Presents demographic information for 621 survey respondents and examines the data reported by 230 American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) members in private practice. More counselors in private practice held advanced degrees and were certified or licensed than those who were not; the majority worked part-time. (Author/RC)

Describes the purpose and organization of the Board of Certified Professional Counselors developed by the American Mental Health Counselors Association. The decision to certify rather than license was based on HEW research and recommendations. A glossary of terms is included. (JAC)

The establishment of a Board of Certified Professional Counselors increases the professionalism of counselors. It assures the public of the counselor's competence, protects the profession and the counselor, and determines qualification for entrance into the profession. (JAC)

Used Delphic polling to predict variables in the future of the mental health profession. Results indicated continued need for providers with master's degrees and doctorates, third-party reimbursement for certified providers, increased quality and specialization of graduate training, and continued popularity of academic training programs.…

Master's and doctoral level counselors face exclusion from the mental health care system because of the trend toward funding by health insurance. Organized psychology is moving to bar doctoral level counselors and counseling education graduates from licensure. Counselors are losing their jobs to practitioners with insurance-eligible credentials.…