ABSTRACT

Social workers and other licensed mental healthcare providers are affected by state statutes that require reporting when they are perceived as being in need of mental health treatment or when they receive such treatment. Such reporting could impact their ability to practice and dissuade practitioners from seeking help when needed. This commentary discusses various concerns with these statutes and makes recommendations for addressing them. Recommendations include developing clear statutory language, involving mental health providers who experience mental health issues in crafting statutes, enhancing choice in seeking and paying for treatment, and supporting the success of these practitioners.

摘要

社会工作者和其他获得许可的精神保健服务提供者会受到国家法规的影响，当他们被认为需要精神健康治疗或接受此类治疗时，需要进行报告。这种报告可能会影响他们练习和劝阻从业者在需要时寻求帮助的能力。该评论讨论了这些法规所涉及的各种问题，并提出了解决这些问题的建议。建议包括制定清晰的法定语言，让在制定法规时遇到精神健康问题的精神卫生提供者参与其中，增加寻求和支付治疗费用的选择，并支持这些从业者的成功。