Post by Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA)

A message from our general counsel, Martin Taylor, MEd, LLB, BA Pol, GradDipEd, GradDipMilLaw, GradDipLegPrac, AdDipGovFraud It has recently come to our attention that some persons are spreading defamatory misinformation concerning the VMHPAA on social media sites, including LinkedIn. It is not the position of the VMHPAA to suggest that vocational diploma qualifications are consistent with tertiary qualifications, that is, Equivalency is NOT the same as equity.  Our position is purely to advocate forvocationally qualified mental health practitioners and will continue to do so at all levels of governance. We ensure that our registered members only practice within their skill set and that they meet obligatory CPD; as well as receive Supervision by registered and recognised Supervisors; this is the same extremely high standards required of members of the ACA and PACFA. Furthermore, we are the one association that will ensure that all vocationally qualified mental health practitioner members are adequately advocated for, to ensure that the National Standards, and any other regulatory control of law reform, is directed to continue to assist our members to continue practice of mental health services in Australia, to those persons who need it the most. It is our contention that diploma qualified mental health practitioners are front line and available “first responders” in providing initial mental health assistance to those persons that urgently need that support in a timely manner. We recognise that diploma qualified counsellors have been working in the mental health industry for more than 30 years and have been meeting the mental health needs of the general public; in particular serving those in remote and rural areas of Australia, and disadvantaged groups as well as indigenous communities. All misinformation by any association or individual will be vigorously investigated for the purpose of determining appropriate action on behalf of our members. Any queries that any person, or our members have, please contact us directly by emailing to: [email protected] Thank you. Shane Warren Chairperson