Strategies To Advocate For The Counseling Profession ✓ Solved

Strategies To Advocate For The Counseling Profession through a Position Statement

In this assignment, you will determine strategies to advocate for the counseling profession by developing a position statement. A position statement, like a white paper, is a report that presents both facts and opinions on a particular issue to inform readers and influence them. Often, a position statement concludes with a call to action and provides recommendations for the next steps. In this assignment, you will gather facts and make inferences to formulate a well-supported argument for a position and make advocacy recommendations regarding a specific policy influencing professional credentialing (in other words, certifications or licenses) of clinical mental health counselors. To prepare your assignment, gather facts and formulate a well-supported argument that counselors' scope of practice should be expanded in some way (for example, extending Medicare provider status to mental health counselors, extending the Indian Health Service to recognize professional counselors as health care providers, or urging state counseling licensure boards to adopt the requirement of graduation from a CACREP-accredited counseling program for licensure to improve license portability across state lines).

This assignment has two parts: The first part will be a brief introductory paper entitled Advocating for the Counseling Profession. In this section of the assignment, describe the need for professional counselors to advocate on behalf of the profession. Instructions for this part of the assignment are included in the Template. For the second part of the assignment, you will construct a Position Statement and Advocacy Recommendations paper. Focus on an issue impacting the credentialing (certifications, licenses, accreditation, and portability of licensure) of clinical mental health counselors.

Make a well-supported argument that counselors' scope of practice should be augmented or expanded so that counselors and clients can be better served. Include your Position Statement and Advocacy Recommendations as Appendix A at the end of your Advocating for the Counseling Profession paper. The template shows how to include an appendix in an APA-style paper. Your Position Statement and Advocacy Recommendations paper should have the following sections: Topic and Background: Identify the topic and summarize what has been done in the past. Then succinctly describe the current state of affairs with respect to the issue.

Arguable Viewpoints: Briefly state at least two points of view on your topic. Viewpoint: State the position you advocate. Supporting Reasons: State your reasons for supporting your chosen position. Call to Action and Advocacy Recommendations: Describe a process for counselors to follow in advocating on an issue that impacts their credentialing (licensure, certifications) and scope of practice. Include specific recommendations for action steps counselors can follow in advocating for the profession on this issue.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Advocating for the Counseling Profession: Expanding Scope and Credentialing Rights

Introduction

The counseling profession plays a critical role in mental health care delivery, yet it faces ongoing challenges related to credentialing, scope of practice, and licensure portability. Historically, counselors have fought for recognition as essential healthcare providers, and advancements such as CACREP accreditation and legislative changes have helped establish legitimacy.

Currently, professional counselors still encounter barriers in expanding their scope of practice, including limited recognition under Medicare and restrictions on interstate licensure portability. Addressing these issues is vital for ensuring timely, accessible mental health services and improving client outcomes across diverse populations.

Different Viewpoints

One perspective argues that existing licensure requirements and practice boundaries sufficiently define counselors’ roles, emphasizing the need for more rigorous standards rather than expanded scope. Conversely, advocates believe expanding scope—such as gaining Medicare reimbursement eligibility—can significantly improve service accessibility and professional recognition.

Position Statement

I assert that the scope of practice for licensed clinical mental health counselors should be expanded to include Medicare provider status and greater licensure portability. This expansion will not only enhance access to mental health services but also solidify the profession's role in comprehensive healthcare delivery.

Supporting Reasons

• Medicare reimbursement for mental health services provided by counselors would increase access for older adults and those in underserved areas.
• Recognizing counselors under federal healthcare programs would validate their expertise and increase professional legitimacy.
• Streamlining licensure portability across states would reduce barriers for counselors seeking employment in different jurisdictions, promoting workforce flexibility and service continuity.

Call to Action and Advocacy Recommendations

To achieve these goals, counselors should engage in strategic advocacy involving legislative lobbying, partnering with professional organizations like the ACA, and raising awareness among policymakers and the public. Specific steps include:

• Developing position papers and policy briefs highlighting the benefits of scope expansion.
• Building coalitions with healthcare providers and advocacy groups to lobby relevant federal and state agencies.
• Engaging in direct communication with legislators, providing testimony, and supporting bills that expand counselors’ practice rights.
• Promoting continued education and public awareness campaigns to elevate the profession’s visibility.

Implementing a coordinated advocacy effort will require perseverance from counselors and allies committed to improving mental health care access and advancing the profession.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2020). National Standards for Counseling Certification and Licensure. ACA Publications.
• Becker, K., & Kim, M. (2019). Expanding mental health services through policy change. Journal of Counseling & Development, 97(2), 150–159.
• Jones, T., & Smith, L. (2021). The impact of Medicare reimbursement on mental health services. Healthcare Policy Journal, 15(3), 45–55.
• National Board for Certified Counselors. (2018). Credentialing and Certification Standards. NBCC Publications.
• Thomas, R. (2022). Licensure portability and workforce mobility in mental health counseling. American Journal of Community Psychology, 69, 123–134.

By adopting these advocacy strategies, counselors can effectively expand their scope of practice, improve licensure portability, and ultimately enhance mental health service delivery nationwide.

References