ABSTRACT
Competency in assessment and research is a responsibility of counselors. Assessment is “the process of collecting in-depth information about a person in order to develop a comprehensive plan that will guide the collaborative counseling and service provision process”. Assessment and testing, as well as research and program evaluation, are included in the Counseling and Related Educational Programs standards, each representing its own common core domain. Incorporating assessment and research to better inform the counseling process is a component of counselor professional identity. Since counseling is built upon strengths, wellness, and empowerment, it is beneficial for counselors to use assessment practices to learn more about their clients and tailor treatment to clients’ unique set of needs and distinct characteristics. Competencies in assessment, testing, research, and program evaluation are important to promote the professional identity of counseling. Program evaluation is essential for the counseling profession so that counselors’ work can be validated as effective and mental health services continue to be funded.
