Main description:

Presenting first-hand accounts from the 'front line', Reflections of a Cynical Clinical Psychologist provides the reader with a participant experience of the daily ups and downs of a US mental health professional. Vividly describing actual clinical events ranging from tragic to comedic, this book calls attention to the human realities of the system's dysfunction.

Illustrated throughout by anecdotes based on the author's 50 years of experience and observations in the field, the book focuses on 'the system' as the problem, identifying the limitations in current mental health policy with the emphasis misplaced onto profit rather than optimal patient care. These anecdotes are organized by themes such as the harsh treatment of patients by staff; loss in the workplace; anomalous staff behavior; problems with the legal system; and clinically unexpected and bizarre episodes.

The value of humor as a stress reducer, social leveler and a means to make incisive points is highlighted throughout. This is important reading for mental health professionals, policy makers and those interested in humanizing social policy.

Contents:

INTRODUCTION

INSTITUTIONS

GRADUATE SCHOOL

THE CITY HOSPITAL

THE STATE HOSPITAL

THE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER: "GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR"
CHALLENGING CLINICAL CIRCUMSTANCES

COMPROMISED PATIENT CARE

PATIENT DEATHS

STAFF PARTINGS

PSYCHOTHERAPY

WWII HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

TESTIFYING IN COURT

SCREENING OF POLICE APPLICANTS

CLINICIANS IN HARM'S WAY

CURIOUS AND TROUBLESOME CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

ABSURD STAFF BEHAVIOR

AWKWARD MOMENTS

PRACTICING WHEN OUT OF THE OFFICE: NO DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED!
A CHALLENGING SYSTEM

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY

THE APPEAL OF 'PRESCRIPTION PRIVILEGES': "IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, JOIN 'EM!"

HEALTH INSURANCE ABUSES: OR UNSURANCE?

MONEY INEVITABLY DRIVES POLICY...AND POLICY LOSES

ESCALATING ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL: ALL'S WELL THAT ORWELL

MOSTLY BUSINESS, MOST OF THE TIME: MINI-MALISM

ADMINISTRATIVE ABUSES OF POWER: PETTY MAL TREATMENT

AFTERWARD

APPUNDIX