DSM-5: Do Counselors Really Want an Alternative?. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gayle, Michael C.; Raskin, Jonathan D.
• Other Names: Kamens Sarah R. guest-editor.; Robbins Brent Dean guest-editor.; Flanagan Elizabeth H. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of humanistic psychology. Volume 57:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 650
• Page End: 666
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: DSM -- diagnosis -- counselors -- counselor attitudes -- professional issues; Humanistic psychology -- Periodicals; 150.192
• DOI: 10.1177/0022167817696839
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1678

Abstract

The results of a survey exploring counselor attitudes toward the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-5 ) are presented. The survey revealed that counselors have mixed attitudes toward the DSM . They view DSM positively and see it as both beneficial to their profession and important in determining treatment. They also believe that DSM-5 revisions reflect the best science available. Counselors worry that the DSM prioritizes diagnosis over treatment, have concerns about proposed DSM-5 revisions, and support developing alternatives to the DSM .