Explain how addressing the question or controversy might be an area for social change.

Discussion 3: Questions and Controversies for Social Change

Professionals often find it hard to think beyond the daily challenges of any field. Immediate demands prevent opportunities to reflect on ideas for change that might benefit people and communities. However, the need for social change permeates the work that mental health professionals do on a daily basis. How important is it for mental health professionals to find the time to advocate for social change? How can mental health professionals make a difference in the lives of people beyond their own clients?

For this Discussion, reflect on the question or controversy you selected for your final paper. Consider how this may present an opportunity for social change.

o   Post an explanation of how the question or controversy intersects clinical psychopharmacology and the mental health profession.

o   Explain how addressing the question or controversy might be an area for social change.

o   If possible, integrate lessons learned from the “Scholars of Change” videos into your reflection.

References (use 2 or more)

Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Walden University (n.d.). Social change. Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.waldenu.edu/about/social-change

Discussion 4: Cultural and Contextual Considerations

Mental health professional’s appreciation for culture and context extend beyond general understandings of people grouped by factors like ethnicity and sexual orientation. Mental health professionals invest in understanding the deep, underlying components of all the things that come together to make our clients who they are.

When culture and context are at odds with societal norms and hegemonic expectations, mental health professionals may need to work with clients to help instill and utilize resources to cope with the possibility of negative messages from society. In addition, mental health professionals work together with clients, for clients, and with other professionals to make changes. Consider how collaborating with others promotes positive changes in client well-being. How might collaboration through advocacy result in alternative approaches for addressing cultural or contextual considerations in treatment recommendations?

For this Discussion, view the media “Multicultural and Contextual Considerations Case Study: Marisol”in the Learning Resources. Consider new and alternative methods that mental health professionals could use to advocate for Marisol. (Transcript attached)

o   Postan explanation of how you would advocate for clients like Marisol.

o   Explain at least one strategy as a mental health professional you could facilitate culturally and contextually ethical treatment of clients.

References (use 3 or more)

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012e). Multicultural and contextual considerations case study: Marisol[Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Autho