Discussion Board

Full Answer Section

Control:

• Power dynamics: The inherent power imbalance between therapist and child can lead to coercion or manipulation, hindering trust and progress (American Counseling Association, 2014).
• Treatment adherence: Enforcing strict adherence to treatment plans can overlook the child's autonomy and preferences, potentially leading to resistance and disengagement (Kanellakis et al., 2018).
• Institutional control: Policies and procedures within healthcare systems can limit treatment options or access, impacting service delivery and equity (MentalHealth.gov, 2023).

Power:

• Exploitation and abuse: Power imbalances can create situations where children are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, or neglect by professionals entrusted with their care (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2023).
• Decision-making: Children often lack power in making decisions about their own treatment, potentially infringing on their autonomy and right to self-determination (United Nations Children's Fund, 2021).
• Stigma and discrimination: Power imbalances can contribute to stigma and discrimination against children with mental health concerns, hindering access to care and social inclusion (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2023).

Addressing these issues:

• Ethical guidelines: Adherence to professional ethics codes is crucial, promoting transparency, informed consent, and respect for individual rights (American Psychological Association, 2017).
• Power-sharing and empowerment: Collaboratively developing treatment plans with children and involving them in decision-making processes whenever possible (Kanellakis et al., 2018).
• Cultural awareness and humility: Continuously learning about and respecting diverse cultural perspectives (American Psychological Association, 2017).
• Advocacy and systemic change: Addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for policies that promote equitable access to quality mental health services for all children and adolescents (MentalHealth.gov, 2023).

By understanding and addressing the influence, control, and power dynamics inherent in child and adolescent mental health service delivery, professionals can work towards more ethical, empowering, and effective practices that benefit the well-being of young clients.

Citations:

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2023). Ethics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry [[invalid URL removed]]([invalid URL removed])
• American Counseling Association (2014). Code of Ethics. [[invalid URL removed]]([invalid URL removed])
• American Psychological Association (2017). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Children and Adolescents. [[invalid URL removed]]([invalid URL removed])
• Kanellakis, A., Dimitriadis, C., & Efthymiou, A. (2018). Power and control in child psychotherapy: Clinical implications. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 23(4), 313–320. [[invalid URL removed]]([invalid URL removed])
• MentalHealth.gov (2023). Children and Mental Health. [[invalid URL removed]]([invalid URL removed])
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

Sample Solution

Issues of Influence, Control, and Power in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service Delivery:

Issues of influence, control, and power significantly impact service delivery in child and adolescent mental health. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ethical practice and ensuring positive outcomes for young clients. Here's how these issues manifest and their potential consequences:

Influence:

• Parental influence: Parents hold significant power over their children's access to care and treatment decisions. Balancing parental involvement with respecting the child's autonomy and rights can be challenging (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2023).
• Clinician bias: Unconscious biases based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors can influence assessment, treatment recommendations, and rapport with clients (Sue et al., 2019).
• Cultural influences: Cultural values and beliefs can affect help-seeking behaviors and treatment preferences. Culturally competent care requires understanding and respecting diverse cultural perspectives (American Psychological Association, 2017).