Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Counseling, 3rd Edition

As the counseling field enters its second century, students and professionals face more challenges than ever before. Linda Seligman’s essential text Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Counseling has evolved as well, and this third edition synthesizes the latest developments with the spectrum of counseling interventions to create a vital source of practical, up-to-date information. The author recognizes clinicians’ varied roles – mentor, mediator, teacher, coach – and keeps them all in focus, assuring her readers of more effective treatment for clients and steadier footing on their own career paths.

Key features of the third edition:

     •  An overview of the changing face of counseling, from emerging employment opportunities to core competencies for counselors and trainers.
     •  A broad range of qualitative and quantitative assessment tools, with guidelines for their selection and interpretation.
     •  A thorough review of the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, including strategies for multiaxial assessment. 
     •  The DO A CLIENT MAP, a comprehensive structured approach to treatment planning.
     •  Expanded coverage of individual, family, and group interventions
     •  An updated chapter on documentation, report writing, and record keeping, with sample reports and forms.
     •  Brand-new chapters on career and organizational development counseling, and ethical standards for counselors.
     •  A predictions chapter identifying trends most likely to influence the future of the field.
     •  Case studies, models, and examples throughout.

A worthy addition to any counselor education program, this important volume is equally useful to both beginning and seasoned counselors, whether the setting is the psychiatric clinic, the school, or the rehab center. Seligman clearly sets out the concepts and strategies the reader needs to know to be the flexible, proactive counselor of today – and tomorrow.

Dr. Linda Seligman received the Ph.D. degree in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. She is a faculty member at Walden University and a faculty associate at Johns Hopkins University. In addition, she is a professor emeritus at George Mason University, where she was codirector of the doctoral program in education and head of the graduate program in Counseling.

Dr. Seligman is a licensed psychologist and licensed professional counselor. She has experience in a variety of clinical settings, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment programs, foster care, corrections, and private practice. She is currently the Director of the Center for Counseling and Consultation, a private practice with offices in Fairfax, Virginia , and Bethesda, Maryland.

Dr. Seligman’s research interests include diagnosis and treatment, planning, counseling people with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and the mind-body-spirit connection. She has completed 10 books, including Selecting Effective Treatments; Technical and Conceptual Skills for Mental Health Professionals; Systems, Strategies, and Skills of Counseling and Psychotherapy; Promoting a Fighting Spirit; and Developmental Career Counseling and Assessment. She also has authored over 50 professional articles and book chapters. In addition, she has lectured throughout the world on diagnosis and treatment planning.

Dr. Seligman has been the editor of The Journal of Mental Health Counseling and has served as president of the Virginia Association of Mental Health Counselors. She was selected as a Distinguished Professor by George Mason University and as a Researcher of the Year by the American Mental Health Counselors Association.