Volume_4_Issue_1_Digest

2 TPC D igest In designing the MHF program, NBCC-I considered the need for population-based mental health training that can adapt to reflect the social, cultural, economic and political environment of any country or region. Local experts can modify components of the training to fit their situa- tion; stakeholders, consumers, and policymakers can ensure that MHF trainings provide cultur- ally relevant services to the local population. Furthermore, successful implementation of public mental health services necessitates a locally-directed bottom-up approach, rather than a top-down approach. The MHF curriculum and implementation system draws on a variety of skills derived from related disciplines, including but not limited to psychiatry, psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing, and counseling. The program consists of fundamental mental health knowledge and skills ranging from community advocacy and commitment to specified interventions. Segments on working with integrity and not providing services outside the limits of one’s training and expe- rience are part of the training. The program contains first-responder forms of community mental health care such as basic assessment, social support and referral. Anyone who successfully com- pletes the program receives a certificate of completion, and additional certificates of completion for trainers and master trainers are also available. MHF trainers are required to hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, and master trainers must have a master’s degree or its equivalent in a mental health–related discipline. In conclusion, MHFs provide community-based support that effectively identifies and meets community mental health needs in a standardized manner. Once established, supportive social networks in the community result in less need for expensive professional treatments and hos- pitalizations. Additionally, grassroots approaches will aid global attempts at deinstitutionaliza- tion. The MHF training model provides countries with a workable human resource development strategy to effectively and equitably bridge the mental health care need–service gap, one country at a time. Full article and references: Hinkle, J. S. (2014). Population-based mental health facilitation (MHF): A grassroots strategy that works. The Professional Counselor , 4 , 1–18. doi:10.15241/ jsh.4.1.1 The Professional Counselor DIGEST Volume 4, Issue 1 http://tpcjournal.nbcc.org © 2014 NBCC, Inc. and Affiliates