COUC 500: ORIENTATION TO CMHC (UPDATED UPDATED ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS

COUC 500: ORIENTATION TO CMHC (UPDATED UPDATED
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS

Question:
1. What is Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Answer:
CMHC is a professional relationship that helps individuals achieve mental wellness, personal growth, and
improved functioning through assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, counseling, and advocacy.

Question:
2. What is the primary role of a CMHC?
Answer:
To assess, advocate, prevent mental illness, promote wellness, and empower clients while following
ethical and legal standards. (A.A.P.P.E)

Question:
3. Difference between a Counselor and a Psychologist?
Answer:
Counselor: Masters degree, provides therapy, assessment, diagnosis, (depending on state licensure).
Psychologist: Doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD), conducts psychological testing, therapy, and research.

Question:
4. Difference between a Counselor and a Psychiatrist?
Answer:
Counselor: Cannot prescribe medication Psychiatrist: Medical Doctor (MD/DO) who diagnoses mental
disorders and prescribes medication.

Question:
5. Difference between Licensure and Certification?
Answer:
Licensure: Legal permission from the state to practice independently. Certification: Voluntary credential
showing advanced knowledge or specialization.

Question:
6. What is CACREP?
Answer:
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs: accredits counseling
programs to ensure they meet national educational standards.

Question:
7. Why is CACREP important?
Answer:
Graduation from a CACREP-accredited program often makes licensure, certification, and employment
easier because the education meets nationally recognized standards.