Social Work Commons^™

Partnership Development Among Mental Health Organizations, Alicia C. Bunger

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mental health organizations can play a key role in enhancing youths' access to care by working together to bridge gaps in service delivery systems. This dissertation study examines partnerships among a network of children's behavioral health organizations. The specific aims are to (1) describe and understand the network of partnerships among members of the Children's Services Coalition, (2) assess the capacity of the system to provide coordinated service delivery, and (3) test how patterns of organizational characteristics influence conditions that facilitate and inhibit partnerships among the Children's Service Coalition organizations.

This dissertation is a predominantly quantitative cross-sectional network study of …

Gender And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Screening In The Military: A Measurement Study, Mark Allan Oliver

Doctoral Dissertations

The Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PC-PTSD) screen (Prins et al., 2003) is used by the Department of Defense to identify military members who are at increased risk of PTSD. This screen has been offered to all returning deployers since 2005. However, validation studies of PC-PTSD scores from military samples have seldom employed a significant number of female subjects and no published studies have examined it for gender bias. Ruling out bias is important because routine under-identification of PTSD risk in any group could result in hindered access to needed assessment and/or care. With the current proportion of military females …

Computer Based Training: Understanding Schizophrenia, Elli Marie Bach

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to research, design and implement a computer based training module for staff who work with individuals experiencing mental illness. This training focused directly on schizophrenia, which is the most common mental health disorder treated at the Community Behavioral Health Hospital in St. Peter.

Quality Of Life Of The Severely Mentally Ill As Described By Social Workers, Simonetta Fosci

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of the quality of life among severely mentally ill offenders residing at a psychiatric hospital in the United States as perceived by their social workers.

Substance Abuse: A Chronic Care Perspective, Michael James Sweitzer

Theses Digitization Project

This study provides an examination of the Chronic Care Model and its application to the treatment of substance abuse disorders. The hypothesis of the study was that elements of the Chronic Care Model are not being utilized within San Bernardino County's system of care. The study was conducted by having Alcohol and other Drug Counselors throughout San Bernardino County complete the study's 24-question quantitative survey. The purpose of this study is to add to the sparse literature related to the Chronic Care Model and its application to the alcohol and other drug (AOD) field. At this time the AOD field …

The Relative Importance Of Risk Factors Leading To Relapse Among Individuals Recovering From Substance Abuse, Norma America Likens

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to help social workers by determining the relative importance of relapse warning signs that have been identified by the addiction treatment professionals.

A Vignette Study Examining The Accuracy Of Diagnosis: The Role Of Patient And Practitioner Gender And Race Match, Kevin Johnson

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

DIAGNOSING MENTAL ILLNESS

By

KEVIN JOHNSON

2010

Advisor: Dr. Janet R. Hankin

Major: Medical Sociology

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology

A convenience snowball sample of 228 mental health practitioners were surveyed and administered two vignettes of persons with mental illness and a 12-question survey that included occupational background and attitudinal questions about diagnosing mental illness. The gender and race of the patients were randomly altered, while the symptoms and characteristics of mental illness remained constant for each vignette. Each practitioner assigned a DSM-IV diagnostic label for axis I and axis II on both vignettes. The surveys were coded …

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction And Chronic Illness, Kelly Dulohery

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Minnesota Department of Health (n.d.) defines a chronic health condition as having an extended course, does not resolve suddenly, and complete cure is a rarity. The literature suggests that stress can exacerbate the symptoms of chronic health condition (Roth and Robins, 2004). Addressing the biopsychosocial needs of individuals with chronic health conditions pushes the limits of conventional medicine (Grossman, Niemann, Schmidt, & Walach, 2004). A chronic health condition, if left untreated can lead to additional physical and psychological conditions (e.g. contributing to the development of anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and helplessness) (Ledesma & Kumano, 2009); (Reibel, …

Improving Organizational Practices: Learning From Direct Care Staff And Team Leads, Abigail Helget

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose in completing this needs assessment was to pinpoint inconsistencies or unclear aspects of the direct care provided to clients served by H.S.I. staff. This understanding can then assist H.S.I. in providing the necessary support for direct care staff and also allow for H.S.I to provide more adequate support for their clients. All information gathered from the focus groups will be disseminated to support departments and Team Leads through a written report. Based upon these results H.S.I. may choose to implement new or revised trainings, conduct meetings or enact companywide policies.

Stigma Reduction Techniques/Campaigns For Practitioners In A Rural Community Mental Health Practice, Becky Mensing

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to systematically review the literature on the negative effects of stigma on the therapy seeking clients of rural mental health centers. Also to provide information on anti-stigma campaign efforts. The goal of anti-stigma programs are to create awareness about how stigma affects people with mental illnesses, and to have participants develop a sense of what it means to walk in the shoes of a person with mental illness (Corrigan, 2004, p. 19). The research question was how do we help people from being victimized by the prejudice and discrimination that arises from stigma?

Expanding The Sea Program: Course Conception, Rationale And A Plan For Implementation, Michelle Schulz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The Student Educational Adventures (SEA) Program was created in 1995 to help motivate youth with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD) to view education as important as well as to assist with the graduation rate of students with E/BD. Using an experiential method of teaching, each of the four courses in the SEA Program are specifically designed to teach life-long skills, such as team building, decision making, service, leadership, conflict resolution, anger management, goal setting, and taking responsibility, to youth who typically struggle in those areas.

Due to the current financial state of SEA Program funders, the Goodhue County Education District seeks to …

A "Pawsitive" Influence Of Animals In Long-Term Care Facilities: Animal-Assisted Therapy At St. Peter Regional Treatment Center, Hannah L. Winkler

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The St. Peter Regional Treatment Center (SPRTC) provides secure, residential, multi-disciplinary treatment services, including psychosocial rehabilitation and skill enhancement, to individuals civilly committed as Mental Ill and Dangerous by the State of Minnesota. Since the treatment process is so comprehensive at SPRTC, patients may spend several years receiving in-patient treatment.

Since SPRTC does not currently have an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program, the purpose of this project was to research existing AAT programs being implemented with similar patient populations as a way to inform SPRTC staff of possible programs they could implement on their campus. The overall goal of this project …

Filling The Gap In Crisis Intervention: Horizon Homes, Inc. Proposal For Sccbi Crisis Services, Ricki Pribyl

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

In late April 2010, the South Central Crisis Center operated in Mankato, MN under state operated services (SOS) closed its doors. The closing of the crisis center left a gap in mental health services, particularly for the ten counties it specifically served. Legislators in the Mankato area, specifically Kathy Sheran worked hard to put together a block grant through the Health and Human Services Act, which would allow additional funding for the reopening of the crisis center. Given that the grant went though, the operation of the new crisis center would be overseen by the South Central Community Based Initiative …

Evidence-Based Strategies And Techniques For Children With Asd, Tanya Walerius

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

To identify and research evidence-based Autism Spectrum Disorder strategies and techniques for working with children, particularly children aged 6 –10 years old, who receive In-Home Skills Services. Most therapeutic services are received through the school systems (Shapiro & Accardo, 2008), but Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota (CSSM) provides In-Home Skills Services that requires the Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) staff to be knowledgeable and competent in the services they provide to clients.

The purpose of this project was to provide CSSM with specific strategies and techniques through a manual to be used by the CTSS workers. The information will …

Does Organizational Culture Affect Employee's Readiness To Implementation Of Evidence-Based Practices?, Joseph Waller

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The emergent trend toward the use of evidence-based practices in children’s mental health services has been gaining recognition (Barwick et al., 2005). The motivation for implementing evidence-based practices is to build quality and accountability in the delivery of mental health services. Children with emotional and behavioral disorders should be able to rely on receiving services that can accommodate their personal needs based on the best scientific evidence available. Most children who receive evidence-based treatment display significant progress and do so much more quickly than children that receive other non evidence-based treatment or no treatment at all.

The importance of implementing …

A Descriptive Analysis Of Bookings In Sibley County Jail Between January 1, 2008 And December 31, 2009, Deanna Aufderheide

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Each year approximately 12 million admissions and releases occur in U.S. jails (Solomon, A. L., Osborne, J. W. L, LoBuglio, S. F., Mellow, J., & Mukamal, D. A.). Those that cycle in and out of jail often times are unstable. These instabilities include: substance abuse, lack of housing and employment, mental illness, and health concerns. More than 80 percent of offenders are incarcerated for less than one month; some for a few hours or a few days (Solomon, et. al.). This concern was identified by the Public Health Nurse (PHN) who has seen the same offenders being booked in, time …

Social And Family Support For Individuals With Mental Illness, Beth Filzen

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Though the patient remains the primary focus throughout the hospital stay, family members of the patient play a crucial role in the patient’s healing process and in helping them to maintain independent living in the community following a hospital stay.

The purpose of this project is to provide family members of individuals hospitalized with information regarding mental illness that is concise and easy to understand. The information will also include resources and supports for family members as they continue to support their loved one.

Evidence Based Practices For Sensory Stimulation Seeking Impulsive Diagnosis, Sheena Gasner

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project is to identify evidence based practices that can be used in the treatment of Sensory Stimulation Seeking Impulsive Disorder (430.0). Identification of these practices will more effectively meet the therapeutic needs of the children diagnosed with this disorder.

Investigating Compassion Fatigue And Burnout Rates Among Mental Health Professionals At Sioux Trails Mental Health Center, Lora Schoewe

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this research is to explore the existence of compassion fatigue and burnout among mental health professionals at Sioux Trails Mental Health Center, which is a community based mental health center in located in various rural communities in Southern Minnesota. The research also sought to identify what the professional and agency can do to reduce burnout rates.

Research Questions: Does compassion fatigue and burnout exist among the mental health professionals at Sioux Trails Mental Health Center? What professional and personal resources do the mental health professionals use to reduce the risk of compassion fatigue an burnout?

Defining Exemplary Children's Mental Health Services In Minnesota's Rural Communities, Melanie Wurtzberger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Research shows that children’s mental health services in rural areas are not likely to meet all the qualities to be determined ‘exemplary’ with regards to diverse groups and at-risk populations due to: limited community resources, decreased funding and reimbursement rates, geographic distance from consumers, lack of collaborations from primary care physicians, and sparse number of adequately trained mental health (Fenell & Hovestadt, 2005; Gamm, Stone & Pittman, 2003; Moore et al., 2005; Powell & Dunlap, 2005) The purpose of the research was to define exemplary services as it applies to rural county children’s mental health services so as to assist …

The Role Of Organizational Commitment In Practitioner Implementation Of Evidence-Based Practices In Substance Abuse Treatment Settings, Irene Teresa Manfredo

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Organizational commitment (OC) has been linked to different types of work-related behaviors including innovation implementation and professional behavior change but the influence of OC on technology transfer or research to practice processes is as yet unknown. Using a social exchange perspective, the study employed constructs derived from Klein & Sorra (1996) - perceived implementation climate and practitioner innovation-values fit - to understand the association between practitioner level OC and evidence-based practice implementation (EBP) in substance abuse treatment settings. Method: A secondary data analysis was conducted utilizing a 2008 cross-sectional survey of outpatient substance abuse practitioners in eastern New York State …