Counseling Psychology

The definition used to determine whether applicants/candidates have been functioning as Counseling Psychologists is the definition adopted by the Counseling Specialty Council, a member of the Council of Specialties, and adopted in some form by the Council’s member organizations at their annual meeting on August 6, 2022.

Counseling Psychology is a generalist health service (HSP) specialty in professional psychology that uses a broad range of culturally informed and culturally sensitive practices to help individuals improve their well-being, prevent and alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and improve their ability to function in their lives. It focuses specifically, but not exclusively, on normative lifespan development, with a particular emphasis on prevention and education as well as amelioration, addressing individuals as well as the systems or contexts in which they function. It has particular expertise in work and career issues.

Specialized Knowledge

Psychologists have an understanding of, and the capacity to engage in, evidence-based and culturally informed intervention, assessment, prevention, training, and research practices. They focus on the healthy aspects and strengths of their clients (whether individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, or communities); environmental and contextual influences (such as cultural, sociopolitical, gender, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic factors) that shape people’s experiences and concerns; the role of career and work in people’s lives; and advocacy for equity and social justice.

Problems Addressed

Counseling psychologists focus on normative developmental and mental health issues and challenges faced by individuals across the lifespan, as well as systemic challenges (such as prejudice and discrimination) experienced in groups, workplaces, organizations, institutions, and communities. They use strengths-based perspectives and practices to prevent and ameliorate emotional, relational, physical and health-related, social, cultural, vocational, educational, and identity-related problems.

Skills & Procedures Utilized

The procedures and techniques used within Counseling Psychology include, but are not limited to:

• Individual, couples/family, and group counseling and psychotherapy.
• Crisis intervention, disaster response, and trauma management.
• Assessment techniques for the identification or diagnosis of psychological problems and disorders.
• Education and prevention activities.
• Consultation and intervention in workplaces, organizations, institutions, and communities.
• Interventions related to work and career issues.
• Therapy process and outcome assessment, as well as program and service evaluation.
• Training and clinical supervision.
• Construction and validation of psychological instruments and assessment tools.
• Scientific investigations utilizing a range of research methodologies.
• Advocacy for equity and social justice for individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities.

Populations Served

Counseling Psychologists serve individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds in individual, group (including couples and families), workplace, organizational, institutional, and community settings. They work with groups and communities to address or prevent problems, as well as to improve the personal and interpersonal functioning of their members. Counseling psychologists also intervene in organizations, institutions, workplaces, and communities to enhance their effectiveness, climate, and the success and well-being of their members.