Strengths Perspective
The strengths perspective focuses on what aspect of a person’s life?
abilities, resources, and potential
What does “mental health parity” mean?
Equal insurance coverage for mental and physical health care.
What 1996 federal law first addressed fairness in mental health insurance coverage?
What is the Mental Health Parity Act?
What is one thing you learned today
???
What is one common reason people avoid mental health treatment?
What is stigma or fear of judgment?
Instead of labeling clients by their illness, social workers are encouraged to use this type of language.
What is person-first language?
What 1996 law was the first to address parity in insurance coverage?
The Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA)
This 2008 act expanded parity to include addiction treatment.
What is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)?
What are two main reasons people avoid seeking mental health treatment?
Stigma and fear of judgment.
True or False: Most people with mental health challenges receive treatment each year.
False.
The strengths perspective encourages viewing clients as these rather than patients or problems.
What are partners in the treatment process?
True or False: Parity laws require all insurance plans to cover mental health care.
False — they require equal limits, not mandatory coverage.
This 2010 law expanded coverage for mental health through Medicaid and the Marketplace.
What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
What is internalized stigma?
When individuals believe negative stereotypes about mental illness and apply them to themselves.
Name one financial obstacle that prevents access to mental health care.
What is the lack of insurance or high cost?
This word means focusing on the positive capacities people already have.
What is empowerment?
What agency enforces federal mental health parity laws?
The Department of Labor and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Give one example of a policy-related barrier that affects access to mental health care.
What is limited insurance coverage, provider shortages, or lack of funding?
How can social stigma differ from self-stigma?
Social stigma is society’s judgment; self-stigma is when people internalize that judgment.
Misunderstanding mental illness symptoms as physical issues is an example of what kind of barrier?
What is lack of awareness or misdiagnosis?
Give one example of how a client’s coping skill can be turned into a strength for employment or growth.
Answers may vary: e.g., “A client who organizes routines to manage anxiety could do well in a structured job."
One thing you learned today
????
What role do social workers play in improving policy for mental health access?
What is advocacy, lobbying, and community education?
Give one example of how a social worker can help reduce stigma in the community.
Public education campaigns, school presentations, or promoting positive language about mental health.
Describe one way social workers can help reduce barriers to mental health treatment.
Answers may vary: e.g., “Educate clients about mental health,” “Advocate for affordable services.”