Clinical mental health counseling is a distinct profession with national standards for education, training, and clinical practice. Clinical mental health counselors operate from a health perspective, which emphasizes moving toward optimal human functioning in mind, body, and spirit, and away from distress, dysfunction, and mental illness. The counselor also sees health and pathology as a development in nature, and considers all levels of the client's environment when assessing and maintaining. Counselors also often take a team approach, collaborate with other mental health professionals to provide the most comprehensive treatment for clients.
Video Clinical mental health counseling
Historical perspective
Initial views on mental health and disease
Early Greek philosophy provides some of the earliest views on mental health and illness. Hippocrates, regarded as the father of medicine, the tendency of related behavior and one's temperament towards the relative balance of their body fluids. He believed that this fluid imbalance caused aberrant behavior. Other Greek philosophers like Plato theorized that deviant behavior stems from societal issues that require public response. Promoting happiness and well-being was also a major theme for early Greeks and Romans. The founder of hedonism, Epicurus, advocated a hedonistic lifestyle, but he also warned that there is a risk of pain if pleasure is withdrawn. Epictetus, on the other hand, believes that people are not bothered by things, but by their view of taking those things, so he advocates for peace of mind to treat these disorders.
There is a cruel and humane treatment developed in the Middle Ages for the mentally ill. Most of the unexplained behavior is associated with supernatural causes and that humans naturally have a battle between good and evil happening within them all the time. People are tested to see if they are evil or with demons using "water tests". However, in Baghdad and Damascus, in the ninth and tenth centuries, humane medicine is being developed in which the treatment center for mental illness is based on love and kindness. Humanity again suffered a setback in the 16th century when a hospital known as a hospital was built to provide a place for people who could not care for themselves. These institutions are very bad and people are often restrained and left there in their own waste. In the late 1700s, there were people who began to reform the system and develop something known as moral treatment at the time. Moral treatment includes setting schedule of productive behavior, socialization, entertainment, education, sports, and nutrition.
The origins of counseling
In the early 1900s, counseling has not yet developed into the treatment of mental health problems and is more focused in education. Frank Parsons, known as the father of guidance, developed a plan to educate counselors and begin the Vocational Coaching Movement. He is concerned about youth issues because youth unemployment is a major concern for teenagers because of the urbanization and sustainable employment and family income generated on family farming is not as prevalent. At this time, counselors are considered vocational counselors and this begins an approach that is beginning to form a more contemporary counseling process. Around the same time, Clifford Beers, a former patient of mental health hospitals, wrote a book that revealed the terrible conditions of mental health institutions and he advocated for reform. Beers later founded the National Committee for Mental Health, which later became the National Mental Health Association. Jessie B. Davis was the first individual to make guidance as a regular part of the school curriculum. He is a supervisor or administrator and advocates what the school guidance and counseling is.
During the great depression, methods of counseling and strategies for work grew as much needed at the time. In 1932, Brewer wrote a book entitled "Education as Guidance", which promoted the extension of counseling outside the occupation alone. He recommends that each teacher share the counseling and guidance necessary to be in each school curriculum. In the 1940s, Carl Rogers began development of counseling and psychotherapy. He believes that clients know best and only those who can explain what their needs and what direction should be addressed in counseling based on what issues are important and need attention. Rogers clearly showed that he did not do psychology and the course he taught was based on the education department.
World War II brings to the fore the importance of testing and placement because there is a strong need for specialist selection and training for the military and industry. Counselors and Psychologists have the skills necessary to fill this much-needed role. At the same time, thousands of soldiers need the result of their combat experience. The veterans administration provided professional counseling services to the army after they left and in 1945, the VA provided allowances and internships for students in counseling and psychology, increasing the support and training available to counselors. This time marks the beginning of government spending for the preparation of counselors as we know them today. Clinical psychologists are trained to treat and diagnose individuals with chronic disorders, and counseling psychologists are trained to deal with the problems presented by people with high levels of mental health. This led to a new division or category of psychologists and the Division of Counseling and Guidance of the American Psychological Association changing the title to the Division of Counseling Psychology.
Professionalization of mental health counseling
In the 1950s, deficiencies in existing mental health systems were being exposed and clinically effective pharmacological treatments were also being developed that could be given in an outpatient setting. This leads to the need for community-based clinics, but access to these services is very limited. The 1963 Community Mental Health Act is very important in the development of the counseling profession. Once the government analyzes issues with mental illness and effective care, President John F. Kennedy believes that high-quality care centers located in patient communities can lead to the gradual halting of mental state hospitals and drastically improve mental health systems in the United States.. The national network of community mental health centers creates demand for counselors and the profession begins to grow and increase the number of counselors.
As the counseling profession helps grow, there is a need to regulate the quality of services provided by professionals through state licenses. In 1974, a special committee was appointed by the American Union and Guidance Association which focused on licensing counselors. It started the steps toward the first licensing licensing law in Virginia in 1976. In the 1980s mental health counseling has clearly established itself as a profession with a different set of rules and methods for delivering services. According to Gerig & amp; Gerig (2014), different professionals are characterized by "role statements, codes of ethics, accreditation guidelines, competency standards, licenses, certifications, and other standards of excellence". The counseling profession as we know it today has shaped all aspects of different professions and is being recognized more and more as a valuable and indispensable helping profession in our society.
Maps Clinical mental health counseling
Education, licensing and certification
License
The supervising license is established by state law and is the most powerful type of credential. Receiving a license in counseling shows that a person has met the minimum standards for counseling practice in the state. State laws vary in terms that must be met to obtain a license. Candidates must have at least received a master's degree, have had post-master supervised practice, and have passed the national exam. From one state to another, the number of credit hours to complete varies, as well as the number of hours supervised to be completed and the degree of counselor used. Some counselors may find that if they are licensed in one state, and then moved to another country, they may have to take additional courses to receive licenses in that state. Below, the standards for licensing in North Carolina are described. To explore the licensing terms for other countries, please see the state licensing board's state licensing board directory and find information for the license board in your state.
According to the Council of Professional Counselors of North Carolina licensed, prior to finalizing the licensing requirements, a graduate of a master's program is known as a Licensed Professional Advisory Partner (LPCA). Once licensed by the state, the counselor is known as the Licensed Professional Advisor (LPC).
North Carolina requirements to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC)
According to the Council of Professional Counselors Licensed by North Carolina, applicants must submit a complete application, together with verification of the completion of the following:
Education requirements
To become licensed as a Licensed Professional Advisor (LPC) in North Carolina, graduate students must complete 60 hours of postgraduate work semester in nine specific subject areas. These include:
- Orientation to Counseling Profession
- Research
- Career Development, Vocational and Lifestyle
- Human Growth and Development
- The Social and Cultural Foundation
- Theory and Techniques of Counseling
- Assessment
- Group Work
- Practicum and Internships
Checking requirements
Applicants of the LPC must obtain a passing grade on a national exam, such as National Counselor Examination (NCE), National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRC). The first two exams are offered by the National Council for Certified Advisors (NBCC) and a third exam is offered by the [Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Commission (CRCC). In addition to the national exam, applicants must complete the Non-fail Jurisprudence Exam, which includes information about the law and the code of ethics.
Supervision requirements
Applicants must complete 3,000 hours of supervised counseling practice. The supervisor should receive an hour of direct supervision every forty hours of practice. From 3,000 hours, 2,000 hours must involve direct client contact.
Certification
Certification is a voluntary credential that can be obtained by counselors as well. According to Remley and Herlihy, there are two national certification bodies for the counseling profession. This is the [National Council for Certified Counselors] (NBCC) and [Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Commission (CRCC)]. NBCC also offers special certification. The certification information provided by NBCC is described below.
According to Remley and Herlihy, this certification is awarded by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) after an individual has met certain requirements. These include:
- Completion of a master's degree in counseling
- Completion of a two-year post-master experience
- It is important to note that if an individual graduate of a program is accredited by the [Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs] (CACREP), these two years of post-master experience are released.
- Acquisition of graduation at National Advisory Examination (NCE)
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
According to Gerig, counselors seeking CCMHC-specific credentials must meet the following requirements:
- Get the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification
- Complete 60 hours of postgraduate course including courses at:
- Counseling Theory
- Psychotherapy
- Personality
- Abnormal Psychology and Psychology
- Human Growth and Development
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Research
- Test
- Social/Cultural Foundation
- Complete an academic program with 9-15 hours of clinical training in a supervised practicum/internship in a mental health counseling setting
- Get a graduation score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Submit audio recording or video recording of the counseling session
Master Addictions Counselor
According to Gerig, the special certification of Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) is intended for counselors who treat substance abuse and dependence. Counselors looking for these credentials must complete the following requirements:
- Get the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification
- Documenting at least 12 hours of undergraduate work semester in addiction or 500 hours of continuing education unit
- Complete 3 years of supervised experience as an addicts counsel
- Grab a passing score on the Exam for Master Antival Counselor (EMAC)
Professional organizations
Professional organizations exist to serve various functions. They provide a meeting for professionals to get together to discuss the problems and problems that exist in the profession. Organizations allow members of the profession to tackle problems as a group rather than face this problem independently. Professional organizations provide outlets for legislative and leadership activities on specific issues affecting the profession at all levels. Further education is an essential requirement for members of the profession as it ensures that all professional expertise and expertise are constantly updated to reflect current research and recommendations; professional organizations provide this continuing education to their members. These organizations also help keep professionals up-to-date by providing scientific journals, books, and media resources to their members. Finally, professional organizations publish and enforce a code of ethics for their members.
The following professional organizations are the ones that are available to them in the clinical mental health counseling profession.
The American Counseling Association is a "nonprofit, professional and educational organization dedicated to the growth and improvement of the counseling profession". Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 56 charter branches in the United States, Europe, and Latin America, was established in 1952 and is listed as the world's largest association that exclusively represents professional counselors in a variety of practice settings. ACA is divided into 20 divisions tailored to specific areas and/or principles of counseling. ACA has membership available for all stages of the counseling profession ranging from students to pensioners. In addition to professional benefits and advocacy, ACA also offers discounts to its members on malpractice, car, house, and personal insurance products; prescription, lab and imaging services, and discounts from industry leaders in hotels, travel, credit cards, and many other consumer services. Members can choose to join one or more than 20 divisions, offering their own unique professional benefits. One of these divisions, the American Mental Health Counselor Association, is an integral part of the field of clinical mental health counseling.
The American Mental Health Counselor Association consists of more than 7,000 clinical mental health counselors. Its mission is "to improve the profession of clinical mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education, and professional development". Like the ACA, clinical mental health counselors at all stages of their professional travel, including students, are eligible to join AMHCA. Member benefits also include discounts on professional liability insurance plans, continuing education opportunities, networks through AMHCA's annual conference, and quarterly journals with the latest clinical mental health counseling research.
National Council for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
The National Council for Certified Counselors is an independent non-profit organization established in 1982. Its main objective is "to establish and monitor national certification systems, to identify counselors who have volunteered to seek and obtain certification, and to maintain a list of those counselors". NBCC has four voluntary certifications, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), National Certified School Counselor (NCSC), and Master Addictions Counselor (MAC). The NCC and MAC are both accredited by the National Commission for Certification Bodies (NCCA). Obtaining National Counselor Certification (NCC) through NBCC, although not required, has many professional benefits including showing the public and employers that you have volunteered to meet high national standards for counseling practice. In addition, the NCC receives a number of other benefits including access to low-cost liability insurance, the ability to market themselves using certification, a free six-month listing on the Therapeutic Directory, continuing education credits, among others. The fees paid for certification are used to support NBCC advocacy efforts for the counseling profession.
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Work environment
Community Mental Health Agency
This type of counseling arrangement generally provides a variety of services, especially depending on the specific population served, as well as the geographic setting. Services may include, but are not limited to: individual, family, and group outpatient speech therapy; twenty-four hours of crisis intervention, or mobile crisis management; rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence services; testing and assessment for career interests, and wider mental health issues; community psychoeducation and outreach; day treatment (for mental illness and/or developmental disability); intensive care at home; a prison diversion program; and case management. In terms of insurance, some agencies may take personal policies (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare, etc.) and government (Medicaid, Tricare). Regarding government insurance, this type of coverage depends on whether or not a particular entity is approved for federal and/or state funding. When it comes to serving Medicare-protected clients, counselors in the US are still excluded from an acceptable list of providers, so this is a current issue of great concern in our community. For personal policies, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, agencies must secure placements in the provider's provider panel, again no small tasks. It is also common for community agencies to honor uninsured clients, or clients who face financial difficulties, by operating on a sliding scale, or a payment plan.
Personal practice
Despite common private practices within the American mental health counseling community, a licensed counselor often enters this kind of arrangement after several years of formation, the professional has passed, having completed the master's degree program. Before making the transition to personal arrangements, many therapists work for community-based institutions, hospitals, or greater care facilities. Advantages include, but are not limited to: freedom of therapy; the ability to be more selective when it comes to the customer and population being served; and combine unique skills and specialized training, such as play therapy, EMDR (Desensitization Eye Movement and Reprocessing), etc. However, the act of operating a private practice is the same as running a small business. To prosper, it is important for counselors to have the right business skills and public representation. In deciding to hang a shingle, one must be prepared to build and maintain an honorable presence in his community, often promoting awareness (and thus one's business) on his own. Awareness activities include visiting places of worship, community centers, local businesses, etc. to conduct psychoeducation workshops. As described in the previous section of the Community Mental Health Institute, the same insurance coverage standards, as well as the shear scale payments, apply to private practice settings. The big difference, however, is that independent counselors are often responsible for processing their own billing, if they do not have an administrative assistant.
Alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs (housing and outpatient)
In this mental health environment, there are many similarities that are shared with more comprehensive community institutions. Both environments include similar services, such as: individual, family, and group outpatient counseling; twenty-four hours of crisis intervention; day treatment for mentally ill and/or developmental disabilities; and case management. Although alcohol/substance abuse programs have a clear focus on recovery and rehabilitation, counseling services also apply to help comorbidities, or multiple diagnoses (eg bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence). The recovery program provides special group counseling sessions for clients dealing with comorbidities, for gender-specific clients, and for clients receiving methadone treatment. Clients can enter care through self-referrals or family. More often than not, the majority are ordered to participate in recovery programs by judges in the Drug Court, due to criminal charges relating to drunk driving, illegal possession, etc. The majority of clients receive funds through Medicaid or state, but private insurance is also acceptable. Both outpatient and housing services last an average of 30 to 90 days. Because of this short time span of care, counselors strongly encourage their clients to struggle with addiction to become regular participants of local AA and/or NA meetings, and to get sponsorship as soon as possible.
University or college counseling center
This counseling arrangement is usually based on a school health or health center, directly on campus. Typically, there are an average of eight to ten free sessions allocated to each student for each academic year, with each session lasting about an hour. Not infrequently client promises occur every two to three weeks, as counseling staff serve hundreds to thousands of students per semester. It is said that therapists in such employment arrangements can enjoy, but must be prepared for, a wide range of extreme mental health problems. Customers are mainly traditional young adult learners, and adult students. Academy and university counseling staff assists students in a broad range of subject matter, "such as depression, anxiety, self-mutilation, eating disorders, post traumatic disorders, and self-esteem issues". The number of highly defined sessions for each student is designed to make the process of therapy temporary and short. However, if the client discloses a more severe mental disorder, the staff is responsible for referring individuals to special services in the community.
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Theoretical orientation to counseling
The code of ethics contains standards of conduct or practice agreed upon as accepted by professionals in a particular field. There are several codes of ethics in the field of counseling that counselors expect in their work and professional roles. These codes are then upheld by ethics committees and license boards. Code violations may result in a number of consequences, depending on the severity of the violation, and vary such as: a person may be placed on probation, suspended, or even revoked.
While the law explains the scope of professional practice, ethics is important for every profession for a number of reasons. The code of ethics not only provides the standards in which members of the profession are responsible, but they also assist in the improvement of the services provided. The code of ethics promotes professionalism, and provides evidence of members' intentions in the profession to organize and moderate their behavior. They help identify appropriate actions for situations that arise without clear and easy resolution. In addition, while the code of ethics can not completely prevent, they protect consumers from harmful and/or inappropriate practices. Different professional organizations in each field may have their own personal code of ethics, such as the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Mental Health Counselors in the counseling profession.
It has been concluded that ethics includes five distinct features: having sufficient knowledge, skills and judgments to produce effective interventions; respecting the dignity, freedom and rights of the client; using the power inherent in the role of counselors wisely and responsibly; to do oneself in such a way as to increase public confidence in the profession; maintaining clients' welfare as the highest priority of mental health professionals, ÃÆ'®. Similarly, six different ethical principles are often considered important to be considered when confronted with ethical decisions: the principle of autonomy, which relates to the right of the client to control their own lives, decisions, futures, etc.; nonmaleficence, which means no harm to the client; rather the opposite, goodness, which means doing good for or promoting your clients' welfare; justice, refers to fairness and equality of the professional; loyalty, which requires professionals to fulfill their loyalty and trust responsibilities; and honesty, which means honest and honest with clients.
The latest edition of the American Advisory Code Code of Conduct contains nine sections each addressing a separate area of ​​ethical behavior: counseling relationships; confidentiality and privacy; professional responsibility; relationships with other professionals; evaluation, assessment, and interpretation; supervision, training, and teaching; research and publications; distance education, technology, and social media; and resolve ethical issues. A brief explanation of some of these dominant domains.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality refers to the respect of the client's privacy. Any information disclosed by the client during counseling is protected. Client approval is required to disclose information to third parties. The privileged laws of communications within the applicable state also better protect the client's privacy. Where privileged communications are present, confidential information should not be disclosed in court without the client's consent. Confidentiality is essential to creating the security, trust and honesty necessary in effective and useful counseling relationships. Beyond privileged communications, there are usually four instances where confidential information can be released to a third party: if the client allows the counselor to do so with signed release information, if the client discloses or is suspected of an imminent threat. security or danger to self or others, if current abuse or any other purpose of abuse is disclosed, or if a court order or subpoena requires the release of the client's record or the testimony of the counselor.
Competence
The concept of competence requires evidence of minimum competence for a professional, while also trying to practice in an ideal way. For each credential assigned by a counselor, such as a degree and license, there is a minimum performance requirement that must be met. A counselor may also be competent or incompetent in different types of counseling, working with different populations, or specializing in different theoretical orientations. Competence also needs to be maintained from time to time and should be monitored on their own. Counselors should continue to access and review current research, and continuing education credits can be obtained through workshops, seminars, webinars, etc. When this ethical concept is not maintained, a counselor may risk professional misconduct, and may even face trial due to malpractice.
Informed consent
Informed consent is usually addressed through the form at the beginning of the counseling relationship, and relates to the client's right to be aware of the nature of the relationship and the counseling process itself. Informed consent must be present throughout the period that the client receives the service. This information should be presented both in written form, and discussed verbally with the client. A professional disclosure statement is usually provided to clients, which should include but is not limited to: counselor credentials, confidentiality issues, use of tests and inventory, diagnosis, reports, billing, and therapeutic processes, ÃÆ'®.
Professional limit
There are some limitations that can be crossed between client and counselor, including physical, psychological, emotional, and social restrictions. Some of these borders may be blurred. For example, there is a difference of opinion as to whether the touch fits between the counselor and their client. Sexual intercourse, however, generally disagrees uniformly. A double relationship, in which the counselor holds two or more different roles in the client's life at the same time, is also usually avoided, as well as the receipt of prizes with significant monetary value.
For a full copy of the ACA Code of Conduct 2014, see Code of Conduct link: 2014 ACA Code of Conduct
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Then and now
Many community mental health specialists (CMH) operate under a holistic philosophy to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Mental health professionals should look not only at individuals but also in the interacting communities and environments that surround the individual. The main philosophy no longer removes irregular people from normal family, social and community environments into protected, institutionalized environments, but rather to community-based care centers for support and rehabilitation.
Key dates and figures such as Dorothea Dix in 1843 and the National Mental Health Act of 1946 paid attention to the life situation of the mentally ill and the need for more precise financial and programming funds. In 1963, the Community Mental Health Act provided federal funds for CMH services. Thanks to the development of available economic resources, the supply of mental health professionals and multidisciplinary teams approaching mental health has been institutionalized.
CMH is now in the post-disinstitutionalization era. The rates of psychiatric patients treated at inpatient facilities have declined and the shift has turned to more cost-effective alternatives. New techniques and models are used to provide care for people who were previously sent into patient care.
Limited tight restrictive environment
The idea behind the most unlimited treatment environment is to adjust the intensity of treatment to the severity of the client's condition so that restrictions on the client's personal freedom are minimal. This has been achieved by reducing the average length of clients staying in the hospital and emphasizing stabilization instead of intense therapy. Once stabilized, clients are released to the care of community-based institutions and practitioners for outpatient treatment plans. However, the phenomenon of the revolving door occurs when the patient is received, stabilized, released and then re-received several times in a short time. Strong communication networks between mental health providers and hospitals should be utilized to assist with the phenomenon of the revolving door.
Model case management
The case management model helps clients coordinate their schedules while integrating community services. One of the most comprehensive approaches to the case management model is the Assertive community treatment approach.
Strict community treatment
In the ACT approach, teams of professional counselors, social workers, nurses, rehabilitators and psychiatrists provide comprehensive community-based care and support to clients. Small team case loads and responsibilities are shared among team members. Services may include drug delivery, rehabilitation, and behavioral training in basic adaptive life skills, unavailability issues and transportation needs. It also includes 24-hour emergency services, treatment management, money management, and help with daily life.
Recovery and consumer movement
It is a belief that consumers of mental health should be able to develop treatment controls and end the oppressive stigma. The results of this movement include consumer-led care systems, self-help groups, consumer advocacy organizations and recovery perspectives.
Supporting groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have increased from about 50 in 1942 to over 58,000 by 2012. Parents without Partners (PWP) started in 1957 with a group of two women and is now the largest nonprofit membership organization in the world. Formed in 1976, the National Self-Help Clearinghouse now communicates information about the activities of more than 500,000 self-help groups now in the United States.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a self-help support and advocacy group consisting of over 1,000 local affiliates and 50 state organizations. NAMI advocates for increased funding for appropriate research, housing, employment, rehabilitation and health insurance.
The emergence of a recovery perspective in people's mental health is to change the underlying philosophy of what it means to be mentally ill. Drug Abuse and US Government Mental Health Service Provider (SAMHSA) defines recovery as "a journey of healing and transformation that enables a person with mental health problems to live a meaningful life in the community of his choice by striving to achieve or his full potential." The ten fundamental components of the philosophy of recovery are: 1) Self Direction , 2) People-centered , 3) Empowerment , 4) Holistic , 5) Non-linear , 6) Power-based , 7) Peer Support , 8) Respect , 9) < i> Responsibility , and 10) Hope .
Under the recovery of the consumer mental health care is seen as a capable and responsible person who can take over and manage his condition. Health strategies are applied in recovery jobs such as journals, visiting friends, exercising, eating nourishing, praying, meditation, doing good deeds, and practicing gratitude. Consumers in recovery who offer services to their peers in mental health care are called peer support specialists. They often help connect consumers with mental assist professionals and are usually trained for advice.
Evidence-based treatment
Many health experts argue that counseling is as much art as science. While some may find science-based outcome studies less helpful, evidence-based care is sometimes mandated. This is because professional organizations, third party reimbursers and consumers want more attention given to quality control and accountability.
Evidence-based treatments are usually studies in which certain treatments produce changes, which are evident in randomized controlled trials, compared with other approaches or none at all. SAMHSA has developed a National Note-Based Program and Practice. This database provides a summary, target population, types of results achieved, costs, and expert judgments. Studies and other evidence-based practice research are used in community counseling to ensure effective treatment.
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See also
- Licensed Professional Advisors
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References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
The American Mental Health Counselor Association consists of more than 7,000 clinical mental health counselors. Its mission is "to improve the profession of clinical mental health counseling through licensing, advocacy, education, and professional development". Like the ACA, clinical mental health counselors at all stages of their professional travel, including students, are eligible to join AMHCA. Member benefits also include discounts on professional liability insurance plans, continuing education opportunities, networks through AMHCA's annual conference, and quarterly journals with the latest clinical mental health counseling research.
National Council for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
The National Council for Certified Counselors is an independent non-profit organization established in 1982. Its main objective is "to establish and monitor national certification systems, to identify counselors who have volunteered to seek and obtain certification, and to maintain a list of those counselors". NBCC has four voluntary certifications, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), National Certified School Counselor (NCSC), and Master Addictions Counselor (MAC). The NCC and MAC are both accredited by the National Commission for Certification Bodies (NCCA). Obtaining National Counselor Certification (NCC) through NBCC, although not required, has many professional benefits including showing the public and employers that you have volunteered to meet high national standards for counseling practice. In addition, the NCC receives a number of other benefits including access to low-cost liability insurance, the ability to market themselves using certification, a free six-month listing on the Therapeutic Directory, continuing education credits, among others. The fees paid for certification are used to support NBCC advocacy efforts for the counseling profession.
Work environment
Community Mental Health Agency
This type of counseling arrangement generally provides a variety of services, especially depending on the specific population served, as well as the geographic setting. Services may include, but are not limited to: individual, family, and group outpatient speech therapy; twenty-four hours of crisis intervention, or mobile crisis management; rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence services; testing and assessment for career interests, and wider mental health issues; community psychoeducation and outreach; day treatment (for mental illness and/or developmental disability); intensive care at home; a prison diversion program; and case management. In terms of insurance, some agencies may take personal policies (Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United Healthcare, etc.) and government (Medicaid, Tricare). Regarding government insurance, this type of coverage depends on whether or not a particular entity is approved for federal and/or state funding. When it comes to serving Medicare-protected clients, counselors in the US are still excluded from an acceptable list of providers, so this is a current issue of great concern in our community. For personal policies, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, agencies must secure placements in the provider's provider panel, again no small tasks. It is also common for community agencies to honor uninsured clients, or clients who face financial difficulties, by operating on a sliding scale, or a payment plan.
Personal practice
Despite common private practices within the American mental health counseling community, a licensed counselor often enters this kind of arrangement after several years of formation, the professional has passed, having completed the master's degree program. Before making the transition to personal arrangements, many therapists work for community-based institutions, hospitals, or greater care facilities. Advantages include, but are not limited to: freedom of therapy; the ability to be more selective when it comes to the customer and population being served; and combine unique skills and specialized training, such as play therapy, EMDR (Desensitization Eye Movement and Reprocessing), etc. However, the act of operating a private practice is the same as running a small business. To prosper, it is important for counselors to have the right business skills and public representation. In deciding to hang a shingle, one must be prepared to build and maintain an honorable presence in his community, often promoting awareness (and thus one's business) on his own. Awareness activities include visiting places of worship, community centers, local businesses, etc. to conduct psychoeducation workshops. As described in the previous section of the Community Mental Health Institute, the same insurance coverage standards, as well as the shear scale payments, apply to private practice settings. The big difference, however, is that independent counselors are often responsible for processing their own billing, if they do not have an administrative assistant.
Alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs (housing and outpatient)
In this mental health environment, there are many similarities that are shared with more comprehensive community institutions. Both environments include similar services, such as: individual, family, and group outpatient counseling; twenty-four hours of crisis intervention; day treatment for mentally ill and/or developmental disabilities; and case management. Although alcohol/substance abuse programs have a clear focus on recovery and rehabilitation, counseling services also apply to help comorbidities, or multiple diagnoses (eg bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence). The recovery program provides special group counseling sessions for clients dealing with comorbidities, for gender-specific clients, and for clients receiving methadone treatment. Clients can enter care through self-referrals or family. More often than not, the majority are ordered to participate in recovery programs by judges in the Drug Court, due to criminal charges relating to drunk driving, illegal possession, etc. The majority of clients receive funds through Medicaid or state, but private insurance is also acceptable. Both outpatient and housing services last an average of 30 to 90 days. Because of this short time span of care, counselors strongly encourage their clients to struggle with addiction to become regular participants of local AA and/or NA meetings, and to get sponsorship as soon as possible.
University or college counseling center
This counseling arrangement is usually based on a school health or health center, directly on campus. Typically, there are an average of eight to ten free sessions allocated to each student for each academic year, with each session lasting about an hour. Not infrequently client promises occur every two to three weeks, as counseling staff serve hundreds to thousands of students per semester. It is said that therapists in such employment arrangements can enjoy, but must be prepared for, a wide range of extreme mental health problems. Customers are mainly traditional young adult learners, and adult students. Academy and university counseling staff assists students in a broad range of subject matter, "such as depression, anxiety, self-mutilation, eating disorders, post traumatic disorders, and self-esteem issues". The number of highly defined sessions for each student is designed to make the process of therapy temporary and short. However, if the client discloses a more severe mental disorder, the staff is responsible for referring individuals to special services in the community.
Theoretical orientation to counseling
The code of ethics contains standards of conduct or practice agreed upon as accepted by professionals in a particular field. There are several codes of ethics in the field of counseling that counselors expect in their work and professional roles. These codes are then upheld by ethics committees and license boards. Code violations may result in a number of consequences, depending on the severity of the violation, and vary such as: a person may be placed on probation, suspended, or even revoked.
While the law explains the scope of professional practice, ethics is important for every profession for a number of reasons. The code of ethics not only provides the standards in which members of the profession are responsible, but they also assist in the improvement of the services provided. The code of ethics promotes professionalism, and provides evidence of members' intentions in the profession to organize and moderate their behavior. They help identify appropriate actions for situations that arise without clear and easy resolution. In addition, while the code of ethics can not completely prevent, they protect consumers from harmful and/or inappropriate practices. Different professional organizations in each field may have their own personal code of ethics, such as the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Mental Health Counselors in the counseling profession.
It has been concluded that ethics includes five distinct features: having sufficient knowledge, skills and judgments to produce effective interventions; respecting the dignity, freedom and rights of the client; using the power inherent in the role of counselors wisely and responsibly; to do oneself in such a way as to increase public confidence in the profession; maintaining clients' welfare as the highest priority of mental health professionals, ÃÆ'®. Similarly, six different ethical principles are often considered important to be considered when confronted with ethical decisions: the principle of autonomy, which relates to the right of the client to control their own lives, decisions, futures, etc.; nonmaleficence, which means no harm to the client; rather the opposite, goodness, which means doing good for or promoting your clients' welfare; justice, refers to fairness and equality of the professional; loyalty, which requires professionals to fulfill their loyalty and trust responsibilities; and honesty, which means honest and honest with clients.
The latest edition of the American Advisory Code Code of Conduct contains nine sections each addressing a separate area of ​​ethical behavior: counseling relationships; confidentiality and privacy; professional responsibility; relationships with other professionals; evaluation, assessment, and interpretation; supervision, training, and teaching; research and publications; distance education, technology, and social media; and resolve ethical issues. A brief explanation of some of these dominant domains.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality refers to the respect of the client's privacy. Any information disclosed by the client during counseling is protected. Client approval is required to disclose information to third parties. The privileged laws of communications within the applicable state also better protect the client's privacy. Where privileged communications are present, confidential information should not be disclosed in court without the client's consent. Confidentiality is essential to creating the security, trust and honesty necessary in effective and useful counseling relationships. Beyond privileged communications, there are usually four instances where confidential information can be released to a third party: if the client allows the counselor to do so with signed release information, if the client discloses or is suspected of an imminent threat. security or danger to self or others, if current abuse or any other purpose of abuse is disclosed, or if a court order or subpoena requires the release of the client's record or the testimony of the counselor.
Competence
The concept of competence requires evidence of minimum competence for a professional, while also trying to practice in an ideal way. For each credential assigned by a counselor, such as a degree and license, there is a minimum performance requirement that must be met. A counselor may also be competent or incompetent in different types of counseling, working with different populations, or specializing in different theoretical orientations. Competence also needs to be maintained from time to time and should be monitored on their own. Counselors should continue to access and review current research, and continuing education credits can be obtained through workshops, seminars, webinars, etc. When this ethical concept is not maintained, a counselor may risk professional misconduct, and may even face trial due to malpractice.
Informed consent
Informed consent is usually addressed through the form at the beginning of the counseling relationship, and relates to the client's right to be aware of the nature of the relationship and the counseling process itself. Informed consent must be present throughout the period that the client receives the service. This information should be presented both in written form, and discussed verbally with the client. A professional disclosure statement is usually provided to clients, which should include but is not limited to: counselor credentials, confidentiality issues, use of tests and inventory, diagnosis, reports, billing, and therapeutic processes, ÃÆ'®.
Professional limit
There are some limitations that can be crossed between client and counselor, including physical, psychological, emotional, and social restrictions. Some of these borders may be blurred. For example, there is a difference of opinion as to whether the touch fits between the counselor and their client. Sexual intercourse, however, generally disagrees uniformly. A double relationship, in which the counselor holds two or more different roles in the client's life at the same time, is also usually avoided, as well as the receipt of prizes with significant monetary value.
For a full copy of the ACA Code of Conduct 2014, see Code of Conduct link: 2014 ACA Code of Conduct
Then and now
Many community mental health specialists (CMH) operate under a holistic philosophy to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Mental health professionals should look not only at individuals but also in the interacting communities and environments that surround the individual. The main philosophy no longer removes irregular people from normal family, social and community environments into protected, institutionalized environments, but rather to community-based care centers for support and rehabilitation.
Key dates and figures such as Dorothea Dix in 1843 and the National Mental Health Act of 1946 paid attention to the life situation of the mentally ill and the need for more precise financial and programming funds. In 1963, the Community Mental Health Act provided federal funds for CMH services. Thanks to the development of available economic resources, the supply of mental health professionals and multidisciplinary teams approaching mental health has been institutionalized.
CMH is now in the post-disinstitutionalization era. The rates of psychiatric patients treated at inpatient facilities have declined and the shift has turned to more cost-effective alternatives. New techniques and models are used to provide care for people who were previously sent into patient care.
Limited tight restrictive environment
The idea behind the most unlimited treatment environment is to adjust the intensity of treatment to the severity of the client's condition so that restrictions on the client's personal freedom are minimal. This has been achieved by reducing the average length of clients staying in the hospital and emphasizing stabilization instead of intense therapy. Once stabilized, clients are released to the care of community-based institutions and practitioners for outpatient treatment plans. However, the phenomenon of the revolving door occurs when the patient is received, stabilized, released and then re-received several times in a short time. Strong communication networks between mental health providers and hospitals should be utilized to assist with the phenomenon of the revolving door.
Model case management
The case management model helps clients coordinate their schedules while integrating community services. One of the most comprehensive approaches to the case management model is the Assertive community treatment approach.
Strict community treatment
In the ACT approach, teams of professional counselors, social workers, nurses, rehabilitators and psychiatrists provide comprehensive community-based care and support to clients. Small team case loads and responsibilities are shared among team members. Services may include drug delivery, rehabilitation, and behavioral training in basic adaptive life skills, unavailability issues and transportation needs. It also includes 24-hour emergency services, treatment management, money management, and help with daily life.
Recovery and consumer movement
It is a belief that consumers of mental health should be able to develop treatment controls and end the oppressive stigma. The results of this movement include consumer-led care systems, self-help groups, consumer advocacy organizations and recovery perspectives.
Supporting groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have increased from about 50 in 1942 to over 58,000 by 2012. Parents without Partners (PWP) started in 1957 with a group of two women and is now the largest nonprofit membership organization in the world. Formed in 1976, the National Self-Help Clearinghouse now communicates information about the activities of more than 500,000 self-help groups now in the United States.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a self-help support and advocacy group consisting of over 1,000 local affiliates and 50 state organizations. NAMI advocates for increased funding for appropriate research, housing, employment, rehabilitation and health insurance.
The emergence of a recovery perspective in people's mental health is to change the underlying philosophy of what it means to be mentally ill. Drug Abuse and US Government Mental Health Service Provider (SAMHSA) defines recovery as "a journey of healing and transformation that enables a person with mental health problems to live a meaningful life in the community of his choice by striving to achieve or his full potential." The ten fundamental components of the philosophy of recovery are: 1) Self Direction , 2) People-centered , 3) Empowerment , 4) Holistic , 5) Non-linear , 6) Power-based , 7) Peer Support , 8) Respect , 9) < i> Responsibility , and 10) Hope .
Under the recovery of the consumer mental health care is seen as a capable and responsible person who can take over and manage his condition. Health strategies are applied in recovery jobs such as journals, visiting friends, exercising, eating nourishing, praying, meditation, doing good deeds, and practicing gratitude. Consumers in recovery who offer services to their peers in mental health care are called peer support specialists. They often help connect consumers with mental assist professionals and are usually trained for advice.
Evidence-based treatment
Many health experts argue that counseling is as much art as science. While some may find science-based outcome studies less helpful, evidence-based care is sometimes mandated. This is because professional organizations, third party reimbursers and consumers want more attention given to quality control and accountability.
Evidence-based treatments are usually studies in which certain treatments produce changes, which are evident in randomized controlled trials, compared with other approaches or none at all. SAMHSA has developed a National Note-Based Program and Practice. This database provides a summary, target population, types of results achieved, costs, and expert judgments. Studies and other evidence-based practice research are used in community counseling to ensure effective treatment.
See also
- Licensed Professional Advisors
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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