Foundations of Mental Health Counseling
by Mark S. Gerig
Category: Medical

Foundations for Mental Health and Community Counseling: An Introduction to the Profession introduces readers to the exciting profession of mental health counseling. The author draws upon his vast experiences in behavioral health, professional associations, and as a counselor educator to provide an inside view of the profession. The initial section examines the historical and theoretical foundations of mental health and community counseling. It outlines the history of mental health treatment and the development of the various mental heatlh professions. Then, after surveying the unique theoretical foundations of the profession, a comprehensive model of mental health counseling is presented. The second section details the professional identity and credentialing of mental health and professional counselors and then surveys what they do. The final section looks at contemporary trends in the profession, such as managed care and community mental health. Throughout, the text integrates the recently issued 2005 ACA Code of Ethics.