Paraprofessionals in the community mental health center.

Abstract

Para professionals in the Community Mental Health CenterDirectors of currently operating, comprehensive community mental health centers were surveyed regarding their experiences with paraprofessionals with respect to selection criteria, training methods, roles, and problems.

Measuring Mental Health Values

“…Included along with the &item open-ended questionnaire was another instrument designed for an unrelated study of the roles of paraprofessionals in a mental health setting. Results of the latter project are reported elsewhere (Bartels & Tyler, 1975). A total of 68 mental health center directors responded.…”

The use of paraprofessionals in the helping profession: A look at trends in North America

“…At this point it appears that methodologies based upon informal selection are still the most valid and reliable. Bartels and Tyler (1975) focused specifically on selection criteria in their survey of mental health centres. One important finding reported was that 'high-satisfaction respondents' placed much less emphasis on intellectual and educational criteria in the selection of paraprofessionals.…”

“…Bartels and Tyler (1975) caution that simple solutions are probably not viable in this area. For example, freezing workers from clinical areas would take them away from the area where they have consistently demonstrated effectiveness (Dudak, 1973); or established most need (Cowne, 1969;Matarazzo, 1971).…”

“…For example, freezing workers from clinical areas would take them away from the area where they have consistently demonstrated effectiveness (Dudak, 1973); or established most need (Cowne, 1969;Matarazzo, 1971). Bartels and Tyler (1975) recommended maintenance of role boundaries, utilizing professionals in supervisory as well as training and evaluative capacities. Almost all problems cited in the literature seem to have resulted from confusion in qualifications and roles of paraprofessionals.…”

Effectiveness of Professionals vs. Paraprofessionals in the Group Management of Test Anxiety

“…(Doctoral dissertation, Vanderbilt University, 1973). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1971 prohibit evaluation against inappropriate, professional criteria (Bartels & Tyler, 1975;Kalafat & Boroto, 1977).…”