Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares graduates to work in settings serving clients diagnosed along a continuum of mental and emotional disorders. Our graduates advocate for and promote mental health and wellness. Our graduates are knowledgeable in the principles and practices of diagnosis, treatment, referral and prevention and often work in interdisciplinary teams with other health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, social workers, MDs). Mental Health Counselors work with individuals, couples, families, or groups in settings that include the following:

• Mental health counseling agencies
• Substance abuse clinics/agencies
• Crises counseling centers
• Private practice hospitals

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is a “license qualifying education program” within New York State leading towards licensure as a “licensed mental health counselor” (LMHC). Please see the New York State Mental Health Counseling website for more information.

• Part-time status: 3-6 credit hours per semester
• Full-time status: 9-12 credit hours per semester

Curriculum

Part-time status: 3-6 credit hours per semester, Full-time status: 9-12 credit hours per semester

Learning Goals and Objectives

Learning Goal 1

Candidates in the counseling program will demonstrate content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge necessary for successful performance in their field.

The Candidate: 

• Demonstrates the application of career development and decision making theories within the career counseling process.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the dimensions, functions, and practices of the professional counselor.
• Demonstrates a commitment to eliminating bias, prejudice, discrimination and promoting social justice, based on an understanding of cultural dynamics within identity formation and social behavior.
• Identifies theories of human growth and development including factors related to optimal development and factors that challenge optimal development such as disability, psychopathology, trauma and addiction.
• Demonstrates essential interview and counseling skills, based on knowledge of counseling theories.
• Demonstrates leadership skills for group counseling based on an understanding of the dynamics of group work including theories of group counseling.
• Demonstrates knowledge of assessment strategies used in counseling including an understanding of statistical concepts and cultural issues related to assessment.
• Identifies research methods and statistical procedures used to study human behavior and uses appropriate data based procedures for program planning and evaluation.
• Demonstrates specific foundations of knowledge related to the student’s specialization in counseling.

Learning Goal 2

Candidates in the counseling program will demonstrate professional skills and dispositions necessary for successful performance in their field.

The Candidate: 

• Demonstrates a commitment to eliminating bias, prejudice, discrimination and promoting social justice, based on an understanding of cultural dynamics within identity formation and social behavior.
• Demonstrates the application of career development and decision making theories within the career counseling process.
• Demonstrates essential interview and counseling skills, based on knowledge of counseling theories.
• Demonstrates leadership skills for group counseling based on an understanding of the dynamics of group work including theories of group counseling.
• Demonstrates knowledge of assessment strategies used in counseling including an understanding of statistical concepts and cultural issues related to assessment.
• Identifies research methods and statistical procedures used to study human behavior and uses appropriate data based procedures for program planning and evaluation.
• Demonstrates the professional skills and dispositions to work effectively with clients.
• Demonstrates the skills and practices necessary for effective professional work in the student’s specialization in counseling.

Learning Goal 3

Candidates in the counseling program will demonstrate willingness to use their skills to benefit and serve society.  Within the contexts of their work, candidates promote authentic learning, social and emotional development, and a commitment to social justice in environments that foster respect for diversity and the dignity of all.

The Candidate:

• Demonstrates a commitment to eliminating bias, prejudice, discrimination and promoting social justice, based on an understanding of cultural dynamics within identity formation and social behavior.

Learning Goal 4

Candidates will demonstrate self-reflection as a habit of mind, continuously assessing and refining their professional practice as they construct a rich repertoire of research-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective performance ensuring that all students and/or clients have optimal opportunities to learn and grow.

The Candidate: 

• Demonstrates improved articulation and application of professional counseling skills, through self-reflection and supervision.

Learning Goal 5

Candidates will become adept at applying their acquired knowledge in the process of evaluating their own professional performance and decision-making with respect to its impact on students and/or clients, organizations, and the wider community. 

The Candidate:

• Applies systematic evaluative procedures.