Integrative Policy Paper

Organization or Clinical Focus Students will prepare a written integrative research paper examining a relevant issue in the mental health field. The assignment requires students to identify and provide a written summary of an existing federal or state (Ohio) policy related to the issue and then discuss the following as they relate to both the issue and identified policy: relevant mental health services (including evidence-informed practices, screening, and assessment issues), cultural considerations, relevant research, and consumer related considerations. Students will critically examine how each of these aspects intersects with the selected issue, identifying potential impacts on the mental health care system and delivery of mental health services. The paper will include two options: applying to an agency/organization/community or to a clinical case (individual, family, group). This major course assignment contributes to the students’ integrated learning about mental health practice, policy, and research. Competencies Addressed by this Assignment: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

Competency 2: Engage diversity and difference in practice

•Apply and communicate understanding in the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels

•Present as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences

Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, & Environmental Justice

•Apply understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and systems level 2

•Engage in practices that advance social, economic, social justice

Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research & Research-informed Practice

•Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings

•Use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery

Competency 5: Engage in Policy

•Identify social policy at the local state, and federal level that impacts wellbeing, service delivery, and access to social services

•Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services

•Apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities

•Use, empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

•Negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies