Question

Describe and discuss the various types of mental health professionals who care for patients.

Describe and discuss the concepts of voluntary and involuntary commitment.

Answer 1

1Multidiscipliniary approach refers to collaboration between members of different disciplines who provide services to their patients.it includes.

• Psychiatrist-is a medical doctor with special training in psychiatry.He is accountable for the medical diagnosis and treatment of patient.other functions include admitting patients into acute care setting,prescribing and monitoring psychopharmacologic agents,conducting individual and family therapy.
• Psychiatric Nurse-is a registered nurse with specialized training in the care and treatment of psychiatric patients.Functions include administering and monitoring medications,assisting in numerous psychiatric and physical treatments,teach patients and families,take responsibility for patients records.
• Clinical Psychologist-should have a MSc in Psychology with specialized training in mental health settings.He is accountable for psychological assessments,testing and treatments.He offers direct services such as individual,family or marital therapies.
• A Psychiatric social worker-have a Masterd Degree in Social Worker with specialized training in mental health settings.He is accountable for family case work and community placement of patients.He conducts group therapy sessions.
• An Occupational therapist-is accountable for recreational,occupational and activity programs.He assists the patients to gain skills that help them cope more effectively to gain or retain employment ,to use leisure time.
• A Counsellor provides basic supportive counselling and assists in psychoeducational and recreational activities.

2 A voluntary commitment is for persons 14 years of age or olderwho is experiencing a mental health crisis and feels that an inpatient stay is required for his own safety.if he considers mentally ill and wishes to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital may apply to the medical officer in-charge.if he is a minor ,the guardian can make this application on his behalf.

The medical officer should make inquiry within 24 hours and should admit the patient if he opines that treatment is required.The voluntary patient thus admitted is now bound to abide by the rules made by the institution.

An involuntary commitment(302) is an application for emergency evaluation and treatment for person who are dangerous to themselves or others due to a mental illness.For such purpose an application should be made out on his /her behalf by a relative or a friend of the mentally ill person,provided the medical officer deems fit.The medical officer in-charge mayorder the admisssion of a mentally ill patient if he thinks he is dangerous to himself or to others.However the patient should be produced before the magistrate within 24 hours ,or the magistrate himself may visit the psychiatric hospital /nursing home and pass reception order on examination. In every 302 a petitioner is required to sign the 302 and appear at a hearing