The establishment of a Board of Certified Professional Counselors increases the professionalism of counselors. It assures the public of the counselor's competence, protects the profession and the counselor, and determines qualification for entrance into the profession. (JAC)

Because of changes in mental health and rehabilitation services to mentally disabled persons, the primacy of vocational placement has come under scrutiny. Residential placement plays an important role in the client's coping. A new view of the prominence of vocational placement in the context of community adjustment is provided. (Author)

Evaluates the usefulness of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a routine measure to screen for emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents referred to a community child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). Results reveal that the SDQ is sensitive in detecting emotional and behavioral problems and may…

Surveys leaders from various roles in the managed-care and mental-health professions to identify current and future marketplace trends affecting the clinical practice of mental-health counseling. Identifies training and continuing education needs based upon these interviews. (Author/GCP)

Factors that contribute to resilience provide a framework for demonstrating how mental health professionals can build on strengths in adolescents in a violence reduction program. Article profiles the resilient youth as one who is optimistic, empathetic, has a caring temperament, and can attract friendships. (Author/JDM)

Compares mental health services from Anglo-American and Native perspectives, focusing on the cultural self as a suggested locus for greater credibility and increased use of these services. Recommends cultural competence as a model for community-specific policy for the design and implementation of services to increase the probability of…

A former mental health counselor and managed-care case manager provides insights on dealing with managed care organizations. Offers suggestions on how mental health counselors can develop working relationships with case managers, do treatment planning, submit claims forms, and resolve disputes. (Author/JDM)

The Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) are both highly effective and empirically validated psychosocial approaches to the treatment of addictions whose unique designs may help achieve certain public health objectives. Literature will be reviewed to examine the potential impact of CRA and…

The Asian Women's Health Project undertook four activities to develop a model for delivery of family planning services to Asian and Pacific women: (1) a key informant survey was used to collect data from Asian and Pacific community, social, and health workers currently serving Asian and Pacific men and women; (2) an information and referral review…

Because previous studies that focus on undocumented aliens (those residing in the United States illegally) fail to define the barriers that inhibit use of mental health services, the proposed model considers these barriers and outlines ways in which social workers employed in mental health institutions can actively help undocumented Mexican…

Discusses four areas of research in health communication and how to make them more useful for the future. (VLC)

Results of evaluation research studies, even those that are meticulously designed and carefully executed, often are not implemented. This article examines some of the critical factors that mediate between the carrying out of evaluation research and the utilization of findings. To illustrate these factors, two case studies are analyzed. (Author/EGS)

A significant minority of teens and preteens suffer from anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, behavior problems, and drug and alcohol addiction. Others have low self-esteem, difficulty coping, and feelings of insecurity. Given the harmful consequences of such disorders, policymakers and practitioners should be alert to teens…

Primary prevention addresses issues which are not yet identified as problematic for a specific population. Primary prevention programs typically: (1) are oriented toward a group, rather than an individual; (2) have a before-the-fact quality that implies the population is not maladjusted; and (3) offer programs with the intention of preventing…

The role of the consultant in the mental health consultation process has been marked by disagreement. One view maintains that consultation should be a collaborative venture between consultant and consultee. Alternately, another view holds that consultants should make use of their expert power and direct the consultation process. Empirical evidence…