Professional advocacy for counseling in Vietnam during COVID-19 and beyond

ABSTRACT Counseling and other related mental health workers are relatively new professionals in developing countries like Vietnam. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health needs of the general Vietnamese population have soared significantly, while the counseling resources are limited. Still, this circumstance can create opportunities for professional counselor to advocate for the counseling profession in Vietnam. This paper aims to: (1) analyze current mental health practices and the state of the counseling profession in Vietnam as well as the emerging needs during COVID-19, (2) explore current modalities of professional advocacy, and (3) discuss the implications of professional advocacy for counseling and counselor in the context of Vietnam.