Reflecting overall, I am ready to dig into Trauma and Crisis. Even though this is an introduction class, we do have many new things to read and study. If something is interesting, I plan to dig in more on that subject on my own time. I feel good about this class and the upcoming assignments.

As I was looking through resources, I was able to learn more about Psychosis. Recently, I have been hearing my high school students refer to the term more often, and am interested to learn more about it. Overall, I think the reference guide is a great resource to look back at!

This training would be helpful for all educators, law enforcement, health care, and mental health care workers to take. I also liked how the modules had examples and opportunities to apply what was learned.

It is important to know the laws so that one can work in private practice and not be sued.

An ethical guideline for behaviors that LPC must follow to practice. The ethics allow for a framework alongside one's morals to assure that a counselor is in good faith when practicing.

It is important to know the laws so that a counselor can remain licensed to practice in their state.

After a client is assessed or has completed a program, there may be additional needs of the client that can be best met in other programs, or with a different specialized professional. Additional needs may include a heightened need for immediate help or increased level of support, or a crisis situation that requires supervisional medical support. When a professional counselor feels as if that is in the best interest of the client, a referral may be made. Best interest scenarios may be for the counselor or the client, but the purpose of a referral should always be made clear.  A counselor can decide to terminate the professional relationship when they feel as if their safety is in danger, the client does not meet payment agreements, or if there is an underlying moral or ethical factor to include competence of the subject (Linde, 2016).

When referring clients to other programs or services, or potentially a more qualified professional based on needs, there are confidentiality concerns. Information about a client is protected and only the client can give permission to share specifics. There is usually an agreement or paperwork in place, a release of information disclosure, that allows a counselor or agency permission to share necessary information if the client wishes (Client Confidentiality, 2023). 

Based on the needs of the client, there may be additional support needed from other qualified mental health professionals who specialize in specific areas, or who have qualifications that are needed. For example, if a client needs a more complex diagnosis that requires specific medications, a licensed professional counselor may refer the client to a Psychiatrist who holds a license to prescribe and monitor medication usage. Another mental health professional that is beneficial is a Social Worker who can provide help in assisting with housing needs, government assistance, and community resources. There are also professionals who are specialized in certain areas such as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. If a counselor feels that the client can be better served by a professional who specializes in their specific area of need, then a referral is justified. The number of referrals depends on the needs of the patient. A counselor should attempt to serve the client and analyze the situation before referring out. However, not every person has the same needs. It may be overwhelming to submit many referrals for a client at the same time. So prioritizing needs based on safety and the situation is important, start with one at a time, and assure the purpose of the referral is clear to the client (Types of Mental Health Professionals — Here For Texas, 2022). 

Client Confidentiality. (2023). GoodTherapy. Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/client-confidentiality

Linde, L. (2016). The ACA Code of Ethics: Clarifying values and referrals in counseling. Counseling Today, 20-21. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/ethics/ethics-columns/ethics_october-2016--values-and-refferal.pdf?sfvrsn=d222522c_4

Types of Mental Health Professionals — Here For Texas. (2022). Here For Texas. Retrieved June 22, 2023, from https://www.herefortexas.com/types-of-mental-health-professionals