LPC's, particularly those with advanced training and certification, can select, administer, score, and interpret evaluative or standardized instruments as well as assess, diagnosis, and treat within their scope of practice.
LPCs are authorized to provide a variety of counseling services, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. The scope of practice includes the use of assessments and evaluations that are appropriate to the counselor's education, training, and experience.
LPCs in South Carolina can administer and interpret testing and assessments, provided they have received appropriate training and are competent in their use.
LPCs are permitted to diagnose mental and emotional disorders as part of their clinical practice. This involves evaluating clients through interviews, observations, and the use of appropriate assessment tools to arrive at a diagnostic conclusion.
LPCs must adhere to ethical standards and guidelines set forth by professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). These standards emphasize the importance of counselors working within their areas of competence and seeking supervision or consultation when necessary.
Chapter 75, Section 40-75-20(4) of the South Carolina Code of Laws defines "assessment" as a process involving the use of selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting evaluative or standardized instruments; assessing, diagnosing, and treating using standard diagnostic nomenclature. This includes cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social dimensions. The purpose of the assessment is to understand the person's strengths and challenges, inform diagnosis, guide treatment planning and provide appropriate recommendations.
Chapter 36, Article 7, Section 36-329(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws provides counselor ethical practices for assessment, testing, measurement, and evaluation. It states professional counselors who utilize assessment instruments to assist them with diagnoses must have appropriate training and skills in educational and mental measurement, validation criteria, test research, and guidelines for test development and use. Professional counselors shall provide instrument specific orientation or information to an examinee prior to and following the administration of assessment instruments or techniques so that the results may be placed in proper perspective with other relevant factors. This law section provides guidelines that emphasize the counselor competence, informed consent from clients, appropriate use of assessments, confidentiality of results, cultural sensitivity, accurate interpretation, and clear feedback to clients.
Copyright © 2024 Assure Therapy Center LLC - All rights reserved.