# data[].attributes.body
My name is Jacqueline Jovel, and I am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts Professional Counseling LPC program at Angelo State University.

# data[].attributes.body
During Unit 3, I learned that as a professional counselor it will be in my occupation that during a crisis I can become an individual of assistance to be able to help survivors during a time of instability and distress. While I can completing the Psychological First Aid assessment I realized the amount of stress and insecurities some of the individuals will go through and that made me think of why I am going into my role as a counselor. It is important for me to know and understand the steps to being able to provide psychological first aid to individuals who may need the most especially during traumatic events.

# data[].attributes.body
This resource for understanding cultural awareness has other self-assessments that can help better to identify where an individual stands with cultural awareness. It also has other articles and resources that can better explain the topic and provide more information to work better with culturally diverse clients.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Prepare to be challenged. Prepare to be informed. Prepare to be...prepared. Welcome to That's Unheard Of, a simple resource for keeping up with cultural competence for your practice. This site was created to help you know what you don't know - to fill gaps in your soft skills and increase your hard knowledge when it comes to working with an increasingly diverse population.
Learn More

The Knowledge You Want

It's the information you might not have considered. The best practices you may not know. Or the guidelines that have changed. All those things that may be unheard of to you - all in one place.

The Tools You Need

Videos. Quizzes. Role-play. New challenges require new tools - whether to help you assess your own gaps, or to help achieve better outcomes.

The Care You Provide

These tools and this knowledge will give you a deeper understanding of the impact of culture, and help you better connect with clients, patients, and students.

Not sure where to start? Check this list to get you started.

Factoid cards to sort, share with friends, make a game and help you know what you don't know. Make your own. Grab a friend and get started today!

Ask right questions at the right time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
That's Unheard Of: Build Your Cultural Competence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Prepare to be challenged. Prepare to be informed. Prepare to be...prepared. Welcome to That's Unheard Of, a simple resource for keeping up with cultural competence for your practice. This site was created to help you know what you don't know - to fill gaps in your soft skills and increase your hard knowledge when it comes to working with an increasingly diverse population.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

988

¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.

Conocer más

Stock photo by iStock.

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.

About The Lifeline

Anyone could be struggling with suicide. Find more specific resources below.

I'm Struggling With Individuals with Neurodivergence

We understand that every struggle is different. Experience the stories of people like you, and how they overcame crisis to find hope and recovery.
read stories of hope & recovery

First, you'll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center.

We'll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.

A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.

This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.

988 Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we're available 24/7.

Show What Happens When You Call The Lifeline

Everyone Plays A Role In Suicide Prevention

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to main content We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. 988 ¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!

# data[].attributes.body
As it was mentioned in one of our courses, the eight PFA Core Actions include:

Contact and Engagement: To respond to contacts initiated by survivors, or to initiate contacts in a non-intrusive, compassionate, and helpful manner.

Safety and Comfort: To enhance immediate and ongoing safety, and provide physical and emotional comfort.

Stabilization (if needed): To calm and orient emotionally overwhelmed or disoriented survivors.

Information Gathering on Current Needs and Concerns: To identify immediate needs and concerns, gather additional information, and tailor Psychological First Aid interventions.

Practical Assistance: To offer practical help to survivors in addressing immediate needs and concerns.

Connection with Social Supports: To help establish brief or ongoing contacts with primary support persons and other sources of support, including family members, friends, and community helping resources.

Information on Coping: To provide information about stress reactions and coping to reduce distress and promote adaptive functioning.

Linkage with Collaborative Services: To link survivors with available services needed at the time or in the future.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2020). Psychological First Aid and SPR. https://www.nctsn.org/treatments-and-practices/psychological-first-aid-and-skills-for-psychological-recovery/about-pfa

# data[].attributes.body
As I was completing the reference guide for mental health disorders i realized that I was familiar with some of the disorders that I was doing independent research on but at the same time this part of the assignment helped me to better understand how each of these disorders like anxiety, depression and eating disorders can affect individuals in different ways.

Another part of this assignment that I realized is that unless an individual like myself is doing research and learning continually it can be very difficult for just anyone to sit down and find out why they have been diagnosed with OCD or PTSD. From my perspective having a reference guide that has listed some of the major disorders that tend to be mostly common in society in different ways is going to continue to assist me in the future professional career to always remember how mental health has many branches that can be sometimes confusing for some individuals to understand and this is where counselors can provide better assistance and a foundation to help the clients.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a review of the Code of Ethics provided by the Counseling Association which breaks down the codes of ethics and provides an overview of why it is important tot follow and review the codes for better service to clients.

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=55ab73d0_1

# data[].attributes.body
If you are thinking about suicide, contact one of the following helplines.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8.

TTY: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 9-8-8.

2-1-1 Texas: Call or text 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Texas site.

Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 (Available 24/7).

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 9-8-8 and press 1.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Facing a Mental Health Crisis?

If you or someone you know are faced with a mental health crisis, please call the crisis hotline of the local mental health or local behavioral health authority for your county. You may find this number by using the online mental health services search form or by calling one of the numbers below.

Crisis services are available 24 hours/7 days a week and include prompt face-to-face crisis assessment, crisis intervention services, crisis follow-up and relapse prevention services. The HHSC Crisis Services Guide (PDF) has information on various state-funded crisis services and organizations that can help connect people to resources.

LMHA Mental Health Crisis Numbers

Need Help?

If you are thinking about suicide, please contact:

Phone Apps

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you or someone you know are faced with a mental health crisis, please call the crisis hotline of the local mental health or local behavioral health authority for your county.

# data[].attributes.body
Additional mental health resources are available to download on your phone.

Breathe2Relax– Stress management tools and exercises (iTunes) (Google Play)

Suicide Safer Home – Practical tips for parents and caregivers (iTunes) (Google Play)

Texas Veterans – Access local, state and national resources (iTunes) (Google Play)

# data[].attributes.body
60 Minutes. (2024, May 15). Crisis | 60 Minutes Archive [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qUzuoy8CHk

# data[].attributes.body
Texas Counseling Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Texas School Counselor Association Professional School Counselor Conference (PSCC) pre-registration rates are still available.

Reminder: Your administrator attends for free when you register. Administrators can be registered online during the registration process.

Registration is now open for the TACES Mid-Winter Conference on March 2 & 3, 2023. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center in Georgetown, TX. Pre-registration closes Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.

Submit your proposal for the 2023 TACES Mid-Winter Conference. The submission deadline is Dec. 21.
See past TCA updates.
In light of the recent tragedy at Club Q in Colorado Springs, TCA extends its sincere condolences to all those impacted by recent acts of violence taking place across the United States.

Texas Senior Senator John Cornyn is co-chairing the workgroup on Increasing integration, coordination, and access to care. This is a great opportunity. ALL TCA members need to contact John Cornyn an...
See all industry news.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Texas School Counselor Association Professional School Counselor Conference (PSCC) pre-registration rates are still available. Reminder: Your administrator attends for free when you register. Administrators can be registered online during the registration process. Registration is now open for the TACES Mid-Winter Conference on March 2 & 3, 2023.

# data[].attributes.body
Mental Health has continued to gradually become more of a difficult situation around the world. It has become very important to understand and realize that every individual shared different ideas, perspectives and values when it comes to mental health. Brownstein (2025) examined the rise of adults who experienced poor mental health in comparison to younger adults who experienced even worse cases of mental health in previous years. Brownstein provided study findings based on surveys that were provided to individuals that were going through a mental health crisis between 2011 and 2022 to demonstrate the findings how much more mental health had risen between these years (Brownstein, 2025).

# data[].attributes.body
Brownstein, M. (2025, January 17). Mental health declined among U.S. adults from 2011 to 2022 | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/mental-health-declined-among-u-s-adults-from-2011-to-2022/

# data[].attributes.body
Mental Health is a state of mental well-being that allows people to cope with real-life situations that may happen that cause stress, as well as learning each individuals potential and being valued contributing members of communities (World Health Organization: WHO, 2019). Acquiring the knowledge of understanding and grasping concepts between mental health allows us as Professional counselors to remember that mental health matters in all aspects of life whether it is emotional, psychological and/or social and with each of these parts of our well-being we can find better solutions to traumas and illnesses.

# data[].attributes.body
World Health Organization: WHO. (2019, December 19). Mental health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Assignment 1 Intro and Assess Prior Knowledge

# data[].attributes.body
River Crest is a modern 80-bed acute care hospital, specializing in the treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues that can afflict persons of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults. Our continuum of care includes evaluation, crisis stabilization, treatment, education, prevention and aftercare (River Crest Hospital, n.d.).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Behavioral Health Center in San Angelo, TX

# data[].attributes.body
Concho Valley Community Resource Guide

# data[].attributes.body
To learn more about inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services in San Angelo, call at 325.747.7300 or 800.227.5908

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether it is for a relative, a friend or yourself, the decision to seek help during a crisis can be difficult. At Shannon Behavioral Health Services, we are committed to a philosophy of care which preserves the dignity and integrity of each patient.

Shannon Behavioral Health Services is a 22-bed regional inpatient psychiatric facility that provides comprehensive mental health services for adults and senior adults experiencing emotional or behavioral problems. We strive to stabilize the patient in crisis, diagnose the disorder and develop an individualized plan that meets each patient's needs. Our goal is to help each patient return to the highest quality of life possible in a secure, comfortable and therapeutic environment.

Multidisciplinary team

Our multidisciplinary team is composed of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, activities therapists and licensed professional counselors.

Admission process

The admission process is confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We encourage referring physicians to visit the center, and we strive to keep you fully informed of a patient's progress throughout the entire treatment period. For your convenience, our assessment staff is available to assist you and your staff with inquiries and assessments.

Payment options

Shannon Behavioral Health Services accepts Medicaid, Medicare, TriCare and most insurance plans.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether it is for a relative, a friend or yourself, the decision to seek help during a crisis can be difficult. At Shannon Behavioral Health Services, we are committed to a philosophy of care which preserves the dignity and integrity of each patient.

# data[].attributes.body
Crisis Hotline: The MHMR Concho Valley 24/7 Crisis Hotline (1-800-375-8965) is answered by qualified and highly trained mental health professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT): team made up of an array of qualified and highly trained mental health professionals who are available for immediate response 24 hours a day throughout 7 counties. MCOT services focus on providing timely crisis assessments and development of a treatment plan unique to the individual’s needs.

Crisis Respite Unit: Located at the Lloyd Downing Campus the crisis respite unit offers a 12-bed voluntary Crisis Respite Unit, serving all individuals throughout our 7 counties. The average length of stay for individuals is 7 days, which includes linking to resources, providing skills training, group therapy, and psychiatric stabilization for individuals to return back to their community successfully.

Community Based Inpatient Crisis Stabilization: Community Based Inpatient Crisis Stabilization is provided to individuals at the time of crisis as a last resort if a less restrictive option is not available. MHMR Concho Valley contracts with local behavioral health hospitals in San Angelo & the West Texas area. The goal is to assist a person through a crisis, when they are presenting as an imminent danger to self or others, or at risk of continued decline of mental health.

Crisis services. (n.d.). https://mhmrcv.org/crisis-services/

# data[].attributes.headline
Deputy Sheriff Mental Health Crisis Program

# data[].attributes.subject
Deputy Sheriff Mental Health Crisis Program

# data[].attributes.body
Local Resources:

Tom Green County Sheriff's Office: (325) 655-8111

San Angelo Police Department: (325) 481-2696

MHMR Crises Line: (325) 653-5933 or 1-800-375-8965 24 hours a day

Crisis Intervention Unit: (325) 658-3921

MHMR Respite: (325) 658-3961

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental Health Deputy Program Tom Green County TX Sheriffs Office

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MissionTo improve the way law enforcement and the community respond to people experiencing mental health crisis.PurposeTo hel

# data[].attributes.body
Through the years, West Texas Counseling & Guidance has maintained a high standard of professional ethics. Today, the Center is the only non-profit, outpatient, mental-health service provider dedicated to counseling in the 19-county Concho Valley and Val Verde area. https://www.sanangelocounseling.org/index.php

# data[].attributes.body
My Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders- Jacqueline Jovel

# data[].attributes.body
Trauma is an event or situation that causes physical harm, emotional harm, and/or life-threatening harm. An event, sequence of events, or a group of circumstances that an individual perceives as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has a lasting negative impact on the individual's mental, physical, social, or emotional well-being (SAMHSA, n.d.). Trauma can happen to anyone and everyone regardless of sex, age, gender, religion affiliation, and other factors. Due to this, it is important to be prepared as a counselor for clients that may experience trauma within any event or situation and understanding the different types of trauma and how they can affect the individual. This process will also allow the counselor to identify what prevention techniques can be used during crises and if there may be threat assessments that will need to be in place in order to provide better care for the client.

# data[].attributes.body
Trauma and violence - What is trauma and its effects? (n.d.). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence

# data[].attributes.body
Development Discussion on Trauma

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unit 2 Assignment 2 - Developmental Discussion on Trauma

# data[].attributes.body
Chelak, L. (2024, October 2). Childhood Trauma Therapists West Palm Beach, FL | Trauma Therapy Center. Trauma Therapy Center in West Palm Beach, FL - Liz Chelak, MSW, CCTSI. https://www.traumatherapywpb.com/trauma-types/childhood-trauma/

# data[].attributes.body
I would like to share one of my most important personal goals and one professional goal. My personal goal that I began almost a month ago was taking care of my physical health in order to also be more mindful about my mental health. I have been eating balanced healthier meals, avoiding too many sugar drinks as well as avoiding drinking any type of alcohol. It has been a challenge but that is what makes it fun. My professional goal I had set for myself after not being enrolled in school for almost 10 years was to get enrolled in a master’s program for Professional Counseling in order to begin my journey to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. By taking this course, I would like to further expand my learning into carrying out knowledge on prevention, assessments and more strategies to have better responsiveness during crisis situations. Lastly, as someone who has struggled with mental health in the past and someone who currently has family members who struggle with mental health, I am really passionate about how I can be a better advocate and be well prepared in the future throughout my career choice as a counselor wanting to work youth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online_Certificate- Jacqueline Jovel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
prevention plan and threat assessment substance abuse

# data[].attributes.headline
Ethical Codes for Professional Counselors

# data[].attributes.subject
Ethical Codes for Professional Counselors

# data[].attributes.body
Code of Ethics (2014) states that maintaining a counseling relationship between a counselor and client is important to help grow and support client's well-being and to also create a strong trust foundation in that relationship (American Counseling Association, 2014). The purpose of creating a profound counseling relationship is to not only be aware of the cultural ideologies a counselor will need to challenge against their own beliefs but also trying to be understanding and accepting of the client's cultural identity that can be different than those of the counselor. Lastly, a counselor creates a strong relationship with the client as a form additional resource to the community to which that relationship will be held on higher accountability to respect. These codes of ethics are applicable to my future role of becoming a Professional Counselor as this can allow me to develop better relationships that are being formed by biased opinions that I have created for myself. This code of ethics will also allow me to be more mindful about how the clients' well-being plays a role in how the referrals gets processed, how much we respect each other and our different values, and the importance of setting counseling boundaries with the clients.

# data[].attributes.body
Other Ethical Codes listed on ACA 2014 Code of Ethics:

Confidentiality and Privacy

Professional Responsibility

Relationships With Other Professionals

Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation

Supervision, Training, and Teaching

Research and Publication

Distance Counseling, Technology, and Social Media

Resolving Ethical Issues

# data[].attributes.headline
Rules, statutes and public policies related to Professional Counseling in Texas

# data[].attributes.subject
Rules, statutes and public policies related to Professional Counseling in Texas

# data[].attributes.body
The Texas Counseling Association (TCA) is an organization created and ran by members who are in counseling fields or similar fields. This organization primarily focuses on promoting high standards about policies and rules in relation to counseling within the state of Texas. TCA members that are a part of this organization work in various fields within counseling including but not limited to: private practice; elementary and secondary schools; college campuses; criminal justice programs; community mental health centers, hospitals, nursing homes and managed care facilities (Texas Counseling Association, n.d.).

# data[].attributes.body
Supportive responses that can be used when handling situations with psychological first aid.

# data[].attributes.body
SAMHSA. (2019, August 21). Crisis counseling skills [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=528pfiNJt7o

# data[].attributes.body
While completing the ABC Crisis model, it allowed me take into perspective how I will be assisting a client during crises in order to be able to provide them with better alternatives to cope with some of the situations they may be encountering that is affecting them psychologically, mentally, emotionally and physically.

# data[].attributes.body
TEDx Talks. (2023, February 16). You’re Doing It Wrong: The evolution of cultural competence | Raquel Martin | TEDxRutgersCamden [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNCu1ED0Zsk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
You're Doing It Wrong: The evolution of cultural competence | Raquel Martin | TEDxRutgersCamden

# data[].attributes.body
Cultural competence is consistent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that unite within an organization, system, or among professionals to promote productive work in cross-cultural contexts. For example the term culture refers to human behavior patterns that ties racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups, beliefs, values, language, thoughts, communications, and behaviors. While competence refers to being able to utilize both individually and as an organization in a way that is appropriate for the cultural values, customs, and demands of customers and their communities. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June24). Cultural competence in health and human services. National Prevention Information Network. https://npin.cdc.gov/pages/cultural-competence-health-and-human-services#what

# data[].attributes.body
I have learned through independent researched that in order to be able to make my practice culturally apprehension, the counselor must develop cultural humility by understanding my own biases and culture. This means that building competence in any area involves continuing my education, staying up to date with new evidence-based research, adjusting my plans and assessments to each client, and, most importantly, practicing and self-assessing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.).

# data[].attributes.headline
The following are examples of check-in tools a counselor can use to see if they meet cultural competence with themselves.

# data[].attributes.subject
The following are examples of check-in tools a counselor can use to see if they meet cultural competence with themselves.

# data[].attributes.body
(American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.)

# data[].attributes.body
(American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.)

# data[].attributes.body
(American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, n.d.)

# data[].attributes.body
While working through Unit 3, I felt more comfortable knowing and learning about trauma and crisis prevention and also realized that there are many strategies that can be identified during the time of treatment planning in order to better assist the client work through their traumas. I find it also important to learn that now moving forward when I learn about crises I will not only think of large events or large casualties but I have also learned to understand that crises can happen at a smaller event and as a counselor I can plan a major role in providing the needed assistance for the clients.

It was interesting for me working in my group for Substance Abuse and realizing how everyone in the group had different perspectives about how to approach substance abuse and developing a treatment plan and although we shared the same purpose of assisting the client, I still learned the influence it can have to know other support systems that can be also use as referrals.

According to WHO (2022), "Promotion and prevention interventions work by identifying the individual, social and structural determinants of mental health, and then intervening to reduce risks, build resilience and establish supportive environments for mental health. Interventions can be designed for individuals, specific groups or whole populations" (World Health Organization: WHO, 2022).

World Health Organization: WHO. (2022, June 17). Mental health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response