Who is specifically included as a user of the DSM system?

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is a comprehensive classification system used by various mental health professionals for diagnosing and classifying mental disorders. It serves as an essential tool for psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, and other licensed professionals who provide mental health services.

Choosing counselors as the answer highlights the fact that they are specifically trained to utilize the DSM in their practice to inform treatment planning, diagnosis, and communication with other healthcare providers. Counselors often work in various settings and can serve diverse populations, making knowledge of the DSM crucial for their roles.

The other options are narrower in scope and exclude key professionals who also utilize the DSM. For example, limiting the users to only psychologists and psychiatrists would ignore the essential contributions of counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals in diagnosis and treatment. Similarly, designating social workers or licensed therapists exclusively excludes other qualified professionals who are integral to mental health care and who employ the DSM in their work. Therefore, recognizing counselors as users of the DSM acknowledges the diverse landscape of mental health practice where various providers collaborate to support client well-being.