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The paraprofessional as a referral link in the mental health delivery system

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Abstract

The role of the paraprofessional in the delivery of mental health services is often ambiguously defined. Even while performing the specific task of making a referral, the activities of the paraprofessional are subject to controversy. In this study the clients, the agency board members, and the community mental health agency workers all have different expectations of the qualifications, the knowledge, and the activities of the paraprofessional referral worker. It is suggested that the disparate views the participants bring to the referral situation make it unlikely that the paraprofessional will satisfy the expectations of all of them.

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Author notes

  1. Katherine A. Frank Hesse M.S.W. (Medical social worker)

    Present address: Milford Whitinsville Regional Hospital, 01756, Milford, Massachusetts

Authors and Affiliations

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    1. Katherine A. Frank Hesse M.S.W.
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    Additional information

    This research was partially supported by a grant from the University of Connecticut. The author wishes to express appreciation to Raymond Pichey for his assistance in developing this research.

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    Hesse, K.A.F. The paraprofessional as a referral link in the mental health delivery system. Community Ment Health J 12, 252–258 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01419751

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01419751

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