Frequently Asked Questions

Q. In your opinion and experience, what are the benefits of having consumer providers in an agency?

A. Consumers understand consumers. They understand their issues and they also understand when someone is trying to get by with something. They usually know when someone is using their illness as a crutch and when the person genuinely has a problem to contend with. It's not so much a chance to enter the mental health field as a consumer provider as it is as a consumer partner. I see it as an opportunity to partner with the consumer and strive toward whatever goals that person has set for him/herself and gently (or sometimes firmly),nudge them in the direction they wish to go. You also are there to help redirect or listen when the person gets off track.

The work I was involved with before I entered the mental health field was of no real consequence to anyone and definitely of no lasting value. I don't fool myself into thinking that I change anyone's life, but I do know that I do have some impact and I hope that that impact is for good.

Q. What were the adjustments you had to make while in the training program?

A. Leaving home did not worry me. What was troublesome to me was leaving my job. I was accustomed to having money. Now, there would be very little to live on. I got used to it. The next/simultaneous challenge was redeveloping good study habits. Balancing the weekly meetings, group activities and homework, along with making friends. You learn time management skills very quickly, and you find that you can have fun at the same time. Study groups were formed. I think I went home twice the \whole time I was at school and I only live 35 minutes away. I had to make the decision early that I was there, in the program, and not get myself and my attention fragmented into a lot of little pieces all over the state. I needed to be focused on where I was and what I was doing.

Q. How have you dealt with making the transition from the role of consumer of mental health services to that of service provider?

A. Well, I still receive services, but it just so happens I'm a staff member now. I think part of dealing with it has had to do with the fact that I have a top notch case manager who is also a counselor. He served as my inspiration for the VHST program in the first place. I thought if I could be just half as effective as he is (he is so upbeat and caring), that working in mental health would be venue where I could give back. My case manager has also provided a wealth of knowledge - in many ways he has helped me make this transition. We know that our relationship is consumer to provider, but he has coached me in the transition. He simply continues to reinforce my self-confidence. Also, the VHST program provided such thorough training that most of my coworkers have been surprised, as has my supervisor. I was already aware of many of the services available in the community because I have been a consumer, but as staff I am learning of things offered that I have not ever heard of, so my education continues. The transition has gone well. I haven't had a lot of time to think of myself as anything but a person who goes and picks up her meds, sees her psychiatrist, and goes to work (and works and works and works).

Q. What are some of the challenges you have faced so far in your job?

A. The initiation and completion of a 6 week nutrition program called "Smart Choices." The agency had been trying to get a food program (nutrition) for 3 years to no avail. My supervisor said he'd back me up if I'd put it together. I worked with the local Extension Office and we did it. Case managers were asked to get involved. Some did, gladly, and some didn't. I may have lost some potential allies by leading this program so early in my career here. I've experienced some condescension from coworkers, not often, but some. Watching or hearing staff stigmatize/discriminate against a consumer is also hard. As a part-time worker, it is hard to do what I want to do and stay within my allotted 20 hours per week.

Q. What advice would you have to students in the next class?

A. Plan on staying in Charlottesville. Don't be running home every weekend because you will miss a lot.
Talk to your case managers, find out what they do, or talk to the part of the MH division where you think you'd like to work.
Don't be afraid of change.
In this program, you will meet supportive people who will be your friends for life.
This training will arm you with all the ammunition you need to go into the mental health field. VHST is a complete program. It levels the playing field and it is life-changing.

Taken from a presentation by Micah Nicholson of Staunton, Virginia, Class of 2001.