Paraprofessionals in mental health delivery services(1)

Summary

During the past 20 years, mental health workers have become an integral part of the mental health delivery system. Their competence and cost-effectiveness are well-documented. They are making valuable contributions to the nature, quality and delivery of mental health services. They provide an economic means by which agencies can meet the burgeoning mental health needs of the community.

The time is past, if it ever existed, for attempts at professional retrenchment or a return to traditional services and service deliverers. The field has grown beyond such limited solutions; new approaches must be found.

The effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the mental health delivery system in the 1980s depend largely upon innovations in management. Mental health administrators need increased flexibility, creativity and vision to meet the challenges. They must explore a variety of alternatives, including multiple-staffed service delivery teams, cross-agency career linkages, multi-agency training resources, diverse funding sources. They need to increase support and cooperation among their staffs, and to develop expanded liaisons between agencies which share common concerns.

The exploration of these and other alternative approaches holds great potential for the increased effectiveness of program and personnel development. Ironically, these approaches actually are extensions of the work mental health workers do so well—outreach, brokering, visitations, collateral counseling.