From the standpoint of a former journal editor and long-time professional, this commentary challenges the direction of the profession as demonstrated in this special section. The ongoing creation of more and more ethical constraints not only harms the profession but also loses sight of fundamental ethical principles.

Mental health counselor relates personal experience of learning that his son had been shot in the head and was being cared for in an intensive care unit. Describes his reactions to this trauma and explains the emotions he had. (NB)

Argues that blending school psychology and school counseling training to produce comprehensive mental health specialists is a way to address the identified social and emotional needs of children in urban schools. Such specialists could result in more comprehensive, coordinated school mental health services and lead to improved academic…

Suggests that strategy for mental health counselors and other American Association for Counseling and Development (AACD) professionals is to focus on service to the consumer, unity within, and the clear articulation of the meaning of a developmental approach to counseling, therapy, and human growth. Practice within AACD is seen as…

Notes that many mental health counselors work in settings where they are represented by unions or are encouraged to participate in union membership. Discusses four global issues central to mental health counselor unionization: professionalism of counseling, client care, mental health counselor-supervisor relationship, and professional obligations…

The goals of this presentation were to help mental health professionals become more cognizant of cultural factors in the processes of death and grief and more introspect about their own personal and intercultural awareness of death, grief, and multiculturalism. Commonly reported counselor cultural biases are highlighted, as are factors to consider…

Reviews the lessons learned by professional psychology when it adopted the strategy of statutory regulation, freedom of choice, control of its own training and its national organization, and future strategies for Medicare and eventually for the enactment of universal health care. Claims these lessons are important to the professions following…

Defines mental health counselors and discusses increasing acknowledgement of them as the legitimate service providers of mental health services. Points out cost effectiveness of mental health counselors and predicts expansion in field, especially geriatric and career counselors, and the growth of mental health counselor professional organizations…

Addresses major challenges facing mental health counselors in decade ahead and twenty-first century, including effects of advanced technology on occupational structure, changing family structures, cultural diversity and pluralism, and enlarging populations at risk. Advocates challenges be considered within profession's planning of macrostrategies,…

Claims there is a need for mental health counselors to see the big picture and deal with the system surrounding the individual. Notes psychoeducation can have a positive effect on the therapeutic process. Sets forth a theory and presents programs that can expand the role of mental health counselors. (Author)

Addresses legal and professional responsibilities of mental health counselors to maintain adequate and timely client records. Discusses importance of documentation and recordkeeping, use of client records in court, characteristics of adequate records, recording content of sessions, potentially damaging records, and correcting and storing records.…

Claims mental health counseling can benefit from the depth perspective generated by double description: the politics of Weikel and Palmo and the semantics of Ivey. Compares and contrasts views regarding identity, roles and functions, and positioning of mental health counseling as a profession. (Author)

Describes the five largest psychotherapy occupations (psychiatrist, clinical/counseling psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, clinical mental health counselor) and looks at training requirements, types of practices, trends, and related occupations. Lists professional associations and references for further…

Asserts that research has not been integral role in identities of mental health counselors, and yet this role is critical to advancement of the profession. Addresses personal and organizational barriers to research in mental health. Offers proposal for preservice and in-service training in research, with particular attention to relevant research…

Suggests that mental health counselors must be sensitized to ethical issues in practice and work, hone their ethical decision making, be willing to place a value on ethical behavior, and develop ego strength necessary to carry through on their ethical decisions. Offers suggestions for how mental health counselors can enhance each of these…