Problems
Training, supervision, and mentoring has been severely damaged in the reform effort
I have noticed one unforeseen byproduct of the privatization of mental health reform in my capacity as Provider Relations Director.
The public mental health system used to be a primary avenue for professional development for new professionals entering the system. Training was available, time to attend seminars was part of normal job duties, and clinical staff meetings, supervision, and mentoring was built into the system. With the new emphasis on productivity and the low reimbursement rates for services, many providers are not covering training beyond the minimum required by the service definitions. Training costs and time are in many cases having to come out of employees’ personal time and funds. Supervisors are expected to carry a full caseload and the time to provide adequate supervision is hard to come by. Clinical staffing meetings are considered non-productive time, and the pressure is on to minimize this time. The next generation of workforce professionals is at risk.
Denise A. Long, LPC, LCAS
Director, Provider Relations Department
Foothills Area Authority/LME
115 Wamsutta Mill Rd.
Morganton, NC 28655
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