Question: The 2014 version of the ACA Code of Ethics does not have a specific section dedicated to ethics relating to psychopharmacology or psychotropic medications. However,
The 2014 version of the ACA Code of Ethics does not have a specific section dedicated to ethics relating to psychopharmacology or psychotropic medications. However, the ACA does highlight the necessity for counseling practitioners to only practice specializations with clients after ample training, supervision, and necessary certifications (American Counseling Association, 2014, Section C.2.b.). It is known that those pursuing a licensed professional counselor (LPC) status, for example, will not be permitted to prescribe psychotropic medications to their clients. I do not find this too limiting as prescribing psychotropic medications requires a different skillset that graduate counseling programs may not have room for in a ~3-year degree. Each branch of psychology and counseling has categories and subcategories in terms of professionalism and qualifications. While psychotropic medication usage is often aligned with counseling, the two categories of schools are different and require varying hours of completion necessary to deem an individual ethically fit to work with clients. As an aspiring LPC, I would feel comfortable being a part of a team involving psychopharmacological subjects and cases. Though I would not be able to prescribe medication, I would make the effort to continue my education toward psychopharmacology and psychotropic medications, especially because of
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