Mental Health Association Therapist Responsibilities In Cattaraugus County

Therapist Responsibilities

1. Therapists should meet face to face with the volunteer selected to be matched.

While all volunteers are interviewed, screened, and trained by Compeer staff before meeting the referring therapist, the therapist is regarded as the final screening process for volunteer appropriateness. If you have any questions about a volunteer, call a Compeer Coordinator to discuss your concerns.

To avoid disappointment, it is best not to inform the referred individual about a potential volunteer until after the volunteer/therapist meeting

IF THE MATCH IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE, THE REFERRING THERAPIST IS RESPONSIBLE FOR GIVING SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES TO THE VOLUNTEER REGARDING THE COMPEER MATCH RELATIONSHIP

2. For matches involving youth under 19 years of age, a second meeting is highly recommended between volunteer and parent(s) of the referred youth to clarify guidelines/parameters or the relationship, and is mandatory if the youth resides at home. It may be advisable for the therapist to be present at the volunteer/parent(s) meeting.

3. Therapists are asked to monitor the Compeer relationship and report any concerns to the Compeer office. When a youth is involved, careful monitoring is particularly recommended with periodic questioning of the youth regarding the type of activities engaged in with the volunteer. Concerns about inappropriate activities should be reported immediately to the Compeer office.

4. The volunteer and referring therapist should communicate periodically to discuss and evaluate the progress of the relationship. Volunteers need and respect advice, guidance, and counseling that will help them act as an adjunct to treatment. A volunteer who receives periodic feedback and feels supported by the therapist is more apt to meet the therapist’s goals and better serve his/her friend.

5. Any pertinent information such as change in the referred individual’s status, change in address, change in therapist, etc. should be reported to the Compeer office and volunteer.