Are You Sure That’s Part of My Job?

Session Overview:

The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (1948) includes the right to take part in government election of freely chosen representatives. However, it is well documented that chronic health conditions, including mental health disorders, impede social engagement. Individuals struggling with significant mental health concerns are less likely to vote, creating a lack of representation in the American electorate. This presentation considers The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) in context to this mental health disparity in voting behavior and suggests counselor advocacy in a critical domain of life, client voting behavior.

Learning Objectives:

1. Expand knowledge of research about chronic illness and voting behavior
2. Inspire clinicians to consider voting rights as social inclusion with a therapeutic value in its own right
3. Educate clinicians on nonpartisan voter registration initiatives in healthcare settings