Richard Yep, Managing Director of ACA
The term Y2K reminds some of us of an event long ago that gave rise to great concern, fear, and perhaps hysteria. As we prepared for the new millennium in 2000, there were warnings that the data in our computers would be significantly damaged (or worse), that electrical systems could be shut down, and that financial markets could collapse. The good news, of course, is that on January 1, 2000 (also known as Y2K) none of these apocalyptic predictions occurred. Fast forward 20 years and although we are still in the current millennium, we have entered a new decade. What will "the 2020s" be for you as a professional advisor, educator or doctoral student?
What we know is that the American Counseling Association, along with all of you, has made progress to remove the stigma of getting help for mental health problems. The result is that more and more people are looking for help with relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression and other life challenges. We also know that the U.S. Department of Labor forecast a 22% increase in mental health employment by 2030.
ACA civil servants have investigated how other statistics from the United States Agency for Drug Abuse and Mental Health can be treated. There are no practicing psychiatrists in 55% of the U.S. counties (all in the country). A 2018 American College Health Association report found that over 60% of college students had "overwhelming anxiety" in the past year, while more than 40% had trouble functioning because they were so depressed.
What does this mean for you? We hope that the government at all levels, as well as insurance companies and other public and private sector institutions, will recognize that the number of professional advisory positions should increase sooner rather than later. We have now entered an election year. This means that we have the opportunity to choose people who support ACA's mission and who recognize the need to support those in society who have problems with, are challenged or are unable to work due to a behavioral health problem. In many ways, this is the year we can work together to make a difference. Let's look at how we can establish practicing psychiatrists in 55% of the states in which no one is currently working. Let us see how we can address waiting times for students who need an advisor.
You don't have to be a high roller campaign donor to make an impact. In fact, volunteers provide much of the lifeblood of campaigns. It starts with making a call, attending a meeting, or finding time to distribute literature.
We know that the year 2000 was classified as a possible disaster. However, I would suggest that 2020 could have a much bigger impact on our society. Consultants are amazing advocates for their clients. Part of this advocacy this year will mean engaging at local, state and national levels. As someone who has worked for ACA for more than 30 years, I know what our membership can do and I hope I can count on you as a professional consultant in 2020.
Her volunteer leadership, led by ACA President Heather Trepal this year, highlighted the many benefits of counseling while exploring how counselors can improve their lobbying to support both the profession and those who counsel serve. I recommend you visit the ACA website at counselling.org to find out how you can make a difference this year. If you prefer to contact me about what you can do, I encourage you to do the same.
Thank you for everything you do – and thank you for what you can hopefully do as we enter this new decade. I wish you all a happy new year from the ACA staff.
As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and thoughts. Call me at 800-347-6647 ext. 231 or email [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter: @Richyep.
Be healthy.
