CSL 501 Prof Orient & Ehtical Practice

This course is an introduction to the profession of counseling with a focus on mental health counseling. Students will be exposed to the historical, philosophical, societal, economic, and political dimensions of mental health counseling. The focus will be on fostering students' knowledge and professional identity by increasing awareness of various roles and duties of professional mental health counselors as well ass learning how they interact with professionals from other disciplines within the mental health field. The course provides an overview of the issues, needs, populations, skills, and models in mental health settings with an emphasis on prevention, wellness and advocacy. Students will also learn about the organization and administration of mental health services. Students will learn about professional issues that are unique to mental health counseling, including national recognition in the field, reimbursement, core provider status, and access to and practice privileges within managed care systems. The ethical and legal issues in the contact of mental health counseling in a diverse society will also be discussed.