In reference to training for mental health professionals in research methods

In reference to training for mental health professionals in research methods

1) Michael Flautt

Re: Topic 1 DQ 1 (Obj. 1.1 and 1.2)

In reference to training for mental health professionals in research methods, Sheperis, Young, and Daniels (2017) state, “Sufficient training, usually at the master’s level or beyond, prepares counselors to understand research methodology and design as well as data analysis methods. Counselors practice under codes of ethics provided by their professional organizations, such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)” (p. 12).

As mentioned above, mental health professionals receive sufficient training in research from their education tract. Licensed Professional Counselors in the United States are required to have a master’s level education or higher, which involves extensive training in the field of research. Also, membership in the American Counseling Association and National Board for Certified Counselors requires ongoing continuing education credits to maintain active membership and licensure. Another example of a responsible way to incorporate research into clinical practice is by receiving ongoing supervision and consultation, which adds another level of accountability and oversight. Research in counseling is on ongoing and evolving animal that is still fairly new to the medical field. Mental health education, experience, and careers have only been around for a relatively short period of time, so the importance of keeping up to date with current research and methodologies cannot be overstated.

References

Sheperis, C., Young, J. S., & Daniels, M. H. (2017). Counseling research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (2nd Edition). Boston: Pearson.