Mental health counseling can occur in a variety of settings including private practice, community or agency, wilderness therapy programs, pastoral counseling, hospitals, and corrections. One similarity these settings have is that they were started to facilitate counseling beyond state psychiatric hospitals. These new settings expand the provision of mental health services (Erford, 2018). Another similarity is that they have the same kind of professionals, such as counselors and therapists, to provide care to clients.
Nevertheless, the settings mentioned have distinguishing features, including size of setting and approach to counseling. A private practice is a for-profit business characterized by an autonomous decision-making and work schedule (Erford, 2018). A community or agency is a broad setting comprised of government agencies and community-based clinics (Erford, 2018). Wilderness therapy programs are designed mainly for at-risk youths and usually involve rigorous physical activities as part of the counseling process. Pastoral counseling refers to a setting where a counselor integrates both psychology and spirituality (Erford, 2018). Hospitals are inpatient or outpatient facilities that provide care at any time. Finally, a corrections facility is distinguished by its connection to the court or prison.
One advantage of a private practice is that decision-making is free from the influence of government agencies, charities, and other groups. Another advantage is that a counselor can design their work schedule and select the theoretical approach to follow (Erford, 2018). However, private practices are businesses that may sometimes be forced to decide between treating people and making profits. I would consider working in a private practice because I would have the opportunity to work closely with clients. However, one disadvantage is that private practices are profit-making institutions, and I may not always help a client if their financial situation deteriorates. I would also consider working in a community or agency because it is the broadest setting and would allow me to help many people at once. However, a government agency setting is likely to have countless bureaucracies that would hinder mental health counseling.
Reference
Erford, B. T. (Ed.). (2018). Orientation to the counseling profession: Advocacy, ethics, and essential professional foundations. Pearson Education.