This information is part three of a number of five that explores interesting, unique and significant trends within the mental health profession. Analyzing these changes frequently leads to exciting possibilities when we, as clinicians, can take a look at these cool product choices and competitive influences in unique and inventive ways.
Virtual Communities and using the Social Media Model
The Web started simply in an effort to display and discover information. These details was presented inside a static manner, meaning there wasn’t any functionality – only data. Today’s Internet has changed right into a dynamic social medium where individuals combined efforts to share ideas, meet each other, engage and provide support. The outcome of social networks for example MySpace, Facebook and LinkedIn has already established a effective impact on the internet, which model has made its distance to the region of mental health.
An example of the trend in a regional level involves a lady who began a Yahoo Group for caregivers of kids with autism. Within 6 several weeks her group increased tremendously. Mental Doctors offered it as being an origin and families spoke about this to other people inside their community. The audience provided a web-based forum where individuals could inquire, find out about valuable sources and make relationships with other people who could empathize using their situation. It had been particularly effective with parents who have been feeling isolated and were accepting the terms using their child’s disability. This network provided a very supportive and informative atmosphere which had not existed before the formation of the social networking. Without them, families simply didn’t have options apart from receiving guidance and suggestions from family physicians or mental doctors.
This is among the first social networks concentrating on mental overall health. It’s a community of individuals struggling with a variety of psychological conditions also it contains many effective interactive features. Participants can make their very own account, which provides them the opportunity to create their very own web site on the website. They are able to take part in audio and video based forums which are organized by specific subject for example depression, bipolar or schizophrenia. You will find discussion boards, newsletters as well as an extensive listing of organizations it’s possible to research for his or her area.
A primary reason why online support communities are extremely effective is always that they are simple to approach anonymously. This anonymity factor is really a effective draw for those who have been in crisis as well as for individuals who may not achieve out otherwise were it-not for that accessibility to these organizations. The existence of these networking sites present some interesting possibilities and challenges for that mental medical expert. To begin with, social networks is definitely an excellent access point that people eventually seek treatment. It’s an especially promising referral source for individuals clinicians who is able to obtain a presence in those communities. Everyone knows that the choice to seek treatment could be a lengthy and convoluted process. Using the social networking model, lots of people feel safe to find help. Consequently, clinicians can achieve a captive audience of people that already recognize they require help, and for that reason, might be more receptive to accept next logical part of the therapy process. However, practitioners also should be aware the effectiveness and growing recognition of those communities may lessen the need and/or utilization of classical and professional types of treatment. This trend is certainly worth exploring and ripe with chance!
My reason behind discussing the subject of virtual communities, as well as other trends inside the mental health profession, would be to offer information which will give you clinicians with unique perspectives, approaches, and concepts concerning the clinical process. These details should offer practitioners some understanding of what may lie ahead later on as both challenging and chance.
David Diana is really a Licensed Professional Counselor and purchasers manager for Palmetto Behavior Health, a personal behavior healthcare organization in Sc. Additionally to his sales role, David provides consultative services to mental doctors locally by helping these to market and also be their business. He’s a skilled Licensed Professional Counselor and business consultant that has labored for a lot of organizations both in the private and public sector to incorporate IBM, PricewaterhouseCoopers, HayGroup, AVON Cosmetics, U.S. Customs, and also the IRS.
