CONX 501   Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling 3 credits

Mental illness is on the rise all across the United States, and the need for effective, ethical counseling is becoming more and more vital. However, the ethical, legal, and professional issues surrounding counseling can sometimes be overwhelming to sift through and incorporate into your already complex practice of treating patients. Whether you work in a school or clinical setting, this course will give you a comprehensive look at (a) industry-accepted ethical codes within the fields of counseling, psychology, and social work; (b) potential professional issues that will require you to make ethical decisions in practice; and (c) the legal responsibilities and potential ramifications that may impact you if you fail to conduct your practice in an ethical manner. You’ll consider ethical dilemmas and design acceptable responses to such dilemmas so that you aren’t caught off guard in the moment. In addition, you’ll learn to maintain proper boundaries, gain informed consent, and recognize when to make referrals for your clients. With the knowledge and skills you gain in this course, you will be able to work with diverse client populations while being confident that your practice is professional, ethical, and legal. This course is offered through Advancement Courses.

CONX 502   RAMPing for Counselors 3 credits

The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) developed its national model to unify the school counseling profession and to support counselors’ ability to advocate for the academic, career, and social–emotional development of all students. The ASCA allows counselors to create a curriculum that is tailored to the specific needs of their schools so they can maximize their impact on their unique community. However, to ensure compliance with the ASCA, your school has to undergo a rigorous application process called RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program). Whether you are just beginning the RAMP process or have already implemented it at your school, this course will provide both a rationale for the process and step-by-step instructions for developing each part of your application. You’ll use data to inform the design of your program and demonstrate your value as a counselor by conclusively showing how students are different as a result of your efforts. In addition, you’ll learn how to advocate for modifications to your school’s counseling program to help it align with ASCA guidelines, and gather the data, materials, and resources you need to successfully complete the RAMP application. Using the resources and techniques from this course, you’ll be able to navigate the RAMP process successfully and ensure your school counseling program supports your students’ unique needs. This course is offered through Advancement Courses.