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Cultural Competence is very important when delivering responsive services. As human beings, we vary in different beliefs, norms, values, and experiences. Addressing or trying to aid someone strictly from your own perspective and cultural experience can do more harm than good. In order for us to be able to properly empathize with and help others, we need to be knowledgeable about the best ways to reach them based on their lived experiences.

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Texana Crisis Center:

Address: 5311 Avenue N, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Phone: (281) 239-1300

The Harris Center for Medical Health and IDD

Address: 9401 Southwest Freeway

Houston, TX 77074

Phone: 713-970-7000

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8 (24/7)

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

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Dziak, M. (2025). Psychological First Aid. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.

Henderson, A., Jewell, T., Huang, X., & Simpson, A. (2025). Personal trauma history and secondary traumatic stress in mental health professionals: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), 32(1), 13–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.13082

Hill, R., & Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. (2013, January 1). Principles of psychological first aid / presented by Richard Hill. Australian Counselling Association.

Jill Bassett-Cameron. (2023). Helping the Helper: Managing Vicarious Trauma from Work. New England College Journal of Applied Educational Research, 4, 103–124.

Kanel, K. (2011). The ABC model of crisis intervention. In Favorite counseling and therapy techniques., 2nd ed. (pp. 171–175). Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.

Love, K., Bolton, J. M., Hunzinger, E., & Hensel, J. M. (2023). Needs Assessment of Clients Accessing a Community Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Unit. Community Mental Health Journal, 59(2), 400–408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-022-01019-4

Mental illness. (2024, September). National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

NAMI. (2024). Mental Health Conditions | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Www.nami.org. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/

Stress, trauma, and crisis. [s. l.], 2004. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=c9c46178-c661-3cca-9e1f-472fc0ca91c7. Acesso em: 9 mar. 2025.

UPG Media, production company., & Kanel, K. 1958-speaker. (2016, January 1). The ABC Model of Crisis Counseling: Working with Loss and Grief. Alexander Street.

WHO. (2022, June 8). Mental Disorders. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders

Yin, S., & Jing, R. (2014). A Schematic View of Crisis Threat Assessment. Journal of Contingencies & Crisis Management, 22(2), 97–107. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12044

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Sometimes when situations arise that are beyond our scope of practice, couselors must make outside referrals for a client. Some examples of these would be clients who need medication prescriptions for their mental illness, PCP involvement, support group therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, crisis referrals, etc. The first step is to explain to the client why this referral source is beneficial for them. Informed Consent is key. If they choose to see the referral, then a signed "release of information" form is required. After this is obtained, the counselor can proceed with referring the client for the best treatment outcomes.

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Unit 3 Assignment 3 was one of the most fun for me to complete out of the entire semester. With the case study I selected, I got a chance to practice how I would respond as a counselor. My biggest takeaway from this assignment is that it included fundamentals and foundation work for my future role. I was able to hypothetically respond to a crisis and also provide a treatment plan for the client. For me, the thought of practicing in person can be a little intimidating. Doing activities like these can be very helpful in shaping my therapy style for the future.

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Unit 3 Assignment 2 consisted of a collaborative group project, where we explored Substance Abuse. In this Unit section, through research, I acquired knowledge on how to assess individuals who are at risk for substance abuse related crisis. I learned of the "at risk" behaviors and etiologies to look for, as well as the screening processes once any risks are identified. This unit project was very beneficial for me in my future role as a counselor, because one concentration I am interested in is addictions/subtance abuse. I plan to work heavily with this particular population, so everything from this assignment was informative.

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Psychological First Aid Online Certification

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Psychological First Aid Online Certification

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For Unit 3 Assignment 1, I learned the meaning of what Psychological First Aid is. Prior to obtaining this certification, I had never heard of this. I am glad I got the opportunity to learn about the role of mental health professionals when a disaster of any kind occurs, as it is an important role. The moments of crisis following a disaster are some of the most traumatizing for individuals. It is relevant for my position as a future LPC, because if I ever work in a setting where these services are required, I can use my certification to help individuals and families in need.

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Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online_Certificate

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I've enjoyed Unit 2 the most thus far. The developmental discussions centered around trauma have been enlightening and informative. A key takeaway that I have learned from this Unit is the various types of Trauma that exist. I never knew there were so many. One that stood out to me was Vicarious Trauma, as it can be something I could experience in the future as a counselor. As we wrap up this unit, I am able to recognize some of the different types after evaluating a situation. I think that was the purpose of the developmental discussions, so everything has come together cohesively.

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Unit 1, Section 2 was an overflow of useful information regarding mental health disorders. Some disorders were familiar. However, I did not have the depth of details related to them. For example, there are multiple forms of depression and anxiety. A lot of the disorders were new to me, and it was a very engaging assignment that enabled me to expand my knowledge. I enjoyed the learning experience and I completed it.

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders 

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Introductions & Accessing Prior Knowledge

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Introductions & Accessing Prior Knowledge

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Unit 1 gauged any knowledge I already had regarding Crisis and Trauma. It was also an introduction into what I could look forward to learning from these two topics. A key takeaway from this unit that I learned are a few key statistics related to mental health. One of the statistics that stood out to me was that 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness (NIMH, 2024). This was a motivating factor for me, because I know that I am going into the right profession to help others.

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The ACA Code of Ethics acts as an ethical guide for couselors across the nation. It covers all facets of professionalism, principle, and core values of the profession. This is important to have in my role as a counselor because like any field, there should be a governing body that holds us accountable. Providing a standard of care and ethics is crucial to operate in uniformity and fluidly.

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My name is Leria Beverly and my program of study is MA of Professional Counseling. A professional goal of mine is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor for the state of Texas. A personal goal would be to go into private practice after completing the necessary hours of supervision. What I would like to gain from this course is plenty of knowledge about Trauma, considering this is such a common facet of mental health that people face. Being properly informed about trauma would better equip me to help guide clients through it successfully.