PAPA Paper: What s in a Name?

Transcription

1 PAPA Paper: What s in a Name? The American College Counseling Association s Public Awareness and Professional Advocacy (PAPA) committee invited ACCA members to participate in a survey via ACCA listserv starting July 23, 13 to August 5, 13. The survey s primary focus was to assess fellow ACCA members on their college/university s attitudes and knowledge about the counseling profession, whether or not counselors feel supported regarding their title and profession by their administration and to really explore if what s in a name hinders/helps higher education mental health professionals. 6 members responded. Below are some of the specific findings. Highest Level of Education of Responders: Licensure of Responders: MA/MS/M.ED PhD/PsyD/EdD Other LPC/LMHC/LCPC LMFT LCSW/LMSW LP Ins*tute Type Ins*tu*onal Se5ng Private Public Size per employee of clinicial/counseling staff Smallest Size Largest size Average Size

2 Is your college counseling center multidisciplinary? Mutlidisciplinary college counseling center As a mental health provider on campus, what is your title? 5 3 Other departments that use the term "counselor" for employees Admissions Advising Disability Services Academic Services Career Student Support Services Financial Aid Veterans Services AthleRcs TesRng and Assessment TRiO Pastoral OrientaRon AcRviRes ***LPC/LCPC/LMHC/Counseling license specific questions only*** As a LPC/LCPC/LMHC/LC, do you feel that others in your institution misperceive what your job entails?

3 Misperceive As a LPC/LCPC/LMHC/Licensed Counselor, do you believe that having other departments on your campus that use that title counselor hinders your ability in any way? Hindrance Conclusion: The PAPA survey shows that 58% of LPC/LCPC/LMHC/LC surveyed in higher education settings indicated that others within their institution misperceive what their job entails. Also 5% of those of LPC/LCPC/LMHC/LC believe that having other departments on campus that use the title counselor does hinder their ability in some way. One responder stated it appears on my campus that there is confusion for students about who the mental health counselors are because of other positions having the word counselor in the title. Confusion was a term used often with responders who did not feel that their title hindered them but that sometimes students, parents, and the campus community is often confused by what their duties involved. Although a unified title for professional counselors would affect all mental health providers we questioned if a unified title would help solve some of the issues with professional

4 identity and overall knowledge of mental health services on campus, the survey received additional comments. Some of these were: I believe that a mental health title over all is needed in order to create a better awareness of what we truly do. The term "counselor" is too loose and if it remains, a mandate would need to be set on what ground this job title can be used. This is a crucial need for our profession. The term "counselor" is my job title along with others on campus this creates issue with what services we provide. The title counselor is used loosely and causes concern between what area and services. I am not sure a unified title would help. I think overall the concept of mental health and mental health services are misunderstood or there is still a stigma. I think on-going education regarding the issues of mental health and mental health services is an important factor. PAPA is mindful that the American Counseling Association / committee reached consensus on the title Licensed Professional Counselor and that consensus title will go out for endorsement by the 3 participating entities of the ACA. It is the belief that this title compromise will help standardize licensure portability efforts across the US for all mental health counselors. In the meantime, responders reported that as mental health providers, we should continue to provide strong outreach and present throughout our campus communities in order to raise awareness and promote services. This PAPA survey will influence the content of future PAPA papers. Using the results from the survey, the PAPA committee will tailor papers to the concerns listed in the survey. We will focus on how to approach upper level administration for more support and the need for more counselors/therapists at college counseling centers. We will also be focusing on how to educate upper level administration on the specific training that master s or doctoral level counselors receive, as well as some guidelines regarding licensure, with the goal of helping administration understand the training that counselors have, and why they are appropriate for employment at a college counseling center. Additionally, we are aiming at establishing a stronger committee. If you are interested in becoming a part of PAPA or have any questions, please feel free to contact: ACCA Public Awareness and Professional Advocacy Co-Chairs Tabitha Smith, LPC The Center for Student Development The University of Virginia's College at Wise tsh5d@uvawise.edu Theresa R. Perlman, LPC Counseling and Psychological Services Wayne State University am3164@wayne.edu

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