Case Study 2

1

• Case Study 2

2
Simulated Case Study 2

• Synchronous computer-mediated support for
  students accessing an Online mental health
  service
• Case study 2 presents Dominik, who is
  married and the father of three young children.
  He has recently separated from his partner, and
  their children live with him in the family home.
  Dominik was working full time prior to the
  separation, but has been diagnosed with
  depression by the family GP. He is currently
  working full time and studying at a local
  college. He is finding the issues relating to his
  separation very difficult and has been referred
  to an online mental health support service. He
  has accessed the service via email with the
  intent of engaging in synchronous
  computer-mediated exchanges.

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Points to consider

• What would be the initial points of focus
  when responding to this enquiry in relation to
• Establishing a focus for the computer-mediated
  exchanges with the client?
• The remit of the service offers an open-ended
  number of exchanges with clients. What would be
  your initial thoughts regarding the number of
  sessions you would offer this client prior to
  reviewing a potential continuation of exchanges?
• What would you wish to include in the first
  meeting with the client which could provide a
  platform for establishing an online relationship?
• What relevant points would you consider
  appropriate to include within your email reply
  where you offer Dominik an initial synchronous
  meeting?
• Notice any personal and professional thoughts and
  responses you may have upon first reading the
  simulated client email. How might these thoughts
  influence your response to the client?

4
Dominiks email to the Online Mental Health
Support Service When you have read this email,
construct a reply based upon the points mentioned
in the previous slide and any additional
considerations you may have. Notice what skills
you adopt to ensure an effective and positive
computer-mediated dialogue with the client.

• Dear Sir/Madam,
• I would like to use your online service for
  clients suffering with depression. I would prefer
• evening appointments as I am working during
  the day time and also have children to look after
  in the early evening. Im not sure how much
  information you need from me in this initial
  email, but in brief I am recently separated from
  my partner. Our three children are currently
  living with me whilst their mother finds
  permanent accommodation. I am finding it very
  hard to fit everything in at the moment as I work
  full time and have recently started a part-time
  course so that I can change my current work in a
  factory. I have a few friends who help out with
  babysitting and getting shopping for me during
  the week. My doctor has prescribed
  anti-depressants for me as I had taken the
  separation very badly. Im starting to feel a
  little better now, but need some support to get
  me through the next few months.
• I hope you can help.
• Dominik