Focus Group Questions: Unlicensed School-Based Therapists and TennCare Clients
Report Overview
In recent policy adjustments, a specific demographic of therapiststhose who are unlicensedare now exclusively allowed to see TennCare clients within school-based settings. This decision has significant implications for the landscape of mental health services provided to children and adolescents under TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program. The rationale behind this move, the distinction between licensed and unlicensed therapists, and the impact on treatment quality are important areas of inquiry.
Rationale Behind Allowing Only Unlicensed Therapists in School-Based Settings
One primary consideration for this decision may involve accessibility and resource allocation. Unlicensed therapists, especially those who may be in the process of obtaining full licensure, can offer more immediate support to a larger number of students, addressing gaps in mental health services in educational settings (Berenbaum et al., 2021). Additionally, this arrangement may serve as a practical training ground for unlicensed therapists, giving them valuable experience while under supervision.
Focus Group Questions
1. Policy Rationale: What factors do you believe influenced the decision to allow only unlicensed therapists to see TennCare clients in school-based settings? Consider aspects such as cost, accessibility, supervision, and educational benefits.
2. Impact on Treatment Quality: How do you think the qualifications and experience gap between licensed and unlicensed therapists affects the type of care and treatment TennCare clients receive? Are there concerns regarding quality, or do the supervisory structures in place ensure effective treatment?
3. Supervision and Oversight: In what ways does the supervision of unlicensed therapists impact their ability to provide care to TennCare clients in schools? How does the supervision model contribute to or detract from the quality of care?
4. Long-Term Implications: What long-term impacts might this policy have on mental health services within school settings? Consider both the potential benefits and drawbacks for TennCare clients, unlicensed therapists, and the broader educational and healthcare systems.
5. Stakeholder Perspectives: How do stakeholders, including TennCare clients, their families, licensed therapists, unlicensed therapists, and educational administrators, perceive this policy? What are their primary concerns or approvals?
References
Berenbaum, H., Washburn, J. J., Sbarra, D., Reardon, K. W., Schuler, T., Teachman, B. A., ... &
Lee, S. S. (2021). Accelerating the rate of progress in reducing mental health burdens: Recommendations for training the next generation of clinical psychologists.Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice,28(2), 107.
