anxiety that affects their mental health. The most commonly occurring mental illness is anxiety disorders in the US that affect roughly 18% of the population, according to a study.

You may suffer from anxiety due to many reasons, from uncontrollable fear of the future to excessive mental strain that results in weakness, confusion in your day-to-day tasks, and anxious thoughts.

CBD stimulates your brain receptors like CB1 and CB2 for serotonin- a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood and social behavior compared to other pharmaceutical drugs, which cause several side effects like drowsiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, agitation, and headache.

CBD has anti-anxiety effects that make it practical for other anxiety disorders like Social Anxiety Disorder (which could be reduced by 600mg of CBD dosage for the people suffering from SAD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

In Another study, researchers found that a 300mg dose of CBD effectively reduced anxiety significantly.

CBD for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a common mood-related disorder that alters a person’s mood dramatically. Around 10% of people in the US have bipolar disorder at least once in their lifetimes. These disorders also affect the professional and personal lives of individuals.

CBD is widely considered an effective measure to reduce the severity of bipolar disorder that helps those who try to maintain a stable mood throughout the day. CBD shows promising results for all the mood-related disorders that an individual suffers.

CBD for Sleep

Sleeplessness is a mental issue that affects an individual’s overall health and alters your ability to think and act. The lack of rest transforms into a long-term health disorder that not only impacts your sleep quality adversely but also impacts your quality of life.

You may use CBD oil for adequate sleep and mental stability. It regulates brain activities and increases the levels of melatonin hormones (often used for short-term treatment of insomnia) in your body.

You may use CBD tinctures in a variety of nutritious recipes to add Cannabidiol to your body.

Drawbacks of using CBD products

Research is still being conducted on the effectiveness of CBD products for the treatment of mental disorders. If you are willing to consume CBD products, do consult with your physician as there are some drawbacks also that may affect your mental health. These are;

  1. Dry Mouth
  2. Reduced appetite.
  3. Low blood pressure
  4. Lightheadedness and drowsiness.

Precautions and Warnings

  1. It may be harmful if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child, as CBD products are contaminated with potentially harmful ingredients for the baby.
  2. People with liver disease may need to take lower doses of CBD products.
  3. A high dosage of CBD may cause Parkinson’s disease (a disorder of the central nervous system that affects the body’s movement) in some people.

Final Thoughts on Can CBD help you treat mental health conditions? 

Self-treatment may lead to a delay in your treatment or might make symptoms worse. Also, these mental ailments affect your daily life.

That is why you must consult with your physician before consuming any CBD products to treat your mental illness because such researches are still being done to find more methods and benefits of CBD on mental health.

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What is a Mental Health Counselor?

What is a Mental Health Counselor?

chibueze uchegbu | November 7th, 2021


What is a Mental Health Counselor? or should we say who is a mental health counselor? One’s mental health must be cared for at all costs.

A mental health counselor is a highly trained and experienced professional who assists people suffering from mental and emotional distress.

With the use of different therapeutic techniques, he helps patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and other medical health conditions.

Introduction to What is a Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counseling continues to be one of the most critical medical professions as the number of people living with mental health conditions continues to grow daily.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in every 5 adults in the US lives with mental health illness.

In addition to the excellent grasp of mental health issues by mental health experts, they are also required to fulfill a ton of professional criteria before they are eligible for licensure to practice.

They have to pass clinical and rigorous examinations, coupled with supervised work experience under a seasoned and licensed mental health counselor, before being able to practice.

These professionals work well in treating patients’ emotional and behavioral aspects of mental health and substance use conditions.

They promote leading healthy lifestyles, identifying personal stressors and levels of functioning, and preserving or restoring mental health conditions.

If a mental health condition is left untreated, it may lead to irreparable damage to the mind and the body, which ultimately interferes with peoples’ relationships and works.

Furthermore, If you or any of your loved ones are going through any mental illness by chance, the wise thing you should consider doing is visiting a mental health counselor to assist in dealing with the issue.

Is mental health counselor also a psychologist?

Though both mental health counselors and psychologists may be offering the same services as assisting the victims of depression and any cognitive-related illness, there are differences with regards to their training, education, and licensure.

For instance, mental health counselor holds an accredited master’s degree in counseling, coupled with two to three years of experience in supervised counseling practice.

Some of their professional designations are; Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor of Mental Health (LPCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

On the flip side, a clinical psychologist holds a Ph.D. degree in the related field, coupled with a ton of field experience in research and practice.

Unlike in the case of a mental health counselor, a psychologist can easily switch career to following academic research due to the level of theoretical loads he has been exposed to and can also pursue the common career of being a clinical psychologist.

Ways through which a mental health counselor helps patient 

One of the good things about how a mental health counselor helps a patient is by providing a great space to talk about a person’s issue.

He considers the preference of an individual and gives absolute respect to the wishes. Also, he proceeds in offering actionable advice and supports to deal with whatever issues one is going with.

He completely understands whatever problem a person is going through via properly identifying issues that affect mental health.

Then he proceeds to chart out effective ways to help the patient deal with the issue and over the illness.

With the acquired requisite knowledge and skills via high-quality training of a mental health counselor, he can easily recognize the symptoms of anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.

He helps people of diverse backgrounds and life-experience tackle issues such as phobia, anger management, bereavement, eating disorders, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and family challenges.

Furthermore, it’s not uncommon to find a counselor who receives special training to help people going through challenges such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, and trauma.

He helps in dealing with the root cause of an issue a person is facing head-on and provides tested and proven coping strategies so patients can work out solutions themselves.

Another good thing about these professionals is that they don’t claim to know it all, as they may refer a patient for further consultation with consultant doctors if the need arises.

Mental health counselors are compassionate and non-judgmental, and this is the more reason many people prefer to see a counselor than talking to their family members about some issues.

How to choose a mental health counselor 

So you’ve decided it’s high time you visited a mental health counselor to assist with your issues; you don’t know who should be your best bet as there are many of them out there?

Choosing the best counselor to help with your journey of self-recovery is quite important, and you must give it all it takes to achieve that.

Here are a couple of things you should consider when choosing your mental health counselor:

  • Experience and qualification
  • Area of expertise
  • Philosophy of counseling
  • Techniques and tools
  • Costs and insurance coverage

One thing is crucial also here; your counselor must be a person you’re comfortable with. This way, you will be able to disclose every single detail about the issue you’re facing, so he can appropriately assist you in the best ways possible.

What this means is, if your current counselor isn’t someone you are comfortable with due to one reason or the other, your best bet is to look for another one.

How much Does a Mental Health Counselor Charge?  

The cost of a mental health counselor isn’t as much as other health professionals and largely depends on location and treatment.

According to Jennifer Froemal, the cost of a mental health counselor on average for a 60-minute section is $104, and the range is between $65 to $140.

You are sure of finding some counselors who charge using the sliding payment scale, which means they charge the patients based on the amount they can afford to pay for the session.

Final Thoughts on What is a Mental Health Counselor?

A mental health counselor isn’t your average and lovely friend who gives you support anytime you run into trouble. A counselor has undergone a series of clinical experiences and high-quality education, coupled with following a strict ethical code of conduct before being given a license to practice.

This professional is an impartial third party that gives ultimate support in tackling life challenges, including severe depression and the inability to handle recent life issues.

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How to Become a Mental Health Therapist

chibueze uchegbu | November 5th, 2021


Allow us to give you the right approach on How to Become a Mental Health Therapist

Are you interested in becoming a mental health therapist but aren’t sure what path to take to achieve that?

Introduction to How to Become a Mental Health Therapist

A mental health therapist is a rewarding career choice as you will have the opportunity to assist people in dealing with their cognitive challenges more often.

According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 43 million American adults have mental difficulties every year.

This figure is so high and also stresses the importance of the profession of mental health therapy. Mental issues, in addition to hard drugs, dementia, and childhood trauma continue to make the demand for licensed mental health therapists high.

This article will work you through the important steps to be taken if you must be among the mental health therapists making a real difference in today’s health sector.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get right into it!

Pursue and Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

You need to follow a bachelor’s degree and earn it to be a mental health therapist. However, you don’t need to major in psychology or sociology to obtain a graduate degree in mental therapy.

Furthermore, many notable persons in the field have advised every prospective therapist to get a good foundation in these subjects, as doing so makes the journey quite easy to follow.

According to Franc Hudspeth, courses in human growth and development assist students to comprehend the process of human growth while giving them a clearer understanding of the transitions that take place during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

There’s also a need to take classes that focus on cultural diversity as these professionals would be working with people from different socioeconomic and multicultural backgrounds.

Complete a Master’s Degree in a Related Subject

Another important step to take if you want to become a mental health therapist is to follow a master’s degree program related to mental therapy.

By standard, mental health specialist is expected to complete 60 credits hours of graduate modules in counseling.

Courses should cut across themes such as research methods and program evaluation, substance use disorders, group counseling and addictions, and diagnosis of emotional and mental disorders.

Also, budding therapists should learn to work individually with little or no supervision during this coursework, as this is one of the major requirements of the field.

You must be able to take as much as possible, skills, and requisite knowledge from the program. You also must develop your listening skills, which will foster your ability to clearly hear peoples’ ideas without hassles and make the needed mental notes.

Develop your Soft Skills

You must also work on your soft skills as they are needed skills when you start practicing.

The best time to do this is when you’re still following your degrees, you should set aside time to work on these soft skills.

Here are some of the skills you should develop:

  •  Empathy 

Trying to understand the way your patients feel is one of the surefire ways of assisting them with whatever challenges they are facing.

Empathy makes you assist the patients more objectively about their experiences.

  • Active listening 

Every therapist must develop their listening skills so as to be able to understand every detail about the challenges the patients are undergoing.

It’s when you know this that you can assist them well. One important strategy here is that it’s a good practice for the therapist to repeat often what the patients have said so that they know you are indeed following everything they are saying.

  • Communication 

As you continue to practice as a therapist, you will get to encounter patients who aren’t comfortable spilling every detail about them.

But with the use of advanced communication skills, you can get every detail about these patients. This is one of the reasons why every mental health therapist needs to develop communication skills.

To promote a comfortable and successful section, you must adopt different communication styles to suit the patient you are trying to help.

Also, you may have to break down the complex concept to them, and this can only be possible with great communication skills in place.

Complete a Clinical Work

If you want to be a licensed mental health therapist, there’s a need for you to complete thousand of logged and clinical hours under supervision.

The purpose of this is to intimate you with the practical aspect of the coursework you have done while pursuing your studies.

Many undergraduate and graduate degree programs have been structured in such a way that there are practical clinics where students can attend to patients under licensed and well-experienced therapists.

This brings them to the realities of the profession, and they also get to put everything they have learned theoretically to use.

Apply for Licensure 

If you want to be a mental health therapist, the next thing to do is to apply to sit for the state’s legally required licensure exam.

This can only be done after you have completed your degrees in an appropriate subject.

The state licensure exam covers the psychological theories of therapy and the state’s laws regarding mental treatment.

To remain licensed, there’s a need to complete 40 hours of continuing further studies every two years.

Root for Voluntary Certificates 

There are many voluntary certifications you should root for as a budding mental health therapist. These certificates highlight how exceptional therapists in various therapy specializations.

The certificates include certified clinical mental health counselors and nationally certified counselors.

Work on your Resume and Cover Letter 

Now there’s a need to put the icing on the cake by positioning yourself for the life-changing career of being a mental health therapist by working on your resume and cover letter.

You must show the employer you are the ideal candidate for the position by carefully and concisely putting all the information on paper.

Ensure you include your education, relevant courses you did, and details about the clinical experience. What roles have you played and the achievements you’ve had throughout working as a volunteer.

Also, the cover letter must show the motivation for applying for a mental health therapist role and the relevant experience you’ve had that makes you an ideal candidate. You should also include the future plans as to what you intend to do in the coming years.

Final Thoughts on How to Become a Mental Health Therapist

From the foregoing, it can be conveniently said that becoming a mental health therapist isn’t rocket science but certainly not as easy as a walk in the park.

You’ve got to work towards achieving this lofty goal of being a human helper. This is a respectful and rewarding profession, and every person seems to know and want to associate with you.

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Mental Health Issues in Australia

Mental Health Issues in Australia

chibueze uchegbu | October 29th, 2021


Let’s take a look at the mental health issues in Australia alongside other challenges faced by the Australian healthcare sector.

The Australian health care system is one of the highly respected systems worldwide, with an average person having a high life expectancy and low child mortality.

However, recent health issues in Australia brought about by factors such as the aging population and chronic illness have continued to issue a significant threat to the outstanding mark the system has ever made.

Introduction to mental health issues in Australia

Despite the considerable investment by the Government towards the provision of quality healthcare to all Australians, about 47% of people have suffered from one or more chronic conditions, and 4.8 million Australians had mental or behavioral conditions in 2018, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

These figures are a big reason to worry about for the Government, stakeholders, and every Australian.

In this piece, we’ll be talking about some of the major setbacks of Australia’s Health Care System.

Ready to learn more? Kindly read along!

List of top health issues in Australia

Below is the list of the healthcare issues facing the Australian government;

Mental Issues in Australia 

According to World Health Organization, mental health is a critical component of a person’s overall health and well-being.

If anything compromises this, then the overall well-being of that person is jeopardized. Sadly, a recent report from the Nation Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing revealed that an estimated 1 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 experienced a mental disorder in 2008.

Judging from the above statistics, this is pretty much as this affects the individual and the families taking care of the victim. The prevalence of this illness is always around mid-to-late adolescence, which is around 18 to 24 years old compared to the other age group.

Common mental health issues in Australia include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and substance use disorders.

One major setback in caring for the victims is that many do not access any treatment and keep it themselves. Some victims are delayed with regard to treatment due to serious problems in the proper diagnosis of the illness.

The good news is that the primary health care services are doing a great job addressing signs of mental disorders in children and young people. The Government is doing its best to rescue the situation as it budgeted about $511 million on mental health-related subsidized prescriptions under the pharmaceutical benefits. However, there’s a need for continuous provisions of assistance to make the efforts sustainable.

Cost of Innovative Technology 

It’s a great thing to have new technology that will improve the efficiency with which doctors work in delivering the best healthcare services to the people, but the technology’s cost is always a setback considering it’s skyrocketing prices.

Listing such innovative technologies for subsidy through Medicare won’t arrest the situation but rather increase their availability and use.

No doubt, Australia is one of the developed countries with an amazing record in assessing a new pharmaceutical product, judging from the principles of cost-effectiveness.

However the assessment of these new interventions isn’t comprehensive and lacks the rigor applied to these new pharmaceutical products and vaccines.

There are a couple of criteria in Australia in determining access to new technology, and these things are different across public and private hospitals. For instance, expensive cancer drugs aren’t yet available.

Changing Healthcare demography

The aging population in the nation challenges the health system’s capacity to maintain wellness and overall health.

The life expectancy of an average Australian is 73 years, but this is always accompanied by increasing disability from severe illness and makes this group of people vulnerable and need constant medical attention.

Furthermore, the Federal Treasury’s intergeneration report revealed that the aging of the population has little effect on spending.

This means the aging population isn’t a major element of rising health costs. But diseases associated with old age pose a greater medical challenge.

The preventive initiatives meant to get to those at risk aren’t reaching as it is always concentrated in the acute care sector with few links to community care.

Present days Health Workforce 

Another health issue in Australia is the preference of health professionals on how to practice. The present day’s doctors don’t want to work for extended hours compared to what was obtainable in the past years.

Also, the number of female health professionals continued to surge, unlike their male counterparts.

The increase in the number of female doctors highlights the issue of balancing work with family life, which is one of the setbacks to the quality of healthcare delivery nowadays.

Decisions on where to live and practice can be pretty difficult to meet outside the metropolis, which has affected the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals.

The truth is, there are severe healthcare shortages in professions such as general practitioners, nurses, dentists, and various key allied healthcare professionals.

These shortages are more pronounced in rural and remote regions as many healthcare workers wouldn’t want to serve in such localities.

Presently, overseas-trained health professionals make up more than 25% of the total medical workforce compared to what we had in the last decade.

Health Inequality 

The improvements in the average life expectancy of an average Australian in recent decades have been remarkable, but health gains have been unequally shared across genders in recent times.

Women do better than men, and the educated population living within the metropolis does better than people living in rural areas.

The continued disparity in access to quality healthcare services among people is a big subject of discussion, which needs to be streamlined and fairly defined. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that if all people experience the same death rates as the disadvantaged population, thousands of fewer deaths will be experienced annually.

Conclusion 

There are many health issues in Australia, which, regardless of race, gender, and social class, must drive a sustainable search for effective and lasting solutions to these challenges.

Yes, the willingness of the Federal Government to invest in public hospitals is pertinent but not enough to drive the needed improvement in the sector.

In the 21 century, the solutions to these issues must recognize the fact that innovative approaches to prevention, and primary and acute care will be required to tackle these problems sustainably.

The focus should be on the root causes, not the peripheral aspect of the nation’s challenges.

We are open to suggestions, and commendations. Kindly air your view in the comment box below.

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Role of the Social Worker in Mental Health Settings

Role of the Social Worker in Mental Health Settings

chibueze uchegbu | October 13th, 2021


The Role of the Social Worker in Mental Health Settings can never be overemphasized

Mental health often gets downplayed. It is the way we think, feel and perceive our surroundings. Several factors control mental health.

These factors can be limited to external and internal environments. Unfortunately, much of mental health is still under work.

So what little we understand about it is not enough to help people, especially when they have signs and symptoms of a condition.

Introduction to the Role of the Social Worker in Mental Health Settings

If your mental health is not doing well, it intervenes with your everyday life. Some conditions need a psychiatric diagnosis, while some need initialization.

Related: Free mental health first aid course

That is one of the reasons why mental health gets such a bad name. No one likes the idea of being told mentally they’re suffering. This is why social workers can be pivotal when shortening the bridge between the community and their health.

Social workers are professionals who work with different members of any society to help them get better. So for important issues like mental health, here’s how they can help.

Role of the Social Worker in Mental Health Settings

  • Work with Different Communities

It is essential to understand what mental health conditions each community is going through. While communities can have similar mental health patterns, they may have different requirements. When a social worker works with these communities, they can narrow down how they can help. For example, if someone has depression, their treatment differs from those who have schizophrenia.

Mental health conditions cannot be treated like a continuation of the same disease. Each situation is different and has its own traits. Working with diverse communities can also help social workers gauge how much mental health conditions influence each other.

Moreover, with so many problems like mental health issues in the community, the demand for social workers is increasing rapidly.

That is the reason individuals are attracted more to this field. Therefore, aspirants can opt for degrees like MSW no GRE required, and focus on helping individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations from a holistic perspective.

  • Educate Communities

Education is the only way out of breaking people free from stigma and stereotypes. It is essential to confront the mindset directly. Explain how mental health is not shameful or immoral instead a mixture of different factors.

These factors include social, genetic, and even domestic. Once there’s an understanding of established mental health, the next step is talking about some mental health conditions.

For example, social workers can talk about how new mothers can experience postpartum depression after a baby. Mothers feel isolated and are often misguided about what they’re going through mentally.

Social workers can help remove the shame and guilt surrounding these notions. They can guide people if they experience any symptoms where they can find help.

Social workers can also teach mental health-sensitive language, which leads people to support each other and not shame.

  • Conduct Group Counselling

Mental health awareness and support groups are essential. While social workers may need an extra degree and training to become proper counselors, they can provide professional counseling.

Social workers can invite people to sit in a group and give them the space to talk about their mental health. Support groups are designed to help people feel connected to each other. It allows people to share experiences that make them feel isolated.

The counseling method goes beyond encouraging people to talk to each other. People get taught different coping techniques, are encouraged to check into therapy, and even do their homework to help them understand their condition better.

  • Draw a Relationship Between Substances Abuse and Mental Health

Not everyone who abuses substances has mental health issues, but substance abuse cases stem from mental health. People who have severe to mild cases of mental health issues resort to substances to cope. Substances slow down brain function and make a person feel numb. Mental health can get worse with substance abuse.

If immediate help does not get provided, a person’s health can deteriorate further. It includes checking the person into rehab and cleaning them off any substances. After which, they are sent into therapy and administered proper care. If a therapist feels that a person’s mental health needs extensive help, they may be encouraged to see a psychiatrist. If assistance is not given, a person can resort to hurting themselves and others.

  • Understand Domestic Abuse and the Cycle of Abuse

Domestic abuse can stem from mental health issues. There are numerous factors at play when it comes to domestic violence. Social workers can intervene and involve the police to prevent any domestic cases from escalating.

Domestic abuse cases are difficult to deal with. A social worker’s job is to make sure that vulnerable members such as children and women are safe and help with any injuries. These individuals also need help with their mental health.

There is lingering trauma that can impact a person’s health and push them into propagating further abuse. Mental health assessments are also delivered by the preparator. Domestic violence cases can become court cases. However, if the perpetrator’s mental health doesn’t stand, the case can go unresolved.

  • Encourage People to See a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are trained professionals who can provide medications if necessary. Social workers can help identify people who are struggling with mental health issues. These can include mild anxiety, mild panic, and borderline depression.

However, once mental health issues enter dangerous territories, such as extreme cases of depression and mental health disorders, they need help. Social workers can ensure that the family cooperates during the patient’s treatment.

They can explain what the family can do, such as offering support and keeping their emotional health in check. Social workers can be advocates for mental health patients ensuring that mental health facilities are safe.

Conclusion on Role of the Social Worker in Mental Health Settings

Social workers play an essential role in mental health. These professionals can help the public health sector define mental health and work on educating people. Social workers can also help people identify what mental health looks like.

It also includes assisting people in communicating with those struggling with mental health issues. Methods of care involve assisting people in understanding and seeking counseling. In extreme cases, social workers can draw a parallel between domestic violence and mental health.

They can even find evidence of how substance abuse may stem or lead to mental health issues. While most social workers can intervene to provide help, they’re not trained to provide psychiatric care. Social workers can also provide patient advocacy for patients who decide to seek help.

All these factors only show how important social workers are in keeping society in harmony.

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