How to Advocate for Clients in Turbulent Times

July 2025

Every issue we ask a counseling student or new professional to pose a career-related question to another counseling professional who has experience in that topic. This month, Elizabeth Andrade asks Monica P. Band, EdD, LPC, CRC, how to help clients navigate a changing political landscape.

Question:
With all the changes occurring under the current administration, how do you stay up to date with current events while ensuring you are doing what is best for clients?

Answer:
Many counselors are feeling concerned. This year has brought significant shifts, especially with the rapid rollout of executive orders that could harm public servants, immigrants and marginalized communities — including our clients, their families and their support systems. Though we can’t predict the long-term effects, we can anticipate disruptions, particularly in economic stability and health care access. 

It can be challenging to manage anxieties without falling into speculation or catastrophizing. However, staying informed and vigilant is critical, especially when working with historically marginalized communities. This administration’s actions have included efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; erase trans identities; and restrict self-expression. Beyond social and political shifts, career instability is threatening psychological safety in the workplace and access to employer-provided health care.

This is where our role as advocates becomes crucial. Some counselors may believe their duty is to remain neutral, and others may feel uncertain about what advocacy looks like in practice. But, mental health professionals already engage in advocacy every day. When we empower clients to set boundaries, navigate systemic barriers and cultivate their authentic selves, we are advocating for them.

Some people may feel uncomfortable engaging in “political” discussions. However, choosing to remain apolitical has implications when it comes to acknowledging clients’ identities and the systemic realities shaping their lives. We should reflect on questions such as: How do we create space for political realities in sessions? How do we check in on a client’s identities? How do we ethically uphold multicultural competence? How do our political beliefs and values impact our work and chosen techniques?

We must also remember the profound power of empathy, an active force that fuels advocacy, strengthens community and sustains people who feel unseen or unheard. Let this moment reinforce our collective responsibility to protect and expand access to culturally competent mental health care.

In addition, stay informed at the local and state level on legislative decisions, licensing board updates and the responses of accrediting bodies. While the landscape is shifting, our professional organizations and ethics remain steadfast. We must rely on those guiding principles to continue serving our clients with integrity and care.