Maximizing Mental Health Services: Proven Practices that Promote Emotional Well-Being

'Maximizing Mental Health Services: Evidence-Based Practices that Promote Emotional Well-Being' examines best therapeutic practices for patients, therapists, graduate professors, family members and all who struggle to find the most effective treatment modalities for those dealing with mental health challenges. Mental health issues are rising at an alarming rate, while positive therapeutic outcomes have not kept pace and remain low for many conditions, making an investigation of evidence-based treatment options critically important to the helping profession. While certain types of therapy bring success to specific clients, these modalities cannot be easily applied to all client profiles. Understanding the strengths of each modality and how to match them to the respective needs of the client will be emphasized. Furthermore, the impact of counselors’ own traits on the client-therapist relationship is an important and often overlooked topic that will be explored. Therapy practices have changed over the past decade to include non-traditional options; therefore, the authors investigate the ways in which these practices have either helped or hindered patient success. Lastly, the book offers readers information on resources for further information on the evidence-based practices presented within.

Acknowledgement

Foreword

Preface

Chapter One
The Mental Health Epidemic: An Introduction

Chapter Two
In Pursuit of Improved Therapeutic Outcomes: Understanding the Potency of Evidence-Based Practices

Chapter Three
Promoting Positive Change One Client at a Time: Evidenced-Based Individual Therapy Practices

Chapter Four
Engaging the Clan: Evidenced-Based Family Therapy Practices

Chapter Five
Expanding the Support System: Evidenced-Based Group Therapy Practices

Chapter Six
When it Takes Two to Make a Personal Life Work: Evidenced-Based Couples Therapy Practices

Chapter Seven
Respecting Individual Differences: Strategies for Working with Special Populations

Chapter Eight
Understanding the Value of the Therapist: Change Agent Characteristics that Promote Positive Outcomes

Chapter Nine
Contemporary Therapeutic Approaches: Cutting-Edge Practices with Promise

Chapter Ten
Professional Resources for Counselors: Organizations and EBP Resources

Acronyms

References

About the Authors

Nicholas D. Young, PhD, EdD has worked in diverse professional roles for more than 30 years, serving as a teacher, principal, counselor, special education director, graduate professor, graduate dean, superintendent of schools, and longtime psychologist with clinical and educational specialties. Dr. Young holds several graduate degrees including a PhD in educational administration and an EdD in psychology. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year and completed a distinguished Fulbright Program. Dr. Young has also published extensively in the fields of counseling, psychology, and education.

Melissa A Mumby, EdD has worked in various levels of K-12 education for over a decade. She began her career as a high school English and drama teacher and then transitioned into a role as a special educator, working with both middle and high school students. From there she became a special education coordinator for grades K-5, and eventually the special education director for grades K-12 at a local charter school. She is currently an educational team leader in an urban public school district in Massachusetts. She has written books and book chapters on strategies for helping underperforming students find success in the classroom.

Jennifer A. Smolinski, JD has worked in education for more than three years. Her role within higher education includes the creation of, and coordinator for, the Center for Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations at American International College located in Springfield, Massachusetts. She has also taught criminal justice and legal research and writing classes within the field of higher education. Prior to her work at the collegiate level, Attorney Smolinski worked as a solo-practitioner conducting education and disability advocacy. Attorney Smolinski received her law degree from Massachusetts School of Law.

Mental health, mental illness, well-being, emotional well-being, treatment modalities, evidence-based practices, evidence-based treatments, therapeutic outcomes, therapists, counselors, group therapy, couples therapy, special populations