Substance Use, Confrontation of Impaired Colleagues, and Psychological Functioning among Counseling Psychologists: A National Survey

Three hundred and ninety-three members of APA Division 17 (Counseling Psychology) completed a survey examining their past and current substance use, identification and confrontation of impaired psychologists, life satisfaction, work stress, and psychological distress. Respondents indicated favorable perceptions of their personal and professional satisfaction, low to moderate work stress, and minimal psychological distress. Overall, reported current levels of alcohol use were modest and use of other substances was low, although approximately 10% reported having been confronted for their substance abuse in the past. Forty-three percent of respondents reported knowledge of a male psychologist's and 28% reported knowledge of a female psychologist's current alcohol use problem; however, results suggested a general disinclination to confront impaired colleagues. The need to reconcile ethical obligations with the practical realities of confronting impaired psychologists is addressed.