Program Overview

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares counselors to address the wide array of intersecting psychosocial, cultural, vocational, and systemic circumstances that are barriers to the health, wellness, and quality of life of those served. Clinical Mental Health Counseling students are trained to work with communities who experience a wide array of health and behavioral health conditions that are often complicated by histories of poverty, trauma, homelessness, substance abuse, oppression, and criminal justice involvement.

Program Overview

Students entering our program are social-justice oriented, embrace difference and inclusion, exhibit a desire for ongoing self-examination, and are expected to continually work towards cultural and disability competency. Trained through a biopsychosocial lens, students are oriented towards conceptualizing clients' multiple, intersecting identities, contexts, vulnerabilities, and assets, using contemporary classification systems relevant to today's practicing counselor.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students integrate ethical standards into practice and demonstrate self-awareness and self-care for sustainable professional functioning.
2. Students can develop advocacy plans addressing systemic, institutional, and societal barriers, both for individual clients and for advancing the profession.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the role of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences.
4. Students will demonstrate understanding of the effects of various sociocultural influences, including public policies, social movements, and cultural values, on mental and physical health and wellness.
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of developmental theories (individual, family, cultural identity, and personality) to assess and understand client and family behaviors across the lifespan, integrating factors such as neurobiological influences, environmental context, and the impact of mental health conditions, trauma, and stress.
6. Students will apply models of resilience, optimal development, and wellness to inform treatment plans, focusing on promoting positive coping strategies and adaptability in response to illness, disability, or crises.
7. Students will assess and conceptualize the interconnections between work, socioeconomic standing, wellness, trauma, and relationships, demonstrating how these factors shape an individual's career development and decision-making processes.
8. Students will evaluate the school and work (e.g., paid work, unpaid care work, unemployment) environment's impact on clients' life experiences and career development, considering factors such as organizational culture, accessibility, and discrimination.
9. Students will gain and utilize knowledge of essential interviewing, counseling, and case conceptualization skills to promote a strong therapeutic alliance and to create comprehensive and culturally relevant treatment plans.
10. Students will understand and implement therapeutic factors and strategies that are culturally sustaining and inclusive, ethical and legal, and enhance the effectiveness of group counseling from the perspective of a group member and leader.
11. Students will select and administer assessments that are culturally sustaining and developmentally appropriate, integrating individual accommodations and environmental modifications as needed.
12. Students will critically evaluate the evidence base for counseling theories, interventions, and practices, ensuring that they are supported by sound research and are appropriate for diverse client populations.
13. Students will describe different research designs, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, and understand appropriate methodology for addressing specific counseling-related questions.
14. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and application of the biopsychosocial and mental health recovery model in prevention, intervention, and treatment of mental health conditions.

Graduate Programs in Counseling

General Information

At least 60 units of approved graduate work are required for the Master of Science degree. All students go through a basic core sequence of academic courses including four semesters of supervised counseling practicum and internship. Students select electives according to their area of specialization. Two different academic year field placements are required.

Admission to Program

Applicants are admitted as conditionally classified graduate students in the fall semester only. Admission to the department involves the following procedures:

1. Submit the Cal State Apply application by December 15th, including all supplementary materials.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Minimum 60 units

Required Courses (60 units)

• COUN 700: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 units)
• COUN 702: Developmental Foundations for Counselors (3 units)
• COUN 703: Psychological Foundations for Counselors (3 units)
• COUN 704: Biopsychosocial Aspects of Health, Behavioral Health, Aging, & Disability (3 units)
• COUN 705: Counseling Practicum (3 units)
• COUN 706: Counseling Skills and Process (3 units)
• COUN 715: Assessment in Counseling (3 units)
• COUN 736: Advanced Counseling Process (3 units)
• COUN 720: Career Counseling (3 units)
• COUN 737: Psychopharmacology in Counseling (3 units)
• COUN 738: Addictions (3 units)
• COUN 741: Crisis Counseling for Counselors (3 units)
• COUN 794: Seminar in Research (3 units)
• COUN 811: Group Counseling Process (3 units)
• COUN 833: Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling (3 units)
• COUN 857: Law and Ethics for Counselors (3 units)
• COUN 870: Professional Issues, Clinical Case Management and Systems of Care (3 units)
• COUN 890: Integrative Counseling and Internship (3 units)
• COUN 891: Case Studies and Internship Seminar (3 units)
• COUN 892: Culminating Experience for Counselors (3 units)