The Training and Use of Mental Health Associates in the Veterans Administration
Abstract
The Veterans Administration has developed two types of programs to train paraprofessional workers known as mental health associates (MHAs). One is a 48-week hospital-based program that is equally divided between didactic and clinical training; it is intended mainly for VA employees who need new avenues for career advancement. The other program provides stipends to college students in mental health technology programs leading to an associate of arts degree; the students receive their practicum experience in VA facilities and community agencies. Through vignettes of five actual MHAs, the author demonstrates how these workers operate in different clinical settings.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
