Dear Editor,
In 2014 the number of clinical counselors in Guyana could have been counted on the fingers. Today that situation has not significantly improved, but at least there are now quite a number of graduates in Psychology with more on the way. While it is generally accepted that a counselor should have a masters, at a minimum, as well as clinical experience before being dubbed a counselor, those with a first degree may be able to provide a level of counseling after gaining clinical experience and adequate supervision.
However, there are quite a number of individuals who dub themselves counselors without even a first degree in psychology, much less clinical experience. The Caribbean Voice and other concerned stakeholders are calling upon the Ministries of Public Health and Social Protection respectively to please act on this situation to protect vulnerable citizens.
Such actions must include a mentoring framework for first-degree holders, as well as a set amount of supervised hours of practice and a licensing exam. Just as importantly those without the minimum requisites should be held accountable for claiming to be and/or practising as counselors.
The Caribbean Voice has among our Diaspora members, a mental health consultant who has experience in licensing protocols, having worked with the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs. She has indicated a willingness to help set up a licensing mechanism in Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Annan Boodram
The Caribbean Voice
