Gatekeeping in counseling refers to what process?

• A. Screening, remediation, and dismissal of trainees who are poorly fit
• B. Open admission to all applicants
• C. Setting fees and billing precisely
• D. Public health reporting

Answer: (A)

Gatekeeping in counseling is the process by which training programs and supervisors assess whether a trainee can practice safely and competently. It involves screening applicants and students for fitness and readiness, providing remediation or additional supervision when needed, and potentially removing someone from a training path if they cannot meet professional standards. This approach protects clients from harm and upholds the profession’s ethical and quality standards. The other options describe activities that aren’t about evaluating a trainee’s readiness to practice—open admission bypasses screening, setting fees is a financial matter, and public health reporting concerns reporting practices outside the scope of professional fitness to practice.