Posted by psych chat on October 29, 2009, at 3:58:44
In reply to Re: Contacted the American Psychiatric Association » BayLeaf, posted by yxibow on October 29, 2009, at 3:11:53
Thank you for providing this information, Jay. Everyone concerned with the future of the clinical practice of mental health should take a look at this site, the organization headed by Dr. Bob, and consider the implications.
Granted, the organization is geared toward online clincial practice (as opposed to public support mental health forums such as this one)...but consider the influence of this organization. If the person heading this organization does not even respond to the concerns of the members of this forum, is that same person looking out for the interests of the mental health community as a whole, or just interested in heading the first world organization of e-mental health?
Of course, the organization could do some good. But without considering the concerns of mental health patients, I'm not at all confident...
Consider that this organization, headed by Dr. Bob is:
- creating the ethical standards and guidelines for governing mental health online practices
- hosting conferences around the world-advising other leaders about online mental health services
- doesn't have a patient advocate on its board (does it even consider the input of mental health patients?)
- etc.http://www.ismho.org/links.asp
http://www.ismho.org/bylaws.asp
You can tell ALOT about an organization by its mission statement/purpose. Don't think for a minute that not a lot of thought goes into them by a Board. This mission statement speaks loudly. It does NOT mention the betterment of the lives of mental health patients; it does NOT mention improving the quality of life of mental health patients. It does NOT mention protecting the privacy, dignity, etc. of mental health patients. In fact, it really doesn't mention much about mental health patients. Yet, the word "promote" is included twice. Providing services to professionals, etc. Not much about helping patients. That mission statement is very telling about the intent and thought process of the creators of the organization. I wouldn't be surprised if it is revised after someone reads this.
Also, I'm very well aware the APA represents the interests of physicians-and rightly so-they need a group too. And psychiatrists, who comprise its membership base, do care about patients.
However, they may not feel it is in their best interest for an advisor/committee chair of their conferences, I person who may represent or consult to them about online mental health services, to be tweeting suicidal notes of mental health patients all over the internet.
A well-seasoned executive considers all the stakeholders and would immediately see the implications. Say, for example, someone were to find their post on twitter, and be angry about it and write a letter to the New York Times. (Actually Dr. Pauline Chen, NY Times health writer, is a follower of Dr. Bob's twitter-so maybe the Washington Post....oh but then Dr. Bob might become famous and it would work out for him). Anyway, it might not look good for the APA-their reputation could be compromised. PR.
Oh, and that goes to show you how much people get from Twitter. I wonder if Dr. Chen has even looked at this site-maybe once? Who knows, but *passing* so much information around on those social networks leads to *bypassing* information.
If you care, and if you have the energy to care, please think about the future of people who have mental health issues. Please consider what I have written.
Mission Statement:
The International Society for Mental Health OnlineThe International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO) was formed in 1997 to promote the understanding, use and development of online communication, information and technology for the international mental health community. To this end, ISMHO seeks to:
1. aid and stimulate mental health professionals and clients in the development of new online technology and applications;
2. educate mental health professionals and clients about existing online information and communication technologies and applications;
3. explore and develop the use of computer assisted communication in the work of mental health;
4. highlight endeavors by members consistent with the goals of the Society;
5. provide online discussion forums and news concerning the work of mental health online;
6. develop standards for online interactions between mental health professionals and consumers;
7. help coordinate technological efforts amongst its members;
8. work to stimulate grants and other funding for the development of information and communication systems and technologies specific to mental health online;
9. promote the development of online databases of information, information and communication tools and software which are easily accessible to all mental health professionals and which will serve to advance the profession and discipline of online mental health and research;
10. encourage other professional societies, associations and interest groups to allocate resources to the investigation, development and promulgation among mental health professionals of online resources and online technologies;
11. provide advice to legislative bodies and governmental agencies concerning the use, needs and benefits of online resources which have been formed with significant input from its members.> > You might find this interesting....
> >
> > http://www.ismho.org/board.asp
> >
> >
>
> ISHMO is a registered domain of Dr. Bob
>
> Domain Name:ISMHO.ORG
> .....
> Registrant Email:rhsiung@uchicago.edu
> Admin ID:GODA-257843637
> Admin Name:Domain Manager
> Admin Organization:International Society for Mental Health Online
> ....
>
>
> unnecessary WHOIS deleted, anyone can do a whois.
>
>
poster:psych chat
thread:923225
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20090813/msgs/923284.html