M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

WilminU's CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program equips students with advanced counseling skills and theoretical knowledge for diverse populations. Through a blend of coursework, practicum experiences, and expert faculty, graduates are prepared for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors of Mental Health, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities in various settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: WilminU's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program aims to prepare students for professional counseling practice with diverse populations and a wide range of mental health concerns.
The CACREP-accredited program enables graduates to seek licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH).
• Objectives:
• Develop advanced theoretical knowledge and clinical counseling skills in individual, group, family, and career counseling settings.
• Gain foundational knowledge of essential principles in psychotherapy, counseling, and research.
• Acquire advanced clinical training experiences to enable effective clinical practice in applied counseling settings.
• Understand and apply concepts from social justice, ethics, and evidence-based practices in the therapeutic process.

Outline:

• Course Description:
• Includes fundamental courses in counseling foundations, ethics, research, and specialized areas like psychopathology, developmental counseling, substance abuse counseling, and multicultural counseling.
• Year 1 (Full-Time/Part-Time Option): Provides a solid base in foundational topics of clinical mental health.
Prepares students for the Counseling Practicum.
• Counseling Practicum: Students participate in a one-year (600 hours) practicum to apply learned knowledge and skills in real-world counseling settings, with supervision from licensed professionals.

Assessment:

• Coursework Assessments: Assignments, quizzes, exams, clinical simulations, and research project.
• Counseling Practicum Assessments: Site supervisor evaluations of practicum experiences and a portfolio of practicum work.

Teaching:

• The CMHC curriculum includes a blend of theoretical and applied approaches.
• Faculty is comprised of licensed clinicians who are experts in their respective fields and offer real-world experience and insights.
• Teaching methodologies emphasize active engagement, problem-solving, and collaborative learning through various instructional strategies like case studies, role-playing, group discussions, and experiential activities.

Careers:

• Career Options: Graduates may find opportunities in various settings including:
• Private practice
• Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
• Educational institutions
• Social service agencies
• Corporate settings, supporting employee well-being
• Forensic settings, providing counseling to individuals involved in legal systems.
• The program prepares individuals for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), a respected career path with a wide range of employment prospects.