Scope of Practice Flashcards

An Oklahoma LPC's client mentions they have been experiencing physical symptoms that may be related to their mental health. The LPC's most appropriate response is to:

Answer: Recommend the client see their primary care physician while continuing counseling for the psychological aspects

Physical symptoms are outside an LPC's scope of practice. The counselor should recommend the client consult their physician for the physical symptoms while continuing to address the psychological components within the counseling relationship.

Can an Oklahoma LPC conduct psychological testing and provide psychological test interpretations?

Answer: Limited because LPCs may administer certain counseling assessments but comprehensive psychological testing is within the psychologist's scope

While Oklahoma LPCs can administer counseling-related assessments, formal psychological testing such as comprehensive neuropsychological assessments or IQ testing is primarily within the scope of practice of licensed psychologists.

A client presents to an Oklahoma LPC with symptoms that suggest a psychotic disorder. The LPC's most appropriate action is to:

Answer: Conduct a thorough clinical assessment and coordinate with a psychiatrist for evaluation and potential medication management

LPCs can assess and support clients with serious mental illness, but medication management for psychotic disorders requires coordination with a psychiatrist or prescribing provider. The LPC should collaborate with medical providers rather than manage such cases alone.

An Oklahoma LPC working in a school setting is asked to provide vocational rehabilitation assessments for students. This is:

Answer: Outside scope unless the LPC has specific training in vocational rehabilitation assessment

Vocational rehabilitation assessment is a specialized area requiring specific training. An LPC who lacks specific vocational rehabilitation training should not provide these assessments, regardless of their general licensure.

An Oklahoma LPC who is asked to provide testimony as an expert witness in a court proceeding should:

Answer: Only accept if they have specific training and supervised experience in forensic assessment

Forensic work including serving as an expert witness requires specialized training. An LPC who lacks forensic training should not accept expert witness roles that exceed their competence.

An Oklahoma LPC is supervising an LPC-Candidate who requests guidance on prescribing medication for a client. The supervisor's response should be:

Answer: Clarify that prescribing medication is not within the LPC or LPC-Candidate scope of practice and address the client's needs through appropriate referral

Prescribing medication is unambiguously outside the LPC scope of practice in Oklahoma. The supervisor must clarify this boundary and help the supervisee address the client's needs through an appropriate referral to a prescribing provider.