Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Fundamentals of Applied Practice
(Second Edition)
©2026, 500 pages
Paperback list price: $89.95
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In this authoritative text, experienced counselors guide students toward embracing the profession of clinical mental health counseling and establishing a standard of excellence in their practice. The organization of the materials matches students’ developmental understanding of the profession and is divided into three sections providing an introduction, a look at the practice, and contemporary trends in clinical mental health counseling.
This text provides a thorough foundation in the theory and practice of clinical mental health. It gives students an in-depth look at mental health counseling in action: Voices from the Field features provide real-world context, and leading professionals speak on their areas of specialization. This new edition has been updated throughout reflecting the latest scholarship, thinking, and resources in the field and aligns with the CACREP 2024 standards and the DSM-5-TR. In particular, the editors include new and cutting-edge information on telemental health, psychopharmacology, digital therapeutics, holistic care, and opportunities for employment for practitioners.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling is the ideal resource for establishing a firm foundation in the theory and practice of clinical mental health counseling.
Explore the differences in the tables of contents between the first and second editions.
Contents and Contributors Include:
Preface
Part I. Introduction to the Profession of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chapter 1. What Is Clinical Mental Health Counseling? - Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 2. Ethical and Legal Issues - Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 3. Education, Credentialing, and Professional Development - Matthew R. Buckley and Stacy Henning
Part II. The Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chapter 4. Professional and Social Advocacy in Clinical Mental Health - Catherine Y. Chang and C. Peeper McDonald
Chapter 5. Client Assessment and Diagnosis - Carl J. Sheperis
Chapter 6. Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning - Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 7. Working Within the Managed Care System - Ruth Ouzts Moore, Susan Foster, and Jaymie VanMeter
Chapter 8. Consultation and Referrals - Robyn Trippany Simmons, Tiffany Rush-Wilson, Jason Patton, and Michelle Perepiczka
Chapter 9. Prevention and Crisis Intervention Services - Jayna Bonfini, Robyn Trippany Simmons, and Mary L. Bartlett
Part III. Contemporary Trends in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chapter 10. Psychopharmacology - W. Bradley McKibben and Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 11. Forensic Mental Health Counseling - Carl J. Sheperis
Chapter 12. Addictions Counseling - Todd F. Lewis
Chapter 13. Clinical Supervision - Heather Trepal, Mary Whiting, and Madelyn Duffey
Chapter 14. Telemental Health Counseling - Donna S. Sheperis and Natalia Siegel
Index
About the Editors
About the Authors
A Statement from the Authors in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month 2025
"As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we are both proud and deeply grateful to announce the release of our new textbook on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This resource was written with a singular goal in mind: to prepare and empower the next generation of counselors to meet the increasing and urgent needs of our communities.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed a profound and sustained rise in mental health challenges across all segments of the population. The demand for competent, compassionate, and well-trained mental health professionals has never been greater. This textbook was developed not just as an academic resource, but as a call to action—recognizing that the work we do to train new counselors is an essential investment in public health, community resilience, and human dignity.
We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to play a role in shaping the learning experiences of future clinicians. To contribute to their journey is both an honor and a responsibility, and we remain committed to supporting the growth of a diverse, ethical, and responsive mental health workforce—one that rises to meet the challenges of our time with courage and care."
This text provides a thorough foundation in the theory and practice of clinical mental health. It gives students an in-depth look at mental health counseling in action: Voices from the Field features provide real-world context, and leading professionals speak on their areas of specialization. This new edition has been updated throughout reflecting the latest scholarship, thinking, and resources in the field and aligns with the CACREP 2024 standards and the DSM-5-TR. In particular, the editors include new and cutting-edge information on telemental health, psychopharmacology, digital therapeutics, holistic care, and opportunities for employment for practitioners.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling is the ideal resource for establishing a firm foundation in the theory and practice of clinical mental health counseling.
Explore the differences in the tables of contents between the first and second editions.
Contents and Contributors Include:
Preface
Part I. Introduction to the Profession of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chapter 1. What Is Clinical Mental Health Counseling? - Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 2. Ethical and Legal Issues - Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 3. Education, Credentialing, and Professional Development - Matthew R. Buckley and Stacy Henning
Part II. The Practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chapter 4. Professional and Social Advocacy in Clinical Mental Health - Catherine Y. Chang and C. Peeper McDonald
Chapter 5. Client Assessment and Diagnosis - Carl J. Sheperis
Chapter 6. Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning - Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 7. Working Within the Managed Care System - Ruth Ouzts Moore, Susan Foster, and Jaymie VanMeter
Chapter 8. Consultation and Referrals - Robyn Trippany Simmons, Tiffany Rush-Wilson, Jason Patton, and Michelle Perepiczka
Chapter 9. Prevention and Crisis Intervention Services - Jayna Bonfini, Robyn Trippany Simmons, and Mary L. Bartlett
Part III. Contemporary Trends in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chapter 10. Psychopharmacology - W. Bradley McKibben and Donna S. Sheperis
Chapter 11. Forensic Mental Health Counseling - Carl J. Sheperis
Chapter 12. Addictions Counseling - Todd F. Lewis
Chapter 13. Clinical Supervision - Heather Trepal, Mary Whiting, and Madelyn Duffey
Chapter 14. Telemental Health Counseling - Donna S. Sheperis and Natalia Siegel
Index
About the Editors
About the Authors
A Statement from the Authors in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month 2025
"As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we are both proud and deeply grateful to announce the release of our new textbook on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This resource was written with a singular goal in mind: to prepare and empower the next generation of counselors to meet the increasing and urgent needs of our communities.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed a profound and sustained rise in mental health challenges across all segments of the population. The demand for competent, compassionate, and well-trained mental health professionals has never been greater. This textbook was developed not just as an academic resource, but as a call to action—recognizing that the work we do to train new counselors is an essential investment in public health, community resilience, and human dignity.
We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to play a role in shaping the learning experiences of future clinicians. To contribute to their journey is both an honor and a responsibility, and we remain committed to supporting the growth of a diverse, ethical, and responsive mental health workforce—one that rises to meet the challenges of our time with courage and care."
Donna S. Sheperis is a Professor and Department Chair of Counseling and Director of the eClinic at Palo Alto University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with over 30 years of experience in clinical mental health settings.
Carl Sheperis serves as Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies at Kutztown University. Dr. Sheperis has over 25 years of experience in mental health care and has served as an envoy for professional counseling to numerous national and international organizations.
Other Cognella titles by Donna Sheperis:Other Cognella titles by Carl Sheperis:
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Praise for the Previous Edition:
"The text provides a professional foundation that offers both breadth and depth for future clinical mental health counselors."
Adrienne N. Erby, Kent State University
"This textbook provides students with a thorough exploration of the profession of counseling. The chapters are enjoyable to read and provide guidance on ways in which students can increase their understanding and growth as a counselor. Working in a CACREP program, the connection of each chapter to specific CACREP standards is extremely beneficial for me as a counselor educator."
Bonnie Nicholson, University of Northern Colorado
"The text provides a professional foundation that offers both breadth and depth for future clinical mental health counselors."
Adrienne N. Erby, Kent State University
"This textbook provides students with a thorough exploration of the profession of counseling. The chapters are enjoyable to read and provide guidance on ways in which students can increase their understanding and growth as a counselor. Working in a CACREP program, the connection of each chapter to specific CACREP standards is extremely beneficial for me as a counselor educator."
Bonnie Nicholson, University of Northern Colorado
