A person who has an advanced degree (master's level or higher) in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related profession. Professionals have experience in the mental health or counseling fields as well as the expertise needed to provide clinical supervision and training to crisis counselors. Typically, a professional coordinates and supervises the local outreach team associated with a crisis counseling program. He or she may provide crisis services directly or offer consultation and support to crisis counselors. Professionals clinically evaluate clients to determine whether their needs exceed the scope of the crisis counseling program. They may work directly with individuals, families, and groups whose problems are unusually challenging or complex. Professionals often need training on the ways in which crisis counseling for disaster survivors differs from traditional mental health or counseling practice