FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“Dr. Rosenthal actually makes studying for your exam enjoyable!” 

“If I can’t help you pass your counselor licensing,

certification or exit exam, nobody can . . .

and I’ll guarantee it.  Read this and I’ll reveal how you can easily study for your exam and still have a life!”  Dr. Howard Rosenthal 

NEW!!! THE NEW SPECIAL EDITION 15^TH ANNIVERSARY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COUNSELING IS IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP . . . SO IS THE HOT OUT OF THE STUDIO CUTTING EDGE ETHICS AUDIO CD!!!  FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS! 

Question:  I’ll be taking the exam in 2008.  Will you materials be effective.

Anwer:  Absolutely!   

Question:  What is the biggest mistake counselors make when preparing for exams?

Answer:  I can’t say this strongly enough:  Waiting until the last minute to order materials and study for the exam.  Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, (that’s four ever’s) wait until the last minute.  Have I made myself perfectly clear?  It’s never too soon to begin your preparation and short study sessions are much more valuable than long marathon study sessions. 

Question:  I’m extremely busy and quite frankly don’t have time to read your entire Web Site.  I simply want the very best program you offer to pass the NCE or the CPCE.  What is it and how do I order right now?

Answer:  Okay, I’ll get right to the point! Our new Valedictorian Mastery Tool Kit is the most comprehensive, high-powered exam prep kit we have ever offered . . . and you cannot purchase this package from any other book store, publisher, distributor, or Internet Site in the World . . . you can only buy it here!!!  Turn your next traffic jam into a world-class learning experience. This pack includes the new 2008 Special 15^th Anniversary Encyclopedia of Counseling, the complete 18 audio CD listen and learn program Vital Information and Review.  This remarkable audio CD program includes Dr. Rosenthal’s ultra-popular new beefed up  Test Anxiety Prevention Compact Disc CD, and a new Super Boot Camp Review CD that surpasses his old 47Minute Super Review cassette you’ve most likely heard so much about. Simply play this CD after you complete all your studies to summarize all the material.  Many people play it several days prior to the exam or even while driving to the exam site.  This CD includes any updates Dr. Rosenthal discovered after he produced his other materials. All audio CDs have a wealth of tracks for easy navigation and come in a handsome professional carrying case. You’ll also receive Dr. Rosenthal’s new Human Services Dictionary with terms defined specifically to help you on exam questions. Finally . . . shipped under separate cover from the rest of your order . . . you’ll get a brand new audio CD titled Cutting Edge Ethics that is not available from anybody else in the world to help you tackle tough exam questions that most likely were not covered in your textbooks or grad classes. This CD will be shipped separately from the balance of your order. The complete package is just $178.00 delivered . . . no hidden charges. To pay by check or money order simply send your payment to:  Dr. Howard Rosenthal, Dept. SS 396, 3417 Cottonwood Drive, Saint Charles, MO  63301.  To pay via credit card without giving us your credit card information or to order immediately go to the most secure payment system we are aware of, www.paypal.com .  They will ask you for Dr. Rosenthal’s e-mail to send money to him so copy it down now: drhowardr@juno.com . Paypal will ask you to write Dr. Rosenthal a short note telling him where to send your order and precisely what you wish to order.  Most orders that are not received on a weekend receive same day or next day processing, however, ALL ORDERS ARE SUBJECT TO A 48 HOUR WAREHOUSE DELAY AND NO ORDERS ARE SHIPPED ON WEEKENDS OR HOLIDAYS! We do not provide  shipping to P.O. Box Numbers.  PLEASE PROVIDE US WITH A STREET ADDRESS. 

Remember . . . what separates Dr. Rosenthal’s material from his competition is his ability to make the material fun, lively, and humorous, when appropriate.  All materials include his exclusive memory devices and his explanations are intentionally worded so you can understand them even if you have been out of school for an extended period of time. 

Question:  Can I purchase your materials piecemeal without buying the entire package?

Answer:  Absolutely, the Encyclopedia of Counseling is $55.00 delivered.  The 18-audio CD program is $100.00 delivered, the Test Anxiety Prevention Compact Disc CD included in the 18 pack can be purchased separately for just $25 delivered, and the Human Services Dictionary is $30.00 delivered, and the Cutting Edge Ethics Audio CD is $20.00 delivered.  Send payment to:  Dr. Howard Rosenthal, Dept. SS 396, 3417 Cottonwood Drive, Saint Charles, MO  63301.   

Other Companies Have Huge Hidden Charges That Add Up To Big Bucks . . . We Don’t!  Read On . . .  

Question: I’ve noticed that some of Dr. Rosenthal’s materials are available from other book dealers and Internet sites.  Sometimes their prices actually seem a tad lower than yours.  Why in the world would I purchase my materials here?

Answer:  Good question!  Darn good question!  First and foremost, keep in mind that all of our prices include shipping and handling . . . we even pay the sales tax for you when applicable . . . there are NO HIDDEN CHARGES!  The price you see is the price you pay.  Most Internet retailers make a huge chunk on the postage . . . our prices are real, no silly hidden charges.   

What those lowest price on the web sites don’t want you to know!!! 

Here is an actual example.  We went to several of those “find the lowest price sites.”  Many listed a certain famous discount site owned by one of America’s largest retailers as having the lowest price for the Rosenthal materials.  We decided to check it out. The discount prices quoted on their website did appear to be quite low.  Thus, we conducted our own test by ordering $188.92 worth of the Rosenthal materials from the site.  Our bill came to $215.56 since they added $11.92 for postage and $14.72 in sales tax.  That’s a total of $26.64 in hidden charges we take care of for FREE.  But wait, it gets worse.  Just to make sure our first experience was not a mistake or a fluke, we reordered $283.38 worth of the Rosenthal materials two days later (sent to the same address).  This time the shipping came to $14.91 and the sales tax $21.84 or $36.75 worth of hidden extras we don’t charge!!! And remember this test was conducted before rising gasoline prices that forced delivery services and the post office to nearly double their rates on some packages . . . the additional fees now would most likely be much higher. Moreover, we routinely receive correspondence from folks who have ordered elsewhere. After the customer ordered and the distributor assured them the items were in stock, they were told it would take 4 to 6 weeks to secure the order because the distributor really didn’t stock Dr. Rosenthal’s materials.  Unless we run out of stock (which happens once or twice a year, usually the week before an exam) we have the materials and will ship them out in a timely manner.  Again, never, ever, ever, ever, wait until the last minute before an exam to order!  Order at least eight weeks prior to your exam. Also, we do not ship the week before or after Christmas. 

Question:  Isn’t that line about “running out of stock” just a marketing ploy to get counselors to order?

Answer:  Not at all.  The Rosenthal materials sell like hotcakes and that’s without ever taking one of those giant full-page ads in the counseling newspapers that cost an arm and a leg which results in a higher price to you.  Nevertheless (and back to the question at hand) for the last several years we have run out of materials for at least one exam per year.  Since our publisher supplies everybody in the world (for example Amazon or Barnes and Noble), if we run out other distributors can’t get my materials either regardless of what their websites promise.  This is the factor Dr. Rosenthal hates the most about the field of licensing preparation, however, he cannot control the supply and demand for his products.  In 2008 we have already run out of materials two weeks before the exam.  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO ORDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Again, it probably won’t be a problem for you, but it could.  Why take chances with your career? 

Question:  I ordered my materials 7 days ago and still haven’t received them.  Is there a problem with my order?

Answer:  No!!! We process 95% of all orders the same day or then next day, unless we receive the order late on a Friday or on Saturday and then the order is processed on Monday.  The order then experiences a 48- hour warehouse delay. Some customers are totally unrealistic about how rapidly they will receive their merchandise.  Let’s take a typical order. Say you mail your order to Dr. Rosenthal on a Wednesday.  He receives the order on Saturday.  Your order is processed on Monday and shipped on Wednesday.  Since FedEx ground quotes 10-12 shipping days, then you would receive your order in approximately 14 days after the day you mailed the letter.  Almost without exception when a customer contacts us in a panic we discover that they have jumped the gun and receive the order later that day or the next day.  FedEx often leaves the package or notes at a door other then the front door or perhaps with a neighbor.  On one occasion one of our customers complained about her order and then discovered that FedEx put it under her back porch!!! FedEx often puts packages in the garage. Husbands, wives, roommates, principals etc. often forget to inform you that your package was received weeks ago. Check with persons in your household or business first. Nevertheless, if you truly feel your order is lost feel free to contact us at drhowardr@juno.com.   

Question:  I want to receive my order as fast as possible.  Should I FedEx it to Dr. Rosenthal or send it overnight mail?

Answer:  NO! We cannot say this strongly enough:  Please do not Fed Ex your order to Dr. Rosenthal or send it via overnight mail or send it by any special delivery service.  This is very expensive for you . . . the customer . . . and generally you will receive slower service!!!  Express mail, Fed Ex etc. often requires a signature.  If we miss the delivery person then we must go to the post office, Fed Ex etc. to secure your order.  Often we miss them again! Even when you tell the post office/delivery service to “waive the signature” it has been our experience that they do not follow your instructions.  Thus, we have discovered that it takes us longer to get our hands on your order then if you simply mailed us a standard envelope with a stamp on it. 

Why we no longer offer express shipping 

Question:  Do you offer express shipping?  I am willing to pay extra.

Answer:  No. We no longer offer express shipping.  Several factors influenced our decision to drop this service.  First, in some areas of the country overnight is not really overnight.  No such service is truly available!  The second reason was that our express two-day overnight delivery was often no quicker our regular service.  In fact, on a number of occasions the delivery service actually indicated that our customers were wasting our money paying additional fees for the service.  And finally – and this is the major reason – with gas prices at record high levels surcharges for express shipping was so high (over $75.00 on some packages, gulp!) that we actually lost money on the order!  Hence, no express shipping . . . no exceptions.  Sorry.  Order at least eight weeks in advance and this won’t be an issue. 

Question:  I want to order right now. Can I use my credit card to pay for my order?

Answer:  Everybody is worried about security these days, and rightly so.  Feel free to purchase your materials with your credit card, however, since our site – like millions of others worldwide -- strives to keep security at the highest level we use www.paypal.com.    They will ask you for Dr. Rosenthal’s e-mail address so print it or copy it down now. It is: drhowardr@juno.com.  Paypal will have you compose a short message to Dr. Rosenthal. Don’t forget to specify precisely what products you want and exactly where you want it shipped.  Please provide us with a street address . . . not a P.O. Box number.  Also paypal requires us to wait approximately five days for e-checks to clear before we are permitted to process your order. 

Question:  Is it possible to order via phone with a credit card?

Answer:  Well yes and no.  We have a warehouse that will sell you the materials over the phone, but they will not offer you the packages, the Cutting Edge Ethics Audio CD, discounts, and specials on this website.  Also, they will charge extra for postage.  We do not charge for postage and take care of sales tax when it is an issue.  The toll free number is 1-800-634-7064 M-F during regular business hours. 

Question:  I have always believed you get what you pay for.  If Dr. Rosenthal’s licensing materials are so good why do they cost these materials cost considerably less money than the other programs I’ve researched?  For example, the licensing preparation program I compared to his was over three times the price of his CD set.

Answer:  Glad you asked!  If you look at many of the competitive programs you will discover that in most cases they only have one thing to sell you: licensing materials. Simply put, our best guess is that these companies figure that they will only sell you one item, hence, that item must have a huge mark-up.  As you can see, Dr. Rosenthal feels that once you buy his licensing materials you will buy other counseling related books, and tapes from him . . . thus, he doesn’t need to jack up the price on any one given sale.  Also, Dr. Rosenthal’s materials are published by a division of Taylor & Francis. T&F has been has been in business, with their main office in London, since the 1790’s (not a misprint).  By publishing thousands of books, tapes, and journals they keep the production costs extremely low.  While every other company we know of went up on their prices we purposely lowered our audio program prices compared to the prices charged several years ago and added a tons of information to the program which we assume left our competition scratching their head in amazement. 

Question:  Is Dr. Rosenthal a “Johnny come lately to the licensing preparation arena?”

Answer:  No, in fact just the opposite is true: Dr. Rosenthal created the first comprehensive tape program to help counselors secure state licensure and national board certification.  A number of competitors who were in business after he got started have closed their doors and are no longer in business. 

Question:  Just what does Dr. Rosenthal cover?

Answer:  Sorry, but that isn’t a legitimate question!  A legitimate question would be:  What doesn’t he cover!  His materials cover every area related to the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) and more!  Although some folks exaggerate, we routinely receive correspondence from counselors who insist that our program covers more than the person learned in graduate school! 

Question: I am studying for the EPPP to become a licensed psychologist.  I have heard other psychologists say Dr. Rosenthal’s materials were helpful.  Would you recommend them in my situation?

Answer:  Although we routinely hear people say that the Rosenthal materials helped them pass their psychology, social work, mental health counselor, PRAXIS exam etc., please keep in mind that his materials are specifically geared toward the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the so-called NCC designation given by NBCC.*  This exam is often used for state counselor licensure.  Since his materials may indeed cover some of the material and/or areas on these other exams we are convinced that they may be an excellent supplement or adjunct to other books and study guides.  Nevertheless, because the Rosenthal materials cannot and do not cover all the content areas of these other exams we would never recommend them as the sole study materials for these other tests.        

Question:  Are the Rosenthal materials recommended for oral and written board preparation?  I am studying for a doctorate in counseling.

Answer:  Yes!  We highly recommend them.  In fact, they will most likely raise your grade in any course related to counseling or psychotherapy. 

Question:  Will Dr. Rosenthal’s materials work for the exam given in my state or to secure the credential?

Answer:  In most cases the answer is “yes.”  Simply go to our links and click the NBCC link for state licensing boards.  If your state uses the National Counselor Examination (also called the NCE, a registered trademark of NBCC) or an examination based on this test (e.g., the CPCE), then Dr. Rosenthal’s materials are ideal. His materials should not be used as the sole study program for the CCMHC.  Try www.counselingexam.com for this purpose. 

Question:  Does Dr. Rosenthal guarantee his licensing materials?  I have contacted a number of other authors and programs in the field and can’t seem to get a straight answer.

Answer:  To our knowledge Dr. Rosenthal has the strongest guarantee of any current licensing preparation program . . . or for that matter . . . any licensing preparation program ever on the market. To quote Dr. Rosenthal, “If I can’t help you pass your counselor licensing or certification exam, nobody can.  And I’ll guarantee it.  Here’s the scoop.  If you purchase my Valedictorian Mastery Tool Kit at least 8 weeks prior to the exam and don’t pass, I will not only give you your money back but I will pay you  . . . yes I said pay you . . .  an extra $10 for your trouble!!!  Simply return the materials to me and documentation of your NCE or CPCE score.  That’s it.  No loopholes or hoops to jump through.  No questions asked.  If I can’t help you pass I don’t want your money.  How can I make such an amazing offer?  Simple:  I know my programs deliver!”   

As of this date nobody has taken us up on our guarantee.  That – in our humble opinion – is the ultimate testimonial!  

Question:  I don’t believe I’m an audio learner.  Why should I purchase your audio CD exam preparation package?

Answer:  Research now verifies what Dr. Rosenthal has been telling counselors for years: that practically everybody – yes even those people who vehemently protest they are not auditory learners – actually do learn better by listening!  You wouldn’t believe how many people have purchased Dr. Rosenthal’s audio programs over the years and said, “I never believed I was an auditory learner.  Now I know differently.”  But don’t take our word for it: just read the testimonials. 

Question:  Should I buy the Encyclopedia of Counseling or the Audio Program?

Answer:  Licensing, certification, and grad school exit exams are extremely tough. We always recommend both and most people (probably over 90%) who order from us do indeed purchase both items.  Statistically speaking, most orders are for our Valedictorian Mastery Tool Kit. 

Question:  In a nutshell, what are Dr. Rosenthal’s credentials?

Answer:  Dr. Rosenthal received his master’s degree from the University of Missour, St. Louis, and his doctorate from St. Louis University.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Missouri; a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC); a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC); and a Master Addictions Counselor (MAC).  He is the Professor and Program Coordinator of the Human Services Program and Addiction Studies Certificate at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley.  He teaches courses at Webster University Graduate School and he has now lectured to over 100,000 people, making him one of the most popular speakers in the Midwest.  He is listed in a number of Who’s Who publications.  He has been the recipient of various awards including the State of Missouri’s Wayne B. McCelland Award; the St. Louis Community College Hall of Fame Award; and the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.  For the past three out of four years he has won first or second place in the Teaching for Success (a publication devoted to innovative college instruction) quick teaching tip award for the nation.  The publication reports this is a record! He served on the board of the Journal of Clinical Activities, Assignments & Handouts in Psychotherapy Practice. 

He has penned over 20 articles for Counselor, The Magazine for Addiction Professionals alone. Many of them can be accessed FREE on this site by going to the links section. 

His hot off the presses book Therapy’s Best, Practical Advice and Gems of Wisdom From Twenty Accomplished Counselors and Therapists includes lively interviews with the folks you studied about in school, Ellis, Glasser, Bolles, Gladding, Kottler etc.  It has received glowing reviews!  We highly recommend it! 

Lastly, on the lighter side, he is the mental health hair expert (not a misprint!) for www.hairboutique.com, one of the top hair sites in the world.  If you are into hair, check it out! 

Question:  How do you know that readers really do like his “reader-friendly, folksy, conversational style.”

Answer:  Well, let’s put it this way.  Have you ever heard of an aging academic book  (i.e., the original former edition of the Encyclopedia of Counseling) that, according to recent Amazon.com stats, was hovering in the top 10 best sellers of a large city like St. Louis, Missouri, beating the pants off books written by sports stars and even celebrities?  Well have you?  We didn’t think so!  A phenomenon like this . . . even when it transpires for just a few weeks or days . . . is unheard of in the publishing business. At one point the text was at number 2!!!  Punch the key word  “counseling” into Amazon’s search engine or Barnes and Noble on any day of the year and you will generally see the Encyclopedia of Counseling in one of the top three spots . . . often it is sitting pretty in the number one slot. Moreover, just peruse our testimonials and you will discover that readers and listeners like Dr. Rosenthal’s upbeat, engaging style. 

But if that’s not convincing enough, try this on for size.  Dr. Rosenthal was one of sixty authors interviewed for the Jeff Herman’s recent book You Can Make It Big Writing Books: A Top Agent Shows You How to Develop a Million-Dollar Bestseller. Rosenthal was included along with authors like Barry Sears of the Zone Diet fame; Mark Victor Hansen, of Chicken Soup for the Soul (the top selling series of all time); and John Gray who wrote Women Are From Mars, Men Are From Venus.  When Rosenthal autographs copies he writes with sincerity, “From the only author in the book who doesn’t know how to write a million-dollar best seller . . .  yet!.” 

Question: You mentioned that Dr. Rosenthal has done a lot of public speaking.  Does he currently do workshops to help folks pass their licensing exam?

Answer:  No, but he has heard excellent things about Dr. Andrew Helwig’s workshops.  To make the workshop material available without travel expenses, Dr. Helwig has put his workshop online and markets a DVD set.  Go to www.counselorprep.com. 

Question:  Does Dr. Rosenthal have any financial ties with Dr. Helwig?

Answer:  None.  Dr. Helwig probably doesn’t even know he’s mentioned on this site. 

Question:  Some sites actually allow you to study online.  Any recommendations?

Answer:  Lots of folks combine Dr. Rosenthal’s programs with www.licensure.com or www.counselingexam.com (created by Dr. Linton Hutchinson) and are reporting unusually high scores on their exams. The site has feedback from counselors all over the country that successfully used this combination to post some awesome (near perfect!) scores on the exam. Highly recommended!   

Question: Okay, I guess I’m just naturally suspicious. Just checking: Does Dr. Rosenthal have any financial arrangements with aforementioned web site? 

Answer: No, he has, however, repeatedly heard very good things about counselors’ experiences with the site. 

Question:  Now what should I do?

Answer:  For once in your life, stop procrastinating and order the materials you need!!!  If we haven’t answered all your questions feel free to e-mail Dr. Rosenthal personally at drhowardr@juno.com We want you to be informed. Best wishes on the exam!  
 

* Dr. Rosenthal is not affiliated with the National Board for Certified Counselors or the CCE.  Please realize that when Dr. Rosenthal uses the abbreviations NBCC or NCE that these abbreviations are both registered by the United States Patent and Trade Office.  Mailing address for all orders is:  Dr. Howard Rosenthal, Dept. SS 396, 3417 Cottonwood Drive, Saint Charles, MO  63301.  Paypal payment address is drhowardr@juno.com We often run out of materials prior to exams order early.  We reserve the right to refuse last minute orders.