FOR LICENSED COLLEGE COUNSELORS ON WHEN TO HAND OUT A PDS
The Board recognizes that counselors working in a college setting deal with a high volume of clients; many of the contacts are not therapeutic; many begin as non-counseling exchanges but may require the licensee to use his/her counseling expertise (e.g., practice counseling); and many of the contacts do not take place in the traditional "confidential office" setting, but in hallways, reception areas, classrooms, etc.
The Board believes that licensed professionals are capable of identifying when the contact with a client becomes a counseling relationship.
The statutory definition of counseling employs terms such as "developing an understanding of personal problems", "defining goals and planning action", "application of counseling theories and techniques", "referring to other specialists"," and "application of counseling procedures and interpersonal skills to provide counseling assistance". College counselors do all these things, and when they do, the licensing law requires that a PDS be provided to the client.
How does a counselor know when he/she is practicing? Perhaps by answering the following questions:
** Can the service or information I am providing be provided by someone without counselor training? For example, an instructor or dean may be able to explain what courses are required for what degree; an administrative staff person may be able to identify scholarship programs; a teacher may be able to quote school policy on advanced standing or waiver of classes for competence.
** Are these issues dealt with by a counselor? Am I doing anything spelled out in the statutory definition?
** Do I feel I’m addressing personal matters that require a closed door, greater privacy, etc.?
What does a counselor do when what started out as a discussion of courses is now becoming a discussion of career goals and objectives? What might the counselor do?
** Indicate that a counseling session is in order and either suggest the student seek counseling or see someone else;
** Make an appointment back at the office;
** Explain that as a licensee you have to give them a PDS and whip one out of your briefcase, or tell them you must provide a PDS and explain where to pick one up (e.g., on the wall outside your office door, or in the packet on the counseling center bulletin board).
A counseling center has a variety of personnel with different backgrounds and specialties, how can the center address the requirement that each licensee must hand out his/her own PDS?
** Consider asking staff to prepare their handouts using a generic format but allowing licensees to include all information required by the Board.
** Consider one statement for all. See reverse for sample based on the one actually used at Milestones in Corvallis.
AGENCY LETTERHEAD/LOGO
Address; telephone no.
AGENCY provides a variety of services to clients and their families. Our counselors are highly trained professionals. The names and backgrounds of each of our counselors are listed on the following sheet.
All counselors subscribe to the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association. Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and licensed marriage and family therapists
(LMFTs) are also bound by the Oregon Code of Ethics adopted by the licensing board. These standards and laws protect your confidentiality and other rights. All professional staff have agreed to and a signed a code of ethics statement whichis available to clients upon request.
All of our counselors engage in continuing education on a variety of topics to maintain excellence of service. LPCs and LMFTs are required to attend a minimum of 20 clock hours per year of continuing education to satisfy requirements for state licensure and certification.
Clients of counseling services offered by Oregon LPCs and LMFTs have the right
* to expect that . . . . .
(Client Bill of Rights is displayed in its entirety)
* to be free from . . . . .
We hope any concerns or problems will be brought to the attention of our . . . . (manager or director, etc.); and you may also contact the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors & Therapists, 3218 Pringle Rd SE #160, Salem, OR 97302-6312, (503) 378-5499 about our LPCs and LMFTs.
John J. Doe, MA, LPC
John is a licensed professional counselor (C9999). He received his Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Oregon State College in 1982 and has completed several pre-doctoral courses as Western Fox University. He has worked as . . . (short experience list). His approach to counseling is to help clients move toward management of their own feelings, thoughts, and behavior in ways that enhance their social and emotional health.
Mary K. Smith, BS
Mary received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Salem State College. She is currently doing graduate work in marriage and family therapy. She has held a variety of jobs in the chemical dependency field and is herself a recovering addict.
Others
Fee schedule
5/97
|
