Study visit to LA on Youth Mental Health Programmes Professional Roles & Development for Mental Health Practitioners By Yvonne Chak Hong Kong Christian Service Principal Coordinator

Professional roles in LA Professional registration done through: Board of Behavioral Sciences ( The mission : to protect the well being of Californians by setting standards for mental health professionals through effective communication, education, examination, licensing and enforcement.

Development of BBS California was the first state to register social workers when, in 1945, the Board of Social Work Examiners was formed. In 1963, the Board was given the responsibility for administering the Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor Act. In 1967, the Licensed Clinical Social Worker Program was established officially named as “Board of Behavioral Sciences”(BBS). One of the boards within the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Professional roles of Marriage and Family Therapists in LA Category includes licensees, and interns MFTs are authorized to employ psychotherapeutic techniques with individuals, couples, families, and groups to improve the clients' interpersonal functions.

Professional roles of Licensed Clinical Social Workers in LA Category includes licensees, and associates LCSWs are authorized to employ psychotherapeutic techniques, among other services, with individuals, couples, families, and groups to improve the clients' quality of life.

Professional roles of Licensed Psychologists in LA LPs are authorized to provide psychological evaluation, diagnosis, and test interpretation limited to assessment of psychological ability, counseling services, and psychological consultation.

Requirements for Registration (Marriage and Family Therapist (Intern and licensure) (MFT) in California) Possess a qualifying doctor's or master's degree with specific coursework requirements as specified in Business and Professions (B&P). Experience requirements: 3,000 hours of supervised experience gained in not less than two calendar years obtained over a period of not less than 104 weeks. Interns: participate in an examination at least once a year

Requirements for Registration (Associated/Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California) Possess a qualifying doctor's or master's degree with specific coursework requirements as specified in Business and Professions (B&P). requires registered associates to have a total of 3200 hours of post master's experience consisting of: –A minimum of 2,000 hours in clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling. –A maximum of 1,200 hours in client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, and research. –Of the 2,000 clinical hours required, no less than 750 hours shall be face-to-face individual or group psychotherapy provided to clients in the context of clinical social work services.

Requirements for Registration: LCSW An associate shall receive an average of at least one hour of direct supervisor contact for every week in which more than 10 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy is performed in each setting experience is gained.

Requirements for Registration: LCSW Experience must be obtained over a period of not less than 104 weeks and shall have been gained within the six years immediately preceding the date on which the application for licensure was filed. In addition, the applicant must obtain additional training / coursework. Associates: participate in an examination at least once a year

MFT's and LCSW's must complete 36 hours of CE within the preceding two years of their license renewal date. MFT's and LCSW's are required to take classes relevant to their scopes of practice. Training, education, and coursework by approved providers shall incorporate one or more of the following: Continuous Educational Requirements

1.aspects of counseling or social work that are fundamental to the discipline 2.aspects of counseling or social work in which significant recent developments have occurred 3.aspects of other disciplines that enhance the understanding or practice of counseling or social work Mandatory Courses: Spousal/Partner abuse, Law & Ethnics, Aging & Long term Care, HIV/AIDS

Collaboration with School System Insights from Oak Knoll School: –multi-disciplinary team with psychologist, LCSW, MFT, Art Therapists and even psychiatrist station in school, collaborate to decide the treatment plans. –flexible arrangement in schooling for the adjustment of the child.

Collaboration with Legal System Mandatory enforcement for clients to receive specific treatment and counseling under the court order School based Community Integrated Service: Close collaboration among different professionals (e.g. Probation officer, mental health practitioner and drug abuse counselor) working together for the same treatment plan The law protects the educational rights for every child including those with special learning needs

Collaboration with Medical System Not only emphasis on medical model but also psycho-social model LCSW can be the key therapist / case manager in the treatment process Collaboration with medical professionals (medical doctors / part time physical assistants)

Implications for Hong Kong?? Adequate professional knowledge: specialist Vs generalist? Role and status of social workers: blur roles, images and division of labor in HK?? In service training, continuous learning and supervisory support, licensing system??? Manpower ratio and workload of social workers in HK???? System of “single point responsibility”????? Multi-disciplinary collaboration with other professionals?????? Evidence based practice??????

Institutionalization Intensive Day Treatment/ Intensive School-based Program Intensive Outpatient Treatment/ Outpatient Treatment Community Prevention and Rehabilitation LegislationGovernment Policies Professional Collaboration Continuum of Care Rounding up Evidence based practice