AFSP believes in reducing barriers to mental health care and promoting the utilization of available services. The program is built on a foundation of key principles designed to facilitate a positive and supportive experience.
- Participant Anonymity: The program prioritizes participant anonymity to create a secure environment where individuals can openly discuss the challenges they face and ask questions without fear.
- Personalized Counselor Support: Instead of automated responses, participants receive personalized support from counselors. These dedicated professionals assist individuals in seeking help tailored to their unique circumstances.
- Connection to Participants' Experiences: Counselors focus on understanding and empathizing with participants' experiences rather than offering diagnoses or emphasizing the immediate "need" for treatment. This approach promotes a collaborative and non-judgmental atmosphere.
- Interactive Engagement: ISP encourages active participation, in which participants and counselors work together to access mental health services. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions about available services and select options that align with their needs and comfort levels.
Together, these principles foster a sense of comfort, connectedness, and positive attitudes toward mental health care. AFSP aims to empower individuals to reach out and access the support they deserve, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.
