Book excerpt: This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. Mark Gerig’s Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling gives readers a fresh perspective on today’s clinical mental health counseling profession that is both practical and academically informed. Drawing on his experience as a counselor educator, practitioner, supervisor and manager in agency and behavioral health settings, as well as on his leadership positions in professional associations, the author shows readers what it truly means to be a relevant clinical mental health counselor who delivers effective treatment in an ever-changing contemporary context. With the goals of helping current and future counselors ensure that they are helpful to their clients, marketable to potential employers, and relevant voices in front of stakeholders or public policymakers, Dr. Gerig presents a well-informed description of pertinent settings, public policies, and trends. The new edition includes new applications, expanded information, and a wealth of new content.