Question

Read the case study below:

Shane is a 12-year-old 7th grader at Willow Creek Middle School. He received strong grades until 4th grade. He is currently failing 5 of his 6 classes. The only class he is not failing is PE. His teachers report that Shane does not pay attention and have stated that he “frequently appears preoccupied.” Shane’s mom is a single parent and Shane does not have any contact with his dad. There are reports that Shane’s father had “mental problems” before he abandoned his family two years ago. In addition, before the father left the family it is suspected that Shane (and his siblings) witnessed frequent violent domestic battles. On at least one occasion these fights resulted in his mother’s hospitalization. Ms. Jenkins has three other children: John a 17-year-old boy, Matt a 10-year-old boy and Jennifer an 8-year-old girl. Matt and Jennifer are doing okay in school, but John is in serious trouble due to truancy and substance abuse. Both Shane and John have frequent arguments with their mother, each other, and with their siblings. Shane has a group of friends who he spends most evenings with. His mother has not been able to impose a curfew.

Answer the following questions:

1. To what extent do you feel that consultation services will be able to address these challenges?

2. Do you think referral to a community mental health care provider is indicated? If “NO,” when (under what circumstances) would such a referral become appropriate? If “YES,” to which type of mental health professional would you refer the student?

3. Would group counseling be appropriate for this student? If “YES,” what type of group? If “NO” under what circumstances would this intervention become appropriate?

4. Would individual counseling be appropriate for this student? If “YES,” what would be the focus of the counseling sessions? If “NO” under what circumstances would this intervention become appropriate?

5. At any point in this student’s history would crisis intervention have been (or currently be) appropriate? If ‘YES,” what would be the primary goal of such intervention?

6. Might this student be eligible for special education according to ED eligibility criteria? (you will need to research ED eligibility) Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

1. A consultation service could be the first step in achieving a desired balance in the life of the patient. It would involve interaction between the patient, his mother and a mental healthcare specialist to identify and rectify the issue at hand. The patient stands a good chance to benefit from the expertise of the specialist.

2. Yes, a referral is required. The patient can be referred to-

a. Psychologist- They have training in specific forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other behavioral therapy interventions.

b. Counselors or therapists- These masters-level health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs.

c. Clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs.

3. Yes, group therapy is appropriate. Initially the initiation will be difficult as being teenagers they are reluctant to share their problems, but with proper guidance and care of these group would lead to a platform where they can share their issues and bring cohesiveness among them. The behavior group therapy is ideal for this case.

4. Yes, this would be appropriate as well as it would help in better understanding of the psychology and issues with the patient. Also speaking to a single person would help the patient to open up to his problems in how he feels, rather than in a group which would require more time. Individual concerns can also be addressed easily in group.

5. No, this is not required as such. Primary counselling and behavior therapy is sufficient for now.

6. Actually, there is no definite rules for determining who is eligible for special education. Criteria states that to qualify for special education services, a child must have one of the 13 disabilities as defined by IDEA AND the impact of the disability must create a need for services.

Here, the student exhibits emotional disturbance which accounted for 7.5% of cases for special education.

However, here the student’s performance is NOT hindered by his disability. Hence, he may not qualify for services, even if they have one of the thirteen disabilities. Consequently, determining if a child is eligible is not cut and dry. It really depends on the child and their specific situation