BSHS/305
December 8, 2014
Cassidy Hawf
Sara Worsham
In society today, there are numerous issues facing human services clients. Homelessness, services having their funding cut, and the association of stigmatization that one might receive while accepting services are just a few issues. Many of those who face these issues may always face substance abuse issues or may be in domestic violence situations. Due to the additional factors, clients may not feel as though they deserve to receive help, and therefore may not seek out the needed help to get their life back on track. One of the largest problems facing society today is substance abuse. The individuals that face this issue are able to receive services …show more content…
Unfortunately, there is a commonality that each treatment provider is faced with a client that only has one single issue. However, in this example, the client has more than one issue ranging from substance abuse to mental illness to homelessness. The provider will then need to determine if the client will need additional assistance with other issues that may be outside our scope of practice. For example, if the provider is working in a substance abuse treatment program the primary focus is helping the client to stop using drugs and/ or alcohol. As the client is no longer supposed to use substances or drink, the client can no longer reside in an environment where substances and/or alcohol are being used; this can become a trigger for the client and risk the client’s sobriety and recovery. This client is now homeless and will need assistance with housing. As the client continues in sobriety the treatment provider may notice that the client appears to be struggling with mental health issues that have not been previously diagnosed; this client will now need to be referred to a mental health provider for further evaluation and possible medication management. The provider has been made aware of these arising situations through communication and effective listening skills while interacting with the client in the group and individual therapy process. The provider will need to be aware of the client’s verbal and non-verbal cues as the clients’ affect may be incongruent with the current situation. The provider will also need to be aware of the client’s cultural issues as treatment may cause the client to have stigmatization within his or her family