| The purpose of this study was to examine clinical mental health counselors' practices and perceptions regarding addressing smoking cessation with their clients. Specifically, this study sought to determine whether clinical mental health counselors followed the recommendations set forth by the United States Public Health Service. A valid and reliable survey instrument was created and mailed to a sample of 700 counselors who held clinical membership in the American Mental Health Counselors Association. A four-wave mailing protocol was used in an attempt to increase the response rate. A total of 330 completed surveys were returned for a response rate of 53.1% (330/622).;The majority of counselors who returned a survey instrument were Caucasian (90.7%), female (73.3%), aged 50 or older (76.5%), held a masters degree (76%), and were licensed professional counselors (78.8%). Slightly over half (55.2%) had never smoked and slightly under half (41.5%) were ex-smokers. The majority of counselors (58.9%) placed themselves in the precontemplation stage for asking all of their clients about their smoking status at every visit. Counselors, as a whole, reported low use of both the 5 As and 5 Rs for smoking cessation as well as for recommending pharmacotherapy to clients willing to quit smoking. Counselors reported greater use of the 5 As when they felt higher levels of perceived preparedness to use them. In addition, counselors had a higher likelihood to use the 5 As for smoking cessation on a regular basis if they reported regular use of the 5 Rs, and vice versa.;Counselors' levels of efficacy expectations for asking clients about their smoking status and for advising clients to quit smoking were higher than their outcome expectations for using them. Levels of both efficacy and outcome expectations were significantly higher in counselors who reported regular use of the 5 As. Although the majority (86.7%) of counselors felt either very confident or confident in assisting their clients in quitting smoking, professional training for this skill was lacking. The most frequently identified source of information on assisting clients with quitting smoking was "from patients who smoke." In addition, the majority (74.3%) of counselors did not believe that the counseling field provided enough smoking cessation training to its students.;The majority of clinical mental health counselors do not adhere to the guidelines set forth by the United States Public Health Service. Considering the high rates of smoking in individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses, these results are disconcerting. More education is needed regarding smoking cessation in professional preparation programs for clinical mental health counselors. In addition, counselors should be educated about the importance of addressing smoking cessation with their patients. |
