I always knew I wanted to work in the mental health industry but I always figured the way to do that would be to become a therapist. So I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology and set off to study masters level social work. Even though I was specializing in clinical social work with the goal of becoming a therapist, a part of me knew that there was more to mental health than just therapy, which is why I chose to study social work over counseling. However, it took about one semester before I began seeing the gaps in the mental health industry. Initially I noticed the intersection between mental health and the law, whether it be through insurance denials that limited a person's ability to get the treatment they needed or victims of domestic violence and other crimes who, on top of dealing with the trauma, had to navigate the complex world of law. So, in an effort to be more informed and effective I also began studying law.
It wasn't until I was immersed in the study of law and social work that I really began to see the huge gaps that existed. Mental health providers usually have limited knowledge of the legal system and visa versa. A victim of crime who is involved in the legal system can have a therapist and a lawyer and still feel completely confused, overwhelmed and alone in certain area's. Insurance companies frequently deny requests for treatment at higher levels of care, plummeting the client from daily support to one or two hours a week. Even for clients who are not denied by their insurance company and not involved in the legal system, sometimes therapy just isn't enough. Therapists can only see clients for so many hours a week. During this time, there's only so much that can be worked on and what takes precedent (rightly so) is the big things. The trauma's or the disorders or the core reason that the person sought out therapy in the first place. This is necessary and exactly what therapy is supposed to be for. But that core reason that brought someone to therapy has widespread implications on the clients life. Everyday, those problems effect all facets of life. From job or academic performance to simply living in the world, mental health disorders can have a devastating and debilitating impact.
I decided to become a mental health and wellness coach in an effort to bridge the gaps that I have noticed. My background in law and social work makes me uniquely qualified to support people going through the legal system. I can provide extra support when insurance has cut, and have developed special programs for just this situation. I can and will work in tandem with therapists to ensure clients are getting all the support and help they need. I also offer a lot of different support groups (not all groups run at all times) because there seems to be a lack of support groups for a variety of conditions and situations.There's a lot of support out there for mental health problems, but there are also a lot of gaps and mental health coaches are exactly the people needed to bridge those gaps. Whatever the gap, I am confident I can bridge it :)
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