When Clients Are Struggling, We Need Systems, and Self-Care
Lately, more clients are reporting increased strain, including school challenges, workplace overwhelm or depression, and rising costs without a corresponding pay increase. We acknowledge these realities while also protecting our capacity to serve.
Self-care is essential.
As therapists, we cannot provide steady care without steady practices. What is your current routine for setting boundaries, consulting, and taking recovery time? Small, consistent habits protect judgment and reduce error.
Recently, I delivered a training on school suicide risk among immigrant and refugee youth. It underscored a recurring issue: many school settings lack clear pathways and dedicated resources for early identification, culturally responsive engagement, and timely linkage to care. Stigma, worry, and faith-based concerns can silence families. Clinicians may hesitate to initiate conversations because the following steps are unclear or the systems are inconsistent. We get stuck there.
What helps at a systems level
Defined protocols with roles, referral steps, and timelines.
Training that addresses culture, language access, and family engagement.
Partnerships with community providers for warm handoffs and follow-up.
Documentation that is objective, specific, and actionable.
What helps at a clinician level
Routine check-ins on risk using plain language.
Clear consent, limits of confidentiality, and collaborative safety planning.
Consultation when cases raise scope, bias, or resource concerns.
Deliberate self-care to maintain neutral, high-quality care.
My upcoming training will focus on working effectively with immigrant clients, both adults and youth, with an emphasis on trauma awareness, cultural formulation, and practical collaboration with schools and community partners. It is time to move this discussion forward.
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