Addressing mental health needs through prevention & intervention
Alexander Chan, Ph.D., LMFT
By Alexander Chan, Ph.D., LMFT
Extension Specialist, University of Maryland Extension
Marriage and Family Therapist, The Sibley Group DC
In my dual professional roles as an extension specialist and a marriage and family therapist, I address mental health needs for individuals and families through both prevention and intervention.
My extension work provides people with skills to prevent additional mental health challenges. I learn from community stakeholders what the population around them is asking for or needs, then I think about the kinds of public educational programs I could create to meet that need: who to involve, what materials we can generate, and more. The work is always research-based.
As a therapist, I work with clients on a more personal basis to help them overcome specific issues they’re facing. With a Family Science background, I can draw on knowledge about families and the stressors they face.
The two roles also feed into one another. I may use an educational intervention with my therapy clients or translate a lesson from therapy practice into something digestible for a public educational program.
In my extension work, it’s rewarding when community partners remember and call on you because you’re a trustworthy, impartial source of good information that enhances their lives. You’re a reliable, accessible, and approachable resource. In therapy, the relationship-building component is gratifying; sometimes it’s not a specific intervention that creates the greatest change for a client, but the long-term development of a safe relationship where someone can explore and develop their own ways of managing problems.
Many Family Scientists spend their whole lives looking closely at family issues. People should trust the knowledge that Family Science researchers generate, and the evidence-based work done by people like family therapists and extension professionals. Family Scientists are scientists with heart, and their goal is to create healthy, thriving families.