General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Wanna see what some mental health providers are thinking right now? [View all]Happyhippychick
(8,379 posts)I do not work with a very unstable population for many reasons, first because I don't do meds and they need to be medicated. Second because I'm not very big and strong so I would have no way to defend myself if they became agitated. Third because of shootings just like this, where they will now try to figure out who to blame, who to sue, who to scapegoat for this terrible tragedy.
I work with homeless women, battered women, divorcing women, and some men as well. I cannot work with a population that intimidates me, that doesn't make me unqualified for my field, it just makes me realistic and smart. Not every surgeon can operate on the brain, not every therapist can work with the criminally insane. That doesn't make me unqualified, it makes me realistic and smart.
I agree with the OP. I make precious little money and spend my days and nights doing my best to help others. I don't complain about it but please don't tell me that I am required to treat anyone who needs it, I am ethically and legally required to train those that I am competent to train. I don't treat war veterans because I am not trained in PTSD and it would be unethical for me to do so. I don't work with kids because I'm not trained in play therapy. I work with the population that I feel competent to work with. Sorry if I'm not superwoman, I'm doing my best just like the rest of you.