Regarding the June 14 article, "Cops as Counselors": We cannot expect police officers to have the training of a mental health professional. However, it is necessary that they be provided some training on addressing the needs of those in crisis.
It is unfortunate that because of this lack of training that the potential for unnecessary escalation of crisis exists. It is unfortunate as well to see how dismal the mental health system is, which often treats people in crisis as objects, not people. For many individuals in crisis, both police and mental health professionals use force and coercion rather than compassion.
I recall in my work with a young man experiencing an extreme state of mind where he had delusional thinking and the hearing of voices. When police became involved, this often made him more afraid and agitated. I sought to connect with him, to build a relationship of understanding, and to join with him where he was. It took patience, but this was always a more effective means of de-escalation.
I suggest that there be a team of individuals to accompany police to crisis calls, people who may be familiar with the person in crisis as well as those with an appropriate level of training in dealing with crisis.
Some may argue about the inherent cost of such a program. However, I think it would be a huge investment in people's lives and offset the expense of unnecessary psychiatric hospitalization.
Lastly, I must comment on the choice of interviewing NAMI representatives as spokesmen for distressed people. This organization purports to be an advocacy group for the mentally ill. However, after Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa requested information from this organization, it was learned that they receive vast funding from the pharmaceutical industry. This makes them spokesmen for that industry, not the true needs of those in distress.
DAN L. EDMUNDS Ed.D.
www.DrDanEdmunds.com
KINGSTON, PA AUTISM CONSULTATION Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D.,B.C.S.A.,DAPA- is a highly sought after psychotherapist, Existential Psychoanalyst, autism specialist, social activist, speaker,and author. Dr. Edmunds's work is devoted to drug free, relational approaches for children, adults, and families undergoing extreme states of mind, autism and trauma. Dr. Edmunds can be reached for consultation at batushkad@yahoo.com. Dr. Edmunds' private practice is in Kingston and Tunkhannock, PA.
Dr. Dan L. Edmunds, Ed.D,B.C.S.A.,DAPA.
e-mail: batushkad@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment