Professional Orientation, Licensing, And Credentialing

Objectives:

1. Describe the ethical issues encountered by counselors who work in private or public mental health organizations or school settings.

2. Determine professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. [CACREP 5.F.2.n, 5.C.2.k]

3. Determine the requirements for credentialing, licensure, certification, accreditation practices, and standards, including tiered levels, in the state in which the counselor in training plans to practice clinical mental health counseling or school counseling and how public policy affects the requirements. [CACREP 2.F.1.g]

4. Describe the key roles and functions of clinical mental health counseling or school counseling licensure/certification and credentialing boards and how such boards attempt to protect the public from substandard counseling practices. [CACREP 2.F.1.i, 5.G.2.l]

5. Describe steps that counselors can take to minimize their professional liability and the likelihood that complaints will be filed against them for failing to maintain a professional standard of care.