What is Counseling Consultation?

Counseling Consultation refers to a professional interaction in which a Licensed Professional Counselor offers expert advice, guidance, or recommendations to help the client understand a problem, explore options, or make informed decisions—often related to mental health, wellness, or life challenges. This can occur without engaging in ongoing therapy or treatment. It’s a more directive, short-term, and problem-focused interaction compared to counseling. Consultation can result in linking the client to resources within the community and/or online.

Types of Consultation (Provider to Client):

Career Consultation
A counselor helps a client understand personality assessments and recommends potential career paths.

Parenting Consultation
A parent seeks advice on how to manage a child’s behavioral issues at home: the counselor gives strategies and may recommend further support.

Mental Health Check-In
A person is unsure if they need therapy. The counselor offers a consultation session to assess needs and recommend next steps.

Grief or Crisis Support
A client experiences a sudden loss. The provider offers one or two sessions to stabilize the situation and decide if longer-term support is needed.