The Knowledge and Attitude of Counselors Toward Mental Health Counseling and The Practice of Mental Health Counseling Provision: The Case of three selected Government Hospitals in Addis Ababa
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Date
2024-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research aims to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of counselors towards mental health counseling and how mental health counseling is provided in their institutions. The study seeks to explore how counselors perceive mental health counselling issues, their understanding of various mental health counseling approaches, and their preparedness to provide effective mental health counselling services. And to assess the present situation and future expectations, on the practice of mental health counseling and the knowledge and attitude of counseling providers towards the practice of mental health counseling. In this study exploratory case-study approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with mental health counseling providers from diverse backgrounds and seating. The practice of mental health counseling in all selected institutions is functioning with a limited number of professionals and with inadequate infrastructures. Even though there are a lot of therapeutic modalities it is possible to conclude that the method of their choice is mainly cognitive behavioral therapy. Most of the counselors in the study sites are graduates from well-recognized universities and the study suggested that the dearth of handiness in training and not being able to be certified in different therapeutic approaches is hindering the practice of mental health counseling. As the study indicates, the practice of mental health counseling services in the study sites is positive and employees are energetic in providing the service regardless of clients' beliefs and cultural background. in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.
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Counselors Toward Mental Health Counseling