Counseling Case
PCN-505, Module 2, Discussion Question 1
Regina Longwell
Grand Canyon University
January 27, 2013
This case clearly addresses the issue of scope of practice. According to Remely and Herlihy, there are specific degrees, credentials, and licenses needed to counsel in specific areas. The qualifications may vary from state to state and it is important to know and understand the scope of practice that your particular qualifications include. (Remly, Jr. and Helihy, 2010). In the state of Minnesota, where I reside, the professional counselor definition is as follows: "Licensed professional counseling" means the application of counseling, human development, and mental health research, principles, and procedures to maintain and enhance the mental health, development, personal and interpersonal effectiveness, and adjustment to work and life of individuals and families”, and the scope of practice is as follows: “The scope of practice of a licensed professional counselor includes, but is not limited to:
(1) the implementation of professional counseling treatment interventions including evaluation, treatment planning, assessment, and referral;
(2) direct counseling services to individuals, groups, and families;
(3) counseling strategies that effectively respond to multicultural populations;
(4) knowledge of relevant laws and ethics impacting practice;
(5) crisis intervention;
(6) consultation; and
(7) program evaluation and applied research.” (Office of the Reviser of Statues, 2012).
While, addressing how alcoholism possibly affects Janet’s major depression in her counseling sessions seems to fall within the professional counselor’s scope of practice, the direct treatment of alcoholism does not. According to state statutes, the treatment of chemical dependency is done by a licensed professional other than the professional counselor, who specializes in such training. For the professional counselor to do so would be to practice outside the scope of
Regina Longwell
Grand Canyon University
January 27, 2013
This case clearly addresses the issue of scope of practice. According to Remely and Herlihy, there are specific degrees, credentials, and licenses needed to counsel in specific areas. The qualifications may vary from state to state and it is important to know and understand the scope of practice that your particular qualifications include. (Remly, Jr. and Helihy, 2010). In the state of Minnesota, where I reside, the professional counselor definition is as follows: "Licensed professional counseling" means the application of counseling, human development, and mental health research, principles, and procedures to maintain and enhance the mental health, development, personal and interpersonal effectiveness, and adjustment to work and life of individuals and families”, and the scope of practice is as follows: “The scope of practice of a licensed professional counselor includes, but is not limited to:
(1) the implementation of professional counseling treatment interventions including evaluation, treatment planning, assessment, and referral;
(2) direct counseling services to individuals, groups, and families;
(3) counseling strategies that effectively respond to multicultural populations;
(4) knowledge of relevant laws and ethics impacting practice;
(5) crisis intervention;
(6) consultation; and
(7) program evaluation and applied research.” (Office of the Reviser of Statues, 2012).
While, addressing how alcoholism possibly affects Janet’s major depression in her counseling sessions seems to fall within the professional counselor’s scope of practice, the direct treatment of alcoholism does not. According to state statutes, the treatment of chemical dependency is done by a licensed professional other than the professional counselor, who specializes in such training. For the professional counselor to do so would be to practice outside the scope of
References: Office of the Reviser of Statues. (2012). 2012 Minnesota statutes. Retrieved on January 27, 2013 from https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=148B.59&year=2012 Remely Jr., Theodore and Herlihy, Barbara. (2010). Ethical, legal and professional issues in counseling. Retrieved on January 27, 2013 from http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/pearson/2010/ethical-legal-and-professional-issues-in-counseling_ebook_3e.php