Group counseling psychiatry

PS521-4: Determine the ethical, legal, and socio-cultural appropriate practice in group counseling.

In a 5- to 7-page paper combining all prior reading and material, you will be assessing your personal and professional abilities as a group counselor and integrating the important aspect of cultural diversity. Also, using the case study of Beth M., an American Indian woman, you will demonstrate application of the ethical, legal, and socio-cultural appropriate practice within a group counseling setting.
TIP 8: A Brief Overview of Specific Mental Disorders and Cross-Cutting Issues

Project directions:

1.Identify the key components of the ethical, legal, and social-cultural practice that occur within group counseling.
a.Apply the case study of Beth M. to demonstrate understanding of
1.Ethical considerations
2.Legal implications
3.Socio-cultural practice suggestions
2.Explain how professional abilities as a group counselor may impact cultural diversity and the group process.
3.Assess personal cultural competency by providing a quality reflection of own skills and abilities.

Length: 5-7 pages including title and reference pages with a minimum of three references.
.
Provides a minimum of three different references on the topic of ethical, legal, and/or socio-cultural practice. Ensures that sources are current (within the last 10 years).

Case Study
Beth M. does not arrive for her next appointment, and when the counselor calls home, he learns from her roommate that Beth made an attempt on her life after leaving the substance abuse treatment center. She took an overdose of opioids (painkillers) and is recovering in the hospital. The emergency room staff found that Beth M. was under the influence of alcohol when she took the opioids.

Discussion: Although Beth M. provided information that showed she was depressed, the counselor did not explore the possibility of suicidal thinking. Counselors always should ask if the client has been thinking of suicide, whether or not the client mentions depression. An American-Indian client, in particular, may not answer a very direct question, or may hint at something darker without mentioning it directly. Interpreting the client's response requires sensitivity on the part of the counselor. It is important to realize that such questions do not increase the likelihood of suicide. Clients who, in fact, are contemplating suicide are more likely to feel relieved that the subject has now been brought into the light and can be addressed with help from someone who cares.

It is important to note that the client reports taking alcohol and pain medications. Alcohol impairs judgment and, like pain medications, depresses brain and body functions. The combination of substances increases the risk of suicide or accidental overdose. Readers are encouraged to think through this case and apply the assessment strategy included in the discussion of suicidality in appendix D, imagining what kind of answers the counselor might have received. Then, readers could consider interventions and referrals that would have been possible in their treatment settings.