Scholar-Practitioner
When most people think of mental health practitioners, each individual would probably give a different definition as to the job of the practitioner. The fact is that this is a major concern within the field of mental health professionals. There is no professional identity within the different fields of study. Some that complete their education become licensed social workers, or have received their degree in psychology and are working in as a psychological counselor to name just two options. The common population do not know the real difference between the two or any other within the field, but through word of mouth and recognition by organizations within the field, people can find exactly what they are looking for in a counselor (Curtis, & Sherlock, 2006; McAdams III, C., & Keener, 2008; Myers, Sweeney, & White, 2002)..
The place for a scholar to the general public is the university conducting research on mental heath issues and understanding behaviors. Many of these scientists have completed the same classes as counselors but chose to stay in the background and work on new theories to help those counselors. Unfortunately, their work is only as good as the practitioner that reads the study and keeps up on the new theories (Curtis, & Sherlock, 2006;McAdams III, C., & Keener, 2008; Myers, Sweeney, & White, 2002).
Seeing the how the two different careers are so connected it is important, now more than ever, that scholars also be practitioners, and vice versa. By spending time in the laboratory and out in the community, the mental health scholar-practitioner will better able to know the topics that should be at the heart of research and will also have the theories and applications from research in which to work with clients on new treatments (Curtis, & Sherlock, 2006). For years, the practitioners were avoiding the scholarly side and backing away from their social engagement, but times are changing and the practitioner is going back to school and working to bring both the research and the client world together (Myers, Sweeney, & White, 2002).
It should be noted that by looking at the scholar-practitioner in the modern day is looking at the future. This group of people will be the ones making differences in the field and trying new treatments and new processes in the field of mental health. Those who decide not to work in both field, especially if they are a counselor, need to be conscientious to the growing research and make sure they stay on top of the treatments, and certifications required. It is only through continued research and education will the mental health profession gain credibility and reliability with the masses.
References
Curtis, R. & Sherlock, J. (2006, Winter). Wearing two hats: Counselors working as managerial leaders in agencies and schools. Journal of Counseling and Development, 8(1), 120-126. Retrieved March 10, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database. http://www.ebscohost.com.
McAdams III, C., & Keener, H. (2008, Fall). Preparation, action, recovery: A conceptual framework for counselor preparation and response in client crises. Journal of Counseling and Development, 86(4), 388-398. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from Academic Search Premier database. http://www.ebscohost.com.
Myers, J., Sweeney, T., & White, V. (2002, Fall). Advocacy for counseling and counselors: A professional imperative. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80(4), 394. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from Academic Search Premier database. http://www.ebscohost.com.