Overall, what trend characterized the counseling profession from the 1960s through the 1990s?

• A. Expansion and diversification
• B. Contraction and homogenization
• C. Isolated practice without credentialing
• D. Reduction in professional standards

Answer: (A)

The period saw the counseling field grow in scope and variety. Demand for services rose in schools, colleges, communities, hospitals, and private practices, while new areas of specialization—mental health counseling, career and guidance counseling, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, addiction counseling—added depth and breadth to what counselors do. At the same time, professional standards and credentialing became more established across states, helping to standardize training and practice. Put together, more counselors working in more settings with more diverse specialties describe a clear trend of expansion and diversification.