iv 1 TPC Digest TPC Digest Sabina Remmers de Vries, Christine D. Gonzales-Wong T he purpose of this article is to provide counseling professionals with an overview of the most commonly used psychoactive herbal remedies, over-the-counter drugs (OTCs), and dietary supplements. This article also addresses ways in which counselors consider client use of psychoactive substances in the areas of education, assessment, diagnosis, case conceptualization, treatment planning, and advocacy. Lastly, the authors provide ethical and cultural considerations for counselors to promote competent clinical treatment. U.S. consumers spend billions of dollars on complementary and alternative medicines, which include herbal remedies and dietary supplements. Many of these substances are pharmaceutically active. As such, some clients may choose to take herbal remedies, OTCs, and dietary supplements in an attempt to treat mental health concerns. Some clients may rely on these remedies in addition to prescription medicine. Others may take them instead of their prescribed medication. Clients do so for a variety of reasons, which are discussed in this article. It is common for clients not to disclose to their physicians or counselors that they are taking herbal remedies, OTCs, and dietary supplements. Clients may not be aware of the pharmacological properties and side effects of these products. One aspect of herbal remedies and dietary supplements that is particularly worrisome is that these substances do not undergo the same stringent research and development as prescription drugs. Additionally, herbal remedies and dietary supplements are poorly regulated in terms of dosage and purity. It is professionally and ethically prudent for counselors to have a working knowledge of herbal remedies, OTCs, and dietary supplements when providing services to clients who self-treat with such substances. Counselors are required to practice within the limits of their training as well as within the limits of their licensure. It is important that counselors refrain from providing advice regarding medication, even those that are available over the counter. Counselors are obliged to refer clients with concerns regarding herbal remedies, OTCs, and dietary supplements to medical professionals. Withholding such a referral could be considered unethical. Diversity and inclusion are also considered in this article. It is important to be aware that individual differences in clients can lead to significant variations in responses to drugs. Furthermore, racial and ethnic inequalities are common in health care, and racial and ethnic minority clients may experience considerable barriers when seeking health care. Some of these clients may reach for herbal remedies, OTCs, and dietary supplements to treat mental health concerns. An increasing number of training programs and licensing boards require education in psychopharmacology. Herbal remedies, OTCs, and dietary supplements should be part of this training because these compounds potentially impact the mood, thought processes, behaviors, and well-being of clients. Sabina Remmers de Vries, PhD, NCC, LPC-S, is an associate professor at Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Christine D. Gonzales-Wong, PhD, NCC, LPC, is an assistant professor at Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Correspondence may be addressed to Sabina de Vries, One University Way, San Antonio, TX 78224, sabina.devries@tamusa.edu. Read full article and references: de Vries, S. R., & Gonzales-Wong, C. D. (2022). Herbal remedies, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements: A primer for counselors. The Professional Counselor, 12(2), 105–122. doi: 10.15241/srdv.12.2.105 1 | i t Herbal Remedies, Over-the-Counter Drugs, and Dietary Supplement A Primer for Counselors
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