Education and Certification Requirements

• All mental health professionals, no matter what type, are required to become certified before providing treatment or counseling services. While psychologists and psychiatrists have to obtain an M.D. or Ph.D., social workers, psychotherapists and counselors have to at least obtain their license to practice (U.S. Department of Labor).
  
  

Ensuring Professional Ethics

• In addition, practitioners are often associated with national organizations with their own bylaws, which validate a mental health care provider's reliability and ethical practice. Typical ethic guidelines include: professional conduct, not engaging in discriminatory behavior or talk, avoid dual relationships with clients that could impair their judgment and consideration for financial assistance when needed.
  
  

Research & Advocacy

• Including major associations such as APA and Mental Health America, practitioners need to stay updated on the changing conditions of today's society, and the state of mental health conditions and models for effective treatment on a regular basis.
  
  

Suicide Prevention

• Mental health professionals are also responsible for recognizing the early signs of depression and suicidal behavior, and advocating local hotlines or crisis centers for emergency situations.
  
  

Confidentiality

• Every psychologist, therapist or counselor is required to notify clients of their confidentiality of mental health information. This promises that anything that occurs during counseling sessions is private information. There are a number of laws that protect privacy of mental health records, however there are special circumstances under which legal proceedings may mandate the release of relevant information.