Nursing News

10 Different Roles in Psychiatry: Which is Right for You?

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Depressed black lady receiving professional psychological help at mental clinic, selective focus. Female psychotherapist having session with desperate Afro lady with ptsd or emotional traumaWritten by Veronica Turner

 

Considering a career in psychiatry presents a plethora of unique roles to contemplate, each catering to distinct interests, strengths, and motivations. The broad field offers more than just the general role of a psychiatrist, as the options are compellingly diverse.

This guide will explore 10 different roles in psychiatry that you might consider pursuing. Let’s delve into what each subfield entails, helping you choose one that aligns best with your calling!

 

How to Know if These 10 Psychiatry Roles Are Right for You

Choosing the right career is already hard enough, but when you’re in an industry as varied as psychiatry, it can be even harder. But don’t worry, this article is here to help you decide.

 

  1. Child Psychiatry

As a specialist in diagnosing, treating, and preventing childhood mental health disorders, your role often involves counseling young patients as well as their families. You will connect with kids on a unique level, helping them navigate various issues such as ADHD and depression.

This role encompasses both the complexity of the human mind and the nuances of adolescent development. If you naturally empathize with children and adolescents and want to make tangible differences in their lives, child psychiatry may be just the right fit for you.

 

  1. Inpatient Care Psychiatry

Inpatient care psychiatry is a sphere of psychiatry that deals with patients who require hospitalization for their mental health conditions. As an inpatient care psychiatrist, you’ll likely provide around-the-clock care to individuals in hospitals and dedicated psychiatric facilities.

It’s a demanding job, often involving crisis stabilization, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. Yet, if the idea of helping the most vulnerable reclaim their lives motivates you, then inpatient care psychiatry could indeed be your right choice in this field.

 

  1. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are highly skilled medical professionals often handling similar responsibilities as psychiatrists. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, your role will not include diagnostics, treatment, physical exams, ordering lab tests, and coordinating patient care.

Psychiatric care specialists like nurses, thanks to their background, can provide therapeutic counseling and medication management holistically. If integrating elements of nursing with psychiatry appeals to you, consider pursuing this route in the mental healthcare sector.

 

  1. Geriatric Psychiatry

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field that addresses the unique mental health needs of elderly people. As a geriatric psychiatrist, your work revolves around diagnosing and treating mental disorders mainly associated with old age, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

This role calls for individuals with tremendous empathy and patience since elderly patients often struggle with multiple physical, psychological, and social challenges. If helping older people manage their mental health during their golden years ignites your passion, try this role out.

 

  1. Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic psychiatry is an intriguing subfield of psychiatry that intersects with the law. As a forensic psychiatrist, you’ll find yourself not just diagnosing mental health issues but also making pivotal assessments related to legal matters. In fact, you’ll often appear in court.

Your expertise will be sought in various court cases to help evaluate a suspect’s state of mind during an offense or to assess their competency to stand trial. You may also provide expert opinions on matters like child custody or insurance claims if such information is needed.

 

  1. Disability Psychiatry

Disability psychiatry is a focused area of psychiatry that addresses the mental health needs of individuals with physical disabilities or intellectual development disorders. As a disability psychiatrist, you would offer specialized care and treatment to this unique patient population.

You’ll require dedicated sensitivity and understanding as you navigate these complex cases where disability may affect mental health. If enhancing the quality of life for people grappling with dual challenges motivates you, then the field of disability psychiatry could be your best fit.

 

  1. Administrative Psychiatry

Administrative psychiatry refers to a leadership role within the realm of psychiatric care, making it pretty unique in the field. As an administrative psychiatrist, your job is not limited to patient care but also extends to overseeing the functioning of a mental health facility or department.

You’ll be involved in policy-making decisions, staffing, budgeting, and other managerial tasks while ensuring that the highest standards of psychiatric care are met. If you’re drawn to organizational management along with your passion for psychiatry, train for this role.

 

  1. Military Psychiatry

Military psychiatry focuses on the mental health of soldiers and veterans, who are, unfortunately, unrepresented in this type of care. These professionals work closely with individuals who have experienced the stressors of combat, which can have profound impacts on mental health.

As a military psychiatrist, you will be responsible for diagnosing and treating disorders such as PTSD and anxiety that may arise from military service. Try this role if you’re interested in serving those who serve their country and helping them navigate through challenging times.

 

  1. Addiction Psychiatry

Addiction psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of individuals dealing with substance abuse and addiction. In this role, you help patients fight against dependencies on drugs, alcohol, or harmful behaviors that may be controlling their lives.

You play an instrumental role in helping people regain control of their lives and experience freedom from their addictions. If you’re driven by a strong desire to help those challenged by addiction, then venturing into addiction psychiatry could be the right option for you.

 

  1. Psychiatry for Public Health

Psychiatry for public health is a rewarding field focusing on promoting mental health wellness within communities. As a public health psychiatrist, your role extends beyond individual patient care to influencing policies and practices that enhance the mental well-being of larger groups.

You work with communities, government agencies, and nonprofits to develop programs that reduce mental health stigma, raise awareness about mental disorders, and provide accessible support services. A role in this sector suits you if proactive outreach interests you.

 

In Conclusion…

As you explore the many paths in psychiatry, remember that it’s about finding a role that genuinely resonates with your passion and aligns with your professional goals. Investigate each option thoroughly, pursue further training if necessary, and stay open to opportunities.

Whether treating adolescents or working with veterans, managing facilities, or providing public health solutions, there’s an enriching career avenue waiting for you in psychiatry.

Author Bio:

Veronica Turner is a health and lifestyle writer with over 10 years of experience. She creates compelling content on nutrition, fitness, mental health, and overall wellness.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Certificate Program certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.

Meeting The Challenges Posed By Moving Away For Work

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Funny girl with blue doctor uniformBy Lucy Peters

Most medical professionals are enduring one of the most difficult and challenging periods of their career. Now, many are moving to other jobs, in new cities, on the back of their work, in search of better pay and work/life balance. Indeed, CNBC has highlighted huge wage growth and upheaval from multiple sectors ranging from healthcare assistants to surgeons. For medical professionals making the move, there’s a wide range of factors to consider, from the amenities and security of a new town to crucial factors, such as the ability of a young family to settle on new shores.

Making the switch

Upheaval will impact every member of the family but children are often disproportionately impacted. According to a study analyzed by Psychology Today, relocating with a young family can, if managed improperly, create serious long-term problems that impact the development of kids well into adulthood. The reasons why are fairly clear – the emotional and physical ties that anyone makes with their community and surroundings is one that has a big impact on who that person becomes later in life. Depriving them of it, without explanation, can be harmful. The key is, of course, communication. Families moving to a new city should first make it absolutely clear just what is involved with the move, and why it’s happening. To further develop the message, provide opportunities to retain ties with the home community. That’s easy in the modern day, with the help of communications tools.

Developing new roots

Don’t treat a new area as simply somewhere to stay. A healthy psychological state relies on community; one NAMI blog asserts that community helps to develop a sense of belonging, purpose, and support, all crucial factors when putting roots down in a new city. Meet neighbors, join local events and traditions, and make your out-of-work life as important as making a good impression in your new job.

A work-life balance

Moving to a new job is a chance to impress. As a result, many workers will work long hours, go the extra mile, and do everything in their power to make a good impression on a new boss and set of co-workers. Unfortunately, that attitude can be dangerous. A report by the BBC found that western workers now operate, on average, 54 hours a week – and that this can be detrimental to long-term health. It’s clear that making a good impression can be beneficial to long-term professional development and job satisfaction, but it cannot come at the sacrifice of a work-life balance. Back yourself by setting boundaries early and only taking on what you can sustainably support. You will thank yourself in the long run.

Your family, too, will thank you. Moving to a new community is something that often benefits the breadwinner in the family, but it needs to be looked at through the prism of family. Look for solutions that benefit everyone, not just the newly employed.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Certification Programs and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

Nursing Patient Education News – Tracking Medical Records

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Delicate Info: How Can Patients Track Their Medical Records for Better Health?

By – Rachelle Wilber 

Topic – Nursing Patient Education

Doctors usually have too many patients to keep a close eye on any individual’s medical records over time. Rather than relying on your doctor to track your records for better health, you can do it yourself. These four options provide you with different solutions to tracking your medical records and improving your overall health.

Personal Health Binders

Setting up your own personal health binder is a simple process and does not require the use of any technology. Choose a sturdy, three-ringed binder and label it with a title such as “health records.” You can use dividers to separate the binder’s contents into sections, such as procedures, tests and general checkups. When you visit the doctor, ask the office staff to print out your visit summaries and lab test results. Use a three-hole puncher to make holes into the left side of the printouts. Insert your printouts into the binder as desired. When you want to track your medical records, just refer to your binder. This is a helpful solution if you have different doctors that are not connected to each other through an electronic network or if you prefer to bring your medical history with you to your medical exams.

Patient Access Portals

Many medical provider networks offer electronic patient access portals. With portal access, you can log into your account and track each visit’s procedures and diagnoses. These portals also feature sections for your laboratory test results and your active prescriptions. This allows you to track you results over time and get a picture of your overall health. The portal access is encrypted to protect your confidential information. Many electronic portal services allow you to check on the date of your next appointment, send your doctor a message or request a prescription refill.

Using Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program that can be used on your home computer to track your medical records. You can use Excel to sort rows and columns, create charts and develop graphs to monitor your health situation. For example, if you are diabetic and check your A1C and daily blood sugar level results, you can monitor your test results over time. Microsoft Excel reporting tools can also be used for health record reporting. Physicians and office staff may use Excel to monitor symptoms and implement a watchful waiting or treatment program for you. Excel is also used in infectious disease reporting, such as if a patient develops a case of whooping cough, which is reportable to most local and state health departments. If you are skilled in data analysis, you can export Microsoft Excel spreadsheets in a .CSV format or a comma delimited format for in-depth analysis of your health.

Google Drive

Google Drive is free software that is accessible through the cloud. You can access it at any time by setting up your own Google account. It connects your email, a calendar, spreadsheets, word processing and other programs. With Google Drive, you can track your medical records by implementing your own spreadsheet. It allows you to perform basic calculations and sort by rows or columns in order to track your test results and visits. You can link the different parts of Google Drive together, such as updating your calendar with the next appointment and having it email you a reminder. There are storage limitations to Google Drive and its spreadsheet system is not as powerful as Microsoft Excel.

These four health-tracking solutions allow you to look in-depth at your health and take action for improvements. You can also use them to get an overview of your medical care. Consider using these systems to track the health of each person in your household.

 

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

Home Nursing: An Alternative To Nursing Homes?

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Home Nursing: Is it Ideal for Seniors?

By Ashley O’Connor

Health care is vital for everyone specially the elderly and the disabled individuals. But it is not just the regular type of health care they need rather the high quality one. For some, they immediately go to a medical facility whenever they need health care. Several medical facilities are readily available willing to provide utmost health care services. With expensive facilities, seniors can rest assured of excellent service. However, there are elderly who prefer to stay and get the care at home.

What is home nursing?

As an alternative to medical facility, home nursing is designed to cater to the needs of seniors in the convenience of their own home. This means all forms of health care needed are performed at home. Thus, there is no need for the elderly to go to the medical facility and stay there to be treated. Patients who opt for home nursing will likely undergo similar services offered in medical facilities. In some cases, the overall environment has an impact on the recovery of the patient.

Primary benefits of home nursing

Is home nursing ideal for your senior? Maybe you are still wondering what benefits you and your senior will enjoy from choosing this option. Just like in heath care centers, home nursing boasts tons of notable benefits.

  • Privacy and Comfort of Own Home – Familiarity is considered as the prime benefit of staying at home. Being familiar with the surrounding makes it more comfortable to move around and stay independent. Some seniors easily get fret if they are in a different environment. Other seniors might not even get enough sleep if they are not at home. Meanwhile, if they are taking home nursing, they can still do their day-to-day routine or they can still stay functional. Being at home could also mean higher sense of security.
  • More Practical (monetary aspect) – For families who do not have extra or sufficient budget for medical facility, home nursing is the most ideal option. Let’s face it. Admitting your senior in a medical facility could mean shelling out certain amount of cash to ensure dependable health care. In home nursing, you only need to allot a budget for the healthcare provider and other stuff needed. Check different rates of medical facilities and compare.
  • More Homey – If you are living with your senior, it would seem like nothing has changed in your daily routine. There are so many things you can still do together including eating dinner or breakfast, watching TV, relaxing at the garden, etc. When you get home from the office, you can still see them waiting for you. And the list goes on. All these scenarios are beneficial to your senior.

Types of home care services

There are numerous forms of home care services. Thus, you need to determine what kind of home nursing service you need for your elderly.

  • Wound Care
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychiatric Care
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Medication and disease education
  • Dietary management and education

For basic services, home nursing would be a perfect option. Is it ideal for seniors? There are different basis you must consider to decide whether to go or not to go for home nursing. Always take into account your elderly. Does he/she needs to be in a medical facility? No matter if you live in one of those apartments in Dallas or in a big mansion in Beverly Hills, it is always good to be at home.

 

Which Nursing Certification Would Best Suit You?

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Find Out What Nursing Certification Finds Your Career Needs.

Every nurse knows that nursing education does not stop when they receive their RN.   You must increase your knowledge and constantly learn new technologies.   There is also the question of do you want to specialize your nursing career with a nursing certification in a specialty field?

Which nursing certification would you choose?

When looking for a nursing certification, you need to look for the best possible field to fit your career goals.    For example if you want to go into case management then you would want to look for online nurse case manager training.   Likewise for legal nurse consulting, nurse patient educator, etc.    Your next step would be choose the nursing training.

When choosing your courses do you want to physical attend classes or would online nurse training better fit your needs?   Both have positives and negatives to them.   In the end you need to decide which one would best suit your situation.

When you decide to earn a nursing certification, you will be taking positive steps to better yourself and your career.   Online nurse training is great for nurses who still need to work full time.   It gives you the flexibility your job can demand!    If you are in the market for a high quality online nursing certification then you might want to visit the American Institute of Health Care Professionals.   They offer online nursing courses in several different specialties.

Dealing with Depression? Here are Resources to Help

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

National Health Care Resources for Individuals Dealing with Depression

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that as many as one in ten adults in the United States suffer from depression – that’s about 30 million. And with the winter months approaching, the prevalence of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) only compounds the devastating statistics. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of depression, it isn’t necessary to suffer in silence. You aren’t weak, and you aren’t alone. Take advantage of this guide to national health care resources for individuals dealing with depression, and get back on the path to feeling like yourself again.

VIRTUAL RESOURCES

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Identity symptoms of depression (including SAD), learn about treatment options, and browse through ongoing clinical trials.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

http://www.nami.org/

MentalHealth.gov

http://www.mentalhealth.gov/

Learn about depression and health insurance coverage, suicide prevention, and read stories of hope and recovery.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

http://www.afsp.org/

Note: If you are considering suicide, call (800) 273-TALK immediately.

Whether you are struggling yourself or worried about somebody else, the AFSP can help. Get the facts, find local support groups, and browse extensive links other web resources.

WebMD

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-resources

Browse WebMD’s collection of links to quality virtual resources like the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. Watch depression videos, find a doctor, and read about postpartum depression.

PHYSICAL RESOURCES

Mayo Clinic

(with locations in Florida, Arizona, and Minnesota)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/depression/

“Mayo Clinic psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and other team members have extensive experience and expertise in treating mild to serious depression and other mood disorders. They also have experience treating depression that’s affected by other medical problems.”

McClean Hospital
115 Mill St.
Belmont, MA 02478
(800) 333-0338
Affiliated with Harvard and ranked #1 by U.S. News for psychiatry. “The Center embraces a multi-disciplinary approach to improve our understanding of the psychological, environmental, and neurobiological factors implicated in affective disorders. The Center is home to many research projects, including studies that utilize neuroimaging techniques to investigate depression.”

University of Michigan Depression Center
4250 Plymouth Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 936-4400

http://www.depressioncenter.org/

“Established in 2001, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Depression Center (UMDC) is the first of its kind devoted entirely to bringing depression into the mainstream of medical research, translational care, education, and public policy. The Center is at the forefront in changing the paradigm of how depression and bipolar illnesses are understood and treated.”

Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center

40 Timberline Dr

Lemont, IL 60439
(877) 257-9612

http://www.timberlineknolls.com/mood-personality/depression

“Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center is respected nationwide for its treatment of eating disorders, substance abuse and addiction, and mood disorders. Our residents – adult women and adolescent girls – come to us when they need immediate, life-saving and life-changing help. Our vision is to help residents achieve lifelong recovery by bringing together clinical treatment with spiritual and emotional growth.”

About the author:

Dr. Robin B. Risler, PSYD is a licensed Psychologist in Philadelphia.  She is a frequent author on mental and emotional health issues.

 

Need Help Relieving Back Pain? Here Are Some Tips.

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Five Healthy Tips For Relieving Back Pain

relieving back pain
Learn how relieving back pain can be easy!

By Madyson Grant

There are few things more debilitating than chronic back aches. It interrupts your sleep, makes it difficult to concentrate and makes everyday tasks seem like impossible challenges. You do not have suffer with back pain forever. There are some simple things you can do that can make a huge difference in your comfort level.

Lose Weight

Any extra weight is taxing on your joints and your back. It is especially damaging if your weight tends to build around your middle. Strengthen your core with stomach exercises such as crunches and non-impact exercises like planking. Strong stomach muscles will take some of the strain off your back muscles and eliminate some of the aches and pains.

Breast Augmentation

Large breasts are taxing on your back, particularly as gravity takes over. Those deep grooves sunk into your shoulders from your bra straps show the amount of weight your back is feeling every day. Having a breast augmentation, even if you only drop a cup size, will remove a lot of the pain.

Perfect Posture

Slouching is perfect for making your back ache more. Slouching pushes your shoulders forward, causes your spine to be misaligned and creates stress on your neck and jaw. Slouching can cause everything from a bad back to headaches. It has even been blamed for some digestive disorders. Concentrate on your posture when standing, sitting and walking.

Stop Smoking

It may seem as if smoking and back ache have nothing in common, but smokers are actually much more likely to suffer from back pain. Nicotine is known to reduce blood flow. It reduces the blood flow to discs in your backbone that cushion the vertebrae. Less cushion equals more pain.

Sleep Right

Back sleepers put a lot of extra weight and pressure on their spine. Sleeping on your side is preferential to back sleeping and removes the pressure on your back. For the most benefit, use a large body pillow or throw pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned.

By doing some, or all, of these simple tasks you will easily be able to see a difference in your back. Some, such as correct posture or sleeping positions, will show results almost immediately. Other tips which can provide instant help include stretching, ice packs or heat pads and the sensible use of over the counter pain medications.

For more on other health care news and health care certifications please check out www.aihcp.org

Reasons to Love Medical Assistant Training.

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

6 Things To Love About Medical Assistant Training

By: Ron Leyba

As the number of people in this world increases, the need for quality healthcare services increases too. These days, there are lots people who are working in the medical field. This is because of the wide array of employment opportunities that you will surely encounter. One of the best employment opportunities is the medical assistant position. In addition to the fact that being a medical assistant is a rewarding career, here are also some of the things that would make you wish to get started on a medical assistant training right away:

  1. Job certification

With the training that you will get, you will be able to qualify for your job certification. Having said that, you will have a great edge among all the others who have not gotten their certification yet. These days, finding a great help can be quite difficult and tedious for the employers. Since the industry is becoming more competitive, they would wish to hire someone who is experienced and knowledgeable. With your certification, you can definitely prove that you are more than qualified for the position. This may qualify as an experience too.

  1. Nature of job

Medical assistants have the capability to perform a wide array of tasks. They are qualified to work in hospitals, clinics and even in doctor’s offices. They can easily assist the doctors in various tasks. On the other hand, they have the knowledge and skill to perform administrative duties too. Record keeping can be included in their job description too. Their work may also require them to answer the phones and interact with various patients. The job description may vary depending on where you will work.

  1. Great Compensation

The salary of a medical assistant may vary depending on the discretion of his employer. The amount of income you will get may also depend on the city you will be working at. In general, the medical assistant position is a position that gets a good pay, regardless of what job you have or what city you are in.

  1. Wide array of employment opportunities

The medical field is a pool of employment options. There will always be a jib opening somewhere and the need for healthcare services is applicable worldwide. All the hospitals, clinics and even doctors need qualified help. When you have proper training, you will have the freedom to choose which job you wish to have. Plus, your options will not be restricted in just one country. It can be very easy for you to find employment in other parts of the world. That is one thing that you cannot say about all the other jobs.

  1. Scope of training

You can choose between a one and two year program. Once you are done with the training, you can get either a certification or an associate’s degree. The training will allow you to experience both lab work and office duties. In the training, you will be able to learn various medical technologies and develop clinical skills.

  1. Added benefits

When you become a medical assistant, you may get medical or dental insurance. At times, you may even get retirement plans. In addition to this, you may be able to get discount from various healthcare services. If you are lucky enough, you may even get further education opportunities.

With all these benefits, what’s not to like about medical assistant training?

If you would like to learn more about other healthcare certifications then please visit AIHCP.org

Using Your Certification From AIHCP Properly

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

AIHCP Offers A Variety of Certifications

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers a variety of certifications for Health Care Professionals, Counselors, and people involved in ministry.  Our primary certification programs involve Grief Counseling, Case Management, Legal Nurse Consulting and a variety of other certifications involving counseling and the health field.   A certification is an excellent way to compliment an existing career, degree or licensure.

What Is A Certification

This is a common question and the basis for much confusion.  A certification is not a licensure issued by the state.  A licensure is a state regulated field, while a certification is open to any professional who fulfills the basic requirements of a particular organization.  Unlike licensures, certifications are not issued or regulated by the state but are issued by a professional and private organization.  The organization is usually comprised of a board of peer professionals who evaluate the courses and content of the program.  If the professional fulfills all prerequisites and passes the courses, then that person is entitled to the certification.  The certification merely states the person has completed the necessary requirements to be recognized by his or her peers as knowledgeable and worthy in the subject content.

As a Certified Professional, What Can I Do?

If you are not already licensed, you may find yourself as a unlicensed practitioner.  Sometimes, for instance, a grief counselor–certified–may also already be an LPC, but in some cases they are not.  This would be an example of a unlicensed practitioner in grief counseling.  Dr. Lawrence Wilson writes about certain legal guidelines that certified but unlicensed practitioners should adopt in their practices.
First, he lists a few words to avoid.  Avoid words such as cure, but instead use restore, help, alleviate, improve, balance or normalize.  Instead of treat, utilize the words handle, work with, relieve, or remedy.  Instead of diagnose, apply such words as assess, measure, check, or evaluate.  Instead of the word disease, say such words as problem or condition.  The key in this is to avoid words utilized by licensed practitioners.
Dr. Wilson also emphasizes never to misrepresent yourself.  It is very common, especially with grief counseling certifications, for people to assume they are being treated by an LPC.  Grief Counseling

as long as it remains non-pathological, can be reserved for certified professionals.  Be extremely cautious how you market yourself on your cards, stationaries, handouts, speech or website.  Be very clear you are certified and not licensed.  Also, avoid misleading people with your Masters or PhD.  Leave an asterisk that emphasizes you are not licensed.  Remember, if not licensed, advertising yourself with such words as law, medicine or psychology can incur possible issues with the state or your clients.
Dr. Wilson also emphasizes to behave professionally.  As certified professionals, one would conclude that this is inherent, but it is not always the case.  As licensed practitioners, certified practitioners are also called to high standards of professionalism.  Never speak unkindly or unprofessionally of other doctors and if your opinion differs, do not use words such as “wrong” but instead, use phrases such as “in my opinion, I disagree”.  It is also very dangerous to tell a patient to stop taking a particular medication that has been prescribed.  This can lead to liability if negative consequences follow.  Also, if insurance, local authorities, or other medical professionals seek information on particular individual, you need to react professionally and not feel you are being “tested”.  It is best to show respect and professionalism.
In regards to dealing with patients, it is important to remember you are never treating them.  You are offering them advice, but treatment is reserved for LPC or doctors.  Also, remember that somethings are out of your legal reach.  In this regard, building a good reputation with licensed practitioners is critical to work with them in the care of the person you are helping.
If you present yourself professionally, stay within your limits, and represent and advertise yourself honestly, then your service will flourish without much trouble, but the moment you attempt to treat diseases without the proper license, then trouble will find you.
I hope this little bit helps!  Please refer to Dr. Wilson’s short manual, ‘Legal Guidelines for Unlicensed Practitioners”.
If you are interested in any of AIHCP’s certifications, please review them.

AIHCP