Describe an appropriate referral source if the client was in need of medication. Explain the type of information you would give that referral source and how you might interact with that referral source..
Instructions
Psychopharmacology and the Mental Health Counselor
Psychopharmacology is a complex arena with far-reaching implications for you as a mental health counselor. To work effectively with clients who are prescribed psychotropic medications, you must understand the impact of medications themselves, as well as the implications for the professional, ethical, and legal boundaries of practice.
Mental health counselors have lost their licenses to practice after engaging in behaviors that were outside of their scope of practice regarding psychopharmacology. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, attempting to prescribe medication, increasing or decreasing clients’ dosages, or recommending that clients stop taking their medication. Thus, it is imperative that you are fully knowledgeable about legal and ethical practice when speaking with clients about medications.
This assignment helps you to develop this knowledge through examining the role of the mental health counselor in educating clients about medications and in interacting with other professionals about clients’ medical treatment.
To prepare for this Assignment:
- Review the article “Getting Educated on Psychopharmaceuticals.”
- Review the book chapter, “Colocating With Medical Professionals: A New Model of Integrated Care.” Focus on the different methods a counselor can use to collaborate with medical professionals. Think about when you should refer a client out for medication and to whom you should refer him or her.
The Assignment (2–3 pages)
- Explain one legal and one ethical limitation of mental health counseling practice regarding recommending and prescribing medication. Be specific and provide examples.
- Explain your role in educating future clients about medications. Be specific and provide examples.
- Describe an appropriate referral source if the client was in need of medication. Explain the type of information you would give that referral source and how you might interact with that referral source.
