Counselors must claim only:

Counselors are ethically obligated to represent their qualifications accurately and truthfully. This includes claiming only licenses and certifications that are in good standing, as this reflects their current competency and ability to provide effective services. Ensuring that professional credentials are valid and up to date is crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the counseling profession.

Claiming certifications or licenses that are expired could mislead clients about a counselor's qualifications and could potentially harm clients if the counselor is not current with necessary skills and knowledge. Informal training experiences, while valuable, do not meet the standards set by professional organizations and do not provide the same level of accountability or recognition as formally recognized credentials. Lastly, education from unaccredited programs lacks the verification of quality and standards that accredited programs offer, which can jeopardize client welfare and the professional’s reputation. Therefore, counselors must adhere to claiming only their valid and current licensure or certifications to ensure ethical practice.