Richard Yep, CEO of ACA
The traditional start of the school year looks very different this month. Typically, concerns revolve around how K-12 students “get going” after a summer vacation, part-time job, or camp, but the coronavirus pandemic provides a whole new backdrop when students return to school.
While some children may still get on a bus, this month millions of others will log into their classrooms through their computers. At this time last year, could anyone imagine this happening? In the United States, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted several aspects of people's lives. Some people may have built immunity to the coronavirus, but no one is immune to the effects of the virus on our social circles and communities.
The lack of clear leadership and consensus on how to tackle the pandemic has resulted in conflict, aggression, bullying, anxiety and political games. While many acknowledge what science tells us to do in order to contain the spread of the virus, those with authority and positions of power seem unable to understand this wisdom and guidance. Those who fail to physically distance themselves, wear a mask, or follow guidelines for proper hand washing put their own health and wellbeing at risk, as well as the health and wellbeing of those who try to help them. This means that professional consultants who are key providers of critical services are at risk. While it may be an individual's “right” to put themselves at risk, what if doing so puts mental health professionals at risk? To be honest, that's not okay.
Many people in this country have different thoughts, perspectives and convictions on countless topics. However, the pandemic does not differentiate who is infected. Professional consultants have had challenging jobs, whether they work in schools, private practices, community facilities, hospitals or in the corporate sector. Always finding the best in others and working diligently to really improve the lives of others is difficult enough personally and professionally without having to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
The need to address the health of tele behavior added another dimension (and challenge) to the amazing work that counselors do. For this reason, as early as April, ACA offered a series of online training sessions to provide counselors with a better understanding of exemplary telebehavioral health practices. We have made these sessions available to all ACA members as well as non-members free of charge. We were of the opinion that this way ACA can work more closely with the professional advisors. I am pleased that more than 20,000 consultants have registered for the meetings. I am also pleased to announce that we are making this offer available again for both ACA members and non-members from this month until November.
So while you are doing the important job of serving clients and students, we hope you are taking advantage of the training we offer on telehealth. I would also be very interested to hear what else you would like to know more about. Please contact me with your suggestions.
I say this all the time: Today more than ever, professional consultants are needed. Many of us are familiar with the statistics that show the depth of our society's mental health problems. Consultants have been creative and dedicated in their efforts to keep providing service, even if the way many of you have worked has been turned upside down. I have never been more proud of the way professional consultants help society, and I am grateful for all you do.
As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and thoughts. Call me at 800-347-6647. 231 or send me an email at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter: @Richyep.
Be healthy.