Consultation and advocacy are crucial in the effectiveness of mental health counseling among children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. With the increasing needs of individuals and their families; consultation and client advocacy are a priority (Holcomb-McCoy & Bryan, 2010). The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences between consultation and advocacy. The factors that effect successful advocacy and the benefits of advocacy in working with clients will also be presented. In addition, the possible institutional and social barriers that clients and counselors may face will be addressed. In closing, a hypothetical case study on child advocacy is also included to further illustrate the important role advocacy plays in the lives of clients. Keywords: consultation, advocacy, counseling, institutional barriers, social barriers
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSULTATION AND ADVOCACY 3
The Importance of Consultation and Advocacy in Mental Health Counseling
In mental health counseling, it is crucial to incorporate consultation and advocacy as part of the counseling process. Acting as a consultant, counselors seek collaboration between various …show more content…
In any case, Melin (2009) postulates that a mental health counselors ' taking on the role of advocate must be committed; have strong leadership qualities; have the ability to be proactive; must be familiar and knowledgeable of the various systems (e.g., schools/communities, government) they may encounter; and how to effectively work as part of an interdisciplinary team. It is important to note that