Health support enables people to manage a range of health problems and lead a productive life. Treating an illness typically entails working closely with your physician on an individualized treatment plan that may include medications and psychotherapy as part of the plan.
Schools provide many health services to assist students with remaining healthy and comfortable during school life, including administering prescribed medicine or receiving professional nursing treatments from trained staff members on campus.
Mental Health Counselors
People suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions often turn to counseling for assistance. Counselors provide a safe space where individuals can discuss their problems freely while also learning new coping techniques and finding assistance services nearby.
Anxiety is a normal state that we all experience from time to time, but if it becomes persistent and overwhelming it may lead to panic attacks and other mental health problems. Consulting a therapist or counselor may help manage stress and anxiety that manifest physically through headaches, stomachache or muscle tension.
Clinical mental health counselors utilize psychotherapy and problem-solving techniques to treat an array of emotional and behavioral disorders in individuals, families or groups. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow faster than average through 2032; many insurance plans cover counseling sessions while many counselors offer sliding fee scale options with lower cost solutions for those on limited incomes.
Health Care Support Workers
Health care support workers perform various duties depending on the field they specialize in, such as recording data, observations and patient updates; providing daily tasks assistance and emotional/social support to patients; recording data/observations data for clinical reports/updates; and offering emotional/social support. Ideal candidates for this role possess strong interpersonal skills as well as an altruistic mindset to work effectively within teams while quickly solving any problems that may arise.
Nursing assistants can be found in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, GP practices, people’s homes and maternity services. They work alongside registered healthcare professionals to provide care for an array of different health needs.
With proper assistance and support, nursing and midwifery roles can become accessible even to those facing barriers to employment due to age, disability or homelessness. They will receive an intensive local induction as well as additional training sessions tailored specifically to the person they are supporting.
Health Support Specialists
Health support specialists assist clients living with severe mental illness to find competitive jobs and remain independent within their community. Additionally, they train patients on how to self-manage medications and may collaborate with mental health professionals like psychologists and marriage and family therapists as part of the therapeutic team. In addition, health support specialists must maintain certifications in bloodborne pathogens as well as First Aid CPR.
Peer support specialists in community mental health centers often serve as advocates for individuals living with SMI and take part in interprofessional team meetings that coordinate physical health and psychiatric care for those in need. Their experience as clients helps reduce internalized stigma among those living with mental illness while their empathetic mentorship helps foster collaboration within a team for increased effectiveness.
Peer support specialists not only facilitate communication between doctors and patients, but they can also teach self-advocacy skills and facilitate interactive virtual workshops on topics like money management, stress reduction, nutrition, impulse control and home ownership. Upholding privacy through setting clear hour expectations and providing consistent unavailable messaging promote autonomy while upholding boundaries–particularly when working remotely.
NYC Health Department
Since 1805, the NYC Health Department is one of the oldest and largest public health departments worldwide. It offers transformative public health programming and infrastructure solutions while furthering global knowledge and expertise on public health matters.
The Health Department is internationally-recognized for its work in developing and implementing food and water sanitation standards, vaccination programs, disease control measures and public health education. Furthermore, they strive to enhance quality of life in New York City through various community-based initiatives including youth mental health support services.
GetCoveredNYC, New York State of Health and NYC Health + Hospitals have come together to launch a virtual webinar series designed to assist New Yorkers with navigating open enrollment of health insurance options during this year. Sessions are available both in English and Spanish language versions for viewing.
