Careers

The function of the mental health care team is to provide care and treatment for individuals with disorders of the mind, emotion, or behavior (Box 30-1). Mental health care workers must have an interest in behavior and the ability to communicate well. The work is challenging and requires the worker to be creative in finding unusual solutions to problems. Mental health care workers must be emotionally stable and mature. They must be able to lead and inspire others while demonstrating patience and perseverance.

The field of mental health care is constantly growing (Table 30-1). With the increasing age of the population in general and the higher cost of care, many of the mental health care services have moved into the homes of the patients, residential facilities, and neighborhood clinics. Additionally, more allied and support staff personnel are providing care and treatments that were done by professionals in the past.

It is now commonly accepted that a person’s emotional and mental state may cause or have some effect on all physical disorders. According to testimony given by physicians to the Congress of the United States, more than half of all physician office visits do not result from physical illness. Disorders of the mind (psyche) may be caused by mental illness, loss of contact with reality, the inability to understand the environment, isolation, depression, or destructive life events.

Case Study 30-1

You are assigned to a patient who is confused and thinks you are her daughter. What should you do?