Views and Experiences of Mental Health Counselors Toward Social Advocacy

Abstract

My purpose in this study was to observe the views and experiences of mental health counselors towards social advocacy. The subject selection methodology consisted of a convenience sample using a snowball method where contacts in the mental health field were encouraged to complete a questionnaire and forward the solicitation script (see attached) to other contacts in the mental health field. Child abuse was the area most frequently advocated in and utilizing phone calls and e-mails to legislatures and other government representatives was the most frequent method of advocacy employed. 36 % agreed that they had been successful in advocating for or against policy issues and 33% were unsure. There was a correlation of .21 between whether the participants completed a graduate level course or professional training centered on social advocacy and their views of whether or not it was a necessary task of mental health clinicians to engage in social advocacy. Future areas of research should address personal and situational factors affecting involvement in social advocacy, outcome measures, and graduate level training centered on social advocacy.