MHC 500 Final Project Case Study

Tracey is a 37-year-old biracial female. She reports that her father is Native American and German, and her mother is Puerto Rican. Tracey has two children, a 16-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter. She is married to the biological father of the children, and she reports that she and her husband have been married for 17 years. She identified that she and her husband met while they were in college, and as she tells you, "the rest was history." Tracey reports that she is struggling with several changes occurring in her life right now and needs counseling. Her father is in his late sixties and has recently been diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Her parents live in another state, and it is at least a two-day drive for her to visit them, unless she flies. According to Tracy, her mother says that she is managing right now, but she also reports that her dad is starting to get up in the middle of the night and wander around the house.

Tracey reports that she is worried about her father, and she and her husband have talked about possibly moving her parents in with them because she's not sure what options are available other than simply taking care of him herself. However, she reports that, if her parents did move in and she had to take care of them, it would mean she would need to quit her job. Tracey is a schoolteacher who has worked in schools for the past 15 years. She teaches third grade and says, "I love my job and the kids I get to be around." As with most jobs, Tracey reports that there are bad days from time to time, but she states that it has nothing to do with the kids she teaches but usually the administration. Financially, Tracey believes the family would be okay if she were to quit her job. Her husband owns his own business, and she states that the business is doing well.

To add to her stress, she reports that this past month has been challenging. Her son was suspended from school because he was caught with marijuana in his backpack during a random search. She reports that she hadn't known about her son's marijuana use, and that he is a 4.0 GPA student, which confuses her even more. Her son has never had any disciplinary problems at school, and her husband is upset that the school automatically suspended their son for a week when he has never been in trouble before.

Since her son was suspended, she reports that he has really had an "attitude," which is not like him. She says that he seems to be "moody" and doesn't want to be around the family, and that he is mad that he is missing practice time with his basketball team.

Tracey and her husband have differing views on how to handle the situation, as she believes that her son should be grounded for the week because he was suspended from school. Her husband says, "It was just marijuana; most of the kids in that school have probably tried it." But as she pointed out, "most of the kids didn't get caught bringing it to school."

She is worried about her son's friends now, because she does not know where he got the marijuana, why he wanted to try it, and why he is suddenly so moody.

On top of her son being suspended, the school has recommended that he be assessed by a counselor for substance abuse issues. The school has given the family 30 days to have the assessment completed; otherwise, the principal stated that she would have to make a report to CPS on neglect. Tracey (looking frustrated) states, "They didn't even tell me where to have him assessed at, or maybe they did and I was so upset I didn't hear them."

She knows it will be a struggle with her husband when it is time to have their son assessed, but she does not want to risk having a CPS report made. Tracey reports no problems with her daughter, and she says that she feels bad for her daughter. "Between trying to figure out what to do with my parents, my job, and now this incident with her older brother, she is getting pushed to the side. But right now, she is the only thing not causing any problems in my life."

1. Discuss which theories and models you would use on the case study client.
2. Identify if there are ethical standards you need to consider while working with your client. This should be based on the state in which you are seeking licensure. Reference the resources in your portfolio.
3. Address any legal considerations or requirements for your state that you need to consider while working with this client and considering continuous care.
4. Address any state-specific credentialing or licensure requirements you need to be aware of while working with this client.
5. Address how you would advocate on behalf of this client. Consider your resources and state.
6. Discuss how would you advocate on behalf of the mental health profession. Consider your resources and state.