Psychopharmacology This article will examine the complicated roles a counselor has related to the use of prescription medications in treating mental health problems. The first section will explore the limitations and ethical implications for a counselor regarding recommending and prescribing psychotropic medications. The next section will include the counselor's role in educating the client about medications. The third section will cover the details of patient referral when treatment is warranted. Boundaries and Ethical Implications As a result of research and advances in biomedical science, psychotropic medications have become a primary tool in the holistic treatment of mental health problems (Kaut & Dickinson, 2007). Training in psychopharmacology is now recommended for all mental health professionals in accordance with the profession's codes of ethics (King & Anderson, 2004). Counselors must also carefully manage their roles regarding medications and client concerns to avoid liability, while acting in the client's best interests. Part of the code of ethics for a professional counselor includes education on current research developments and trends in the mental health field. health (Linde, Erford, & Cheung, 2010). Psychopharmacology is an example of such progress that would require attention. As noted by King and Anderson (2004), failure to recommend a medication evaluation as a viable option, when appropriate, can lead to liability issues. A lack of knowledge in this area would not absolve the consultant from this responsibility. Also linked to the counselor's ethical behavior are the specific roles a counselor might play in relation to recommending and prescribing medications with a... means of paper... ....ReferencesKaut, KP, & Dickinson, JA (2007) . The mental health professional and psychopharmacology. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 29(3), 204–225. King, J. H., & Anderson, S. M. (2004). Therapeutic implications of pharmacotherapy: current trends and ethical issues. Journal of Consulting and Development, 82(3), 329–336. Linde, L. E., Erford, B. T., & Cheung, A. (2010). Ethical and legal issues in consultancy. In B. T. Erford (Ed.), Orientations to the counseling profession: Advocacy, ethics and essential professional foundations (pp.55-92). New Jersey: Pearson.Ruddy, N.B., Borresen, D.A., & Gunn Jr., W.B. (2008). Colocalization with medical professionals: a new model of integrated care. In The collaborative psychotherapist: Building reciprocal relationships with medical professionals (pp. 115–133). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.