Program Overview
Mercy University's Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling prepares students for licensure and employment in the field. The 60-credit program covers theories, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling skills. Students benefit from experiential learning, clinical supervision, and opportunities to work with diverse populations. Graduates are eligible for the New York state professional licensing exam and employment in various settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program at Mercy University is a 60-credit program that qualifies graduates to sit for the New York state professional licensing exam and to seek initial employment towards meeting the 3,000-hour supervised experience required for licensure. The program's objectives are to:
- Prepare students to be competent mental health counselors who can provide effective services to individuals, families, and groups.
- Educate students about the theories and principles of mental health counseling and their application to practice.
- Develop students' skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling.
- Foster students' professional development and ethical decision-making. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful mental health counselors. Students will learn about the theories and principles of mental health counseling, as well as how to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. They will also develop their skills in counseling, crisis intervention, and case management. The program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis, and classes are held at the Dobbs Ferry or Bronx campuses. Some classes are also offered online.
Outline:
The program's curriculum is divided into three levels:
- Level I: Basic Foundational Knowledge, Theories and Skills (18 credits)
- Level II: Intermediate Pre-Internship Prep., Social Basis of Behavior and Assessment (27 credits)
- Level III: Advanced Specialty Concentration and Internship (15 credits)
Level I:
- Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Human Growth and Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations of Mental Health Counseling
- Research Methods in Mental Health Counseling
- Ethics and Professional Orientation
Level II:
- Psychopathology
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Career and Lifestyle Counseling
- Counseling Diverse Populations
Level III:
- Advanced Counseling Techniques
- Internship in Mental Health Counseling
- Professional Development Seminar
Assessment:
Students in the program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Papers
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Clinical supervision
Teaching:
The program's faculty are experienced mental health counselors who are committed to teaching and mentoring students. They use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Role-playing
- Simulations
- Case studies The program also offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:
- A focus on experiential learning
- A strong emphasis on clinical supervision
- Opportunities for students to work with diverse populations
Careers:
Graduates of the program are employed in a variety of settings, including:
- Mental health clinics
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Social service agencies
- Private practice The program's graduates are also eligible to sit for the New York state professional licensing exam, which is required for licensure as a mental health counselor.