Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
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CMHC 6000. ACA Ethics and Professional Orientation. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Explores the profession of counseling, including the ethical standards and licensure requirements essential for clinical mental health counselors. Examines professional ethical standards from the American Counseling Association (ACA), with a focus on application in real-world ethical and legal scenarios. Investigates current labor market trends and analyzes occupational outlooks in the counseling field, identifying emerging career paths and opportunities for professional growth. Introduces the importance of counselor wellness and self-care strategies for both personal and professional development.
Explores the profession of counseling, including the ethical standards and licensure requirements essential for clinical mental health counselors. Examines professional ethical standards from the American Counseling Association (ACA), with a focus on application in real-world ethical and legal scenarios. Investigates current labor market trends and analyzes occupational outlooks in the counseling field, identifying emerging career paths and opportunities for professional growth. Introduces the importance of counselor wellness and self-care strategies for both personal and professional development.
CMHC 6010. Theories of Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program or Master of Education in School Counseling, M.S. program
Introduces foundational theories of counseling, focusing on influential, evidence-based models with associated interventions. Analyzes theories to investigate key assumptions and explore applications to clinical practice, including case conceptualization and intervention planning. Emphasizes cultural considerations in theory application. Fosters the development of a clear, research -driven personal guiding theory of clinical mental health counseling.
Introduces foundational theories of counseling, focusing on influential, evidence-based models with associated interventions. Analyzes theories to investigate key assumptions and explore applications to clinical practice, including case conceptualization and intervention planning. Emphasizes cultural considerations in theory application. Fosters the development of a clear, research -driven personal guiding theory of clinical mental health counseling.
CMHC 6020. Techniques of Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program.
Introduces foundational techniques of counseling with a focus on building effective counseling relationships. Emphasizes active listening, attending, and purposeful questioning in simulated counseling sessions. Introduces counseling strategies and techniques used to facilitate the client change process. Develops techniques for ethically managing complex client behaviors, including resistance, transference, and countertransference. Develops use of counseling techniques with cultural awareness.
Introduces foundational techniques of counseling with a focus on building effective counseling relationships. Emphasizes active listening, attending, and purposeful questioning in simulated counseling sessions. Introduces counseling strategies and techniques used to facilitate the client change process. Develops techniques for ethically managing complex client behaviors, including resistance, transference, and countertransference. Develops use of counseling techniques with cultural awareness.
CMHC 6030. Diagnosis in Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Examines diagnostic processes used in clinical mental health settings, including differential diagnosis and the application of current diagnostic classification systems such as the DSM and ICD. Analyzes the etiology, nomenclature, and diagnostic criteria associated with mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders, alongside evidence-based approaches to treatment, referral, and prevention. Explores how multicultural perspectives and diverse client contexts can inform accurate diagnosis and case conceptualization. Applies diagnostic frameworks in clinical practice using tools such as symptom checklists, clinical interviews, and diagnostic writing. Investigates mental health service delivery across the continuum of care, including primary care, outpatient, partial hospitalization, inpatient, integrated behavioral healthcare, and aftercare systems.
Examines diagnostic processes used in clinical mental health settings, including differential diagnosis and the application of current diagnostic classification systems such as the DSM and ICD. Analyzes the etiology, nomenclature, and diagnostic criteria associated with mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders, alongside evidence-based approaches to treatment, referral, and prevention. Explores how multicultural perspectives and diverse client contexts can inform accurate diagnosis and case conceptualization. Applies diagnostic frameworks in clinical practice using tools such as symptom checklists, clinical interviews, and diagnostic writing. Investigates mental health service delivery across the continuum of care, including primary care, outpatient, partial hospitalization, inpatient, integrated behavioral healthcare, and aftercare systems.
CMHC 6050. Career Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Explores theories and models of career development and decision-making, addressing career readiness, educational decision-making, and ethical issues in career development. Highlights the use of career, educational, occupational, and labor market information resources and technologies in counseling. Applies assessment of abilities, environment, values, and personality within the counseling relationship while advocating for employment support and client skill development.
Explores theories and models of career development and decision-making, addressing career readiness, educational decision-making, and ethical issues in career development. Highlights the use of career, educational, occupational, and labor market information resources and technologies in counseling. Applies assessment of abilities, environment, values, and personality within the counseling relationship while advocating for employment support and client skill development.
CMHC 6060. Psychological Assessment in Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Explores the history and significance of assessment in counseling, including ethical and legal issues in selection, administration, and interpretation. Emphasizes reliability, validity, developmental, and culturally relevant considerations in assessment. Explores environmental, behavioral, structured interviews, symptoms checklists, personality and psychological testing. Emphasizes the practice of clinical report writing as well as delivering assessment results verbally to clients. Applies testing to diagnosis, intervention planning, and counseling outcomes.
Explores the history and significance of assessment in counseling, including ethical and legal issues in selection, administration, and interpretation. Emphasizes reliability, validity, developmental, and culturally relevant considerations in assessment. Explores environmental, behavioral, structured interviews, symptoms checklists, personality and psychological testing. Emphasizes the practice of clinical report writing as well as delivering assessment results verbally to clients. Applies testing to diagnosis, intervention planning, and counseling outcomes.
CMHC 6070. Group Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): CMHC 6010, CMHC 6020, and Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program or Master of Education in School Counseling, M.S. program
Introduces the theoretical foundations of group counseling, emphasizing the dynamic processes that shape group development over time. Analyzes the therapeutic factors that contribute to the effectiveness of group interventions and examines the qualities and responsibilities of effective group leaders. Addresses essential aspects of group formation, including the recruitment, screening, and selection of members, and highlights the integration of technology in the planning and delivery of group counseling. Introduces a variety of groups, diverse settings, and contextual factors that influence group facilitation. Applies culturally sustaining and developmentally responsive strategies in the design and leadership of groups, emphasizing the ethical and legal issues relevant to group counseling across service delivery modalities.
Introduces the theoretical foundations of group counseling, emphasizing the dynamic processes that shape group development over time. Analyzes the therapeutic factors that contribute to the effectiveness of group interventions and examines the qualities and responsibilities of effective group leaders. Addresses essential aspects of group formation, including the recruitment, screening, and selection of members, and highlights the integration of technology in the planning and delivery of group counseling. Introduces a variety of groups, diverse settings, and contextual factors that influence group facilitation. Applies culturally sustaining and developmentally responsive strategies in the design and leadership of groups, emphasizing the ethical and legal issues relevant to group counseling across service delivery modalities.
CMHC 6081. Current Trends in Clinical Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Explores the new trends in the field of counseling and will address current developments or special-interest topics within the counseling profession. Surveys emerging trends in the CMHC field, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and how to adapt these interventions for various populations.
Explores the new trends in the field of counseling and will address current developments or special-interest topics within the counseling profession. Surveys emerging trends in the CMHC field, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and how to adapt these interventions for various populations.
CMHC 6090. Foundations of Psychopharmacology and Integrated Care for Counselors. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Examines psychopharmacology within the context of integrated behavioral healthcare and counseling practice. Presents the classification, indications, mechanisms of action, and side effects of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications used in the treatment of mental health disorders. Emphasizes the counselor’s role in understanding medication management, monitoring client responses, and effectively communicating with prescribers and interdisciplinary team members. Examines the full continuum of mental health service delivery—ranging from primary care and outpatient counseling to partial hospitalization, inpatient care, and aftercare services—with a focus on navigating systems and promoting client-centered care. Introduces principles of caseload management and the referral process, preparing counselors to support client autonomy, empowerment, and long-term wellness through effective engagement with community resources and support networks.
Examines psychopharmacology within the context of integrated behavioral healthcare and counseling practice. Presents the classification, indications, mechanisms of action, and side effects of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications used in the treatment of mental health disorders. Emphasizes the counselor’s role in understanding medication management, monitoring client responses, and effectively communicating with prescribers and interdisciplinary team members. Examines the full continuum of mental health service delivery—ranging from primary care and outpatient counseling to partial hospitalization, inpatient care, and aftercare services—with a focus on navigating systems and promoting client-centered care. Introduces principles of caseload management and the referral process, preparing counselors to support client autonomy, empowerment, and long-term wellness through effective engagement with community resources and support networks.
CMHC 6100. Crisis and Trauma Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the CMHC Program
Examines the principles and practices of crisis counseling, with a focus on the psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects of crises, disasters, stress, grief, and trauma across the lifespan. Introduces evidence-based models and strategies for suicide prevention and response, along with trauma-informed approaches to crisis intervention and community-based disaster mental health services. Develops the skills necessary to assess and respond to individuals at risk of self-harm, aggression, or danger to others. Evaluates clients’ experiences of trauma, identifying signs of abuse and neglect, and understanding appropriate protocols for mandatory reporting. Prepares students to respond effectively and ethically to individuals and communities in crisis.
Examines the principles and practices of crisis counseling, with a focus on the psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects of crises, disasters, stress, grief, and trauma across the lifespan. Introduces evidence-based models and strategies for suicide prevention and response, along with trauma-informed approaches to crisis intervention and community-based disaster mental health services. Develops the skills necessary to assess and respond to individuals at risk of self-harm, aggression, or danger to others. Evaluates clients’ experiences of trauma, identifying signs of abuse and neglect, and understanding appropriate protocols for mandatory reporting. Prepares students to respond effectively and ethically to individuals and communities in crisis.
CMHC 6110. Research and Program Evaluation. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Introduces the critical role of research, program, and practice evaluation in advancing the counseling profession. Explores a variety of research method designs, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods and action research. Introduces program and practice evaluation strategies, such as needs assessments and formative and summative evaluations, to support decision-making and advocacy. Emphasizes the selection and use of appropriate outcome measures for counseling services, the application of statistical tests in research and evaluation, and the analysis and interpretation of data to inform counseling practice. Highlights ethical, legal, culturally sustaining, and developmentally appropriate approaches to conducting, reporting, and applying research and evaluation findings in diverse counseling contexts.
Introduces the critical role of research, program, and practice evaluation in advancing the counseling profession. Explores a variety of research method designs, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods and action research. Introduces program and practice evaluation strategies, such as needs assessments and formative and summative evaluations, to support decision-making and advocacy. Emphasizes the selection and use of appropriate outcome measures for counseling services, the application of statistical tests in research and evaluation, and the analysis and interpretation of data to inform counseling practice. Highlights ethical, legal, culturally sustaining, and developmentally appropriate approaches to conducting, reporting, and applying research and evaluation findings in diverse counseling contexts.
CMHC 6120. Counseling Strategies for Substance and Behavioral Addictions. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Introduces the identification, assessment, and treatment of substance use and addictive behaviors, including co-occurring disorders in counseling practice. Explores the neurobiological and theoretical foundations of addiction, risk and protective factors, and strategies for managing cravings, enhancing motivation, and preventing relapse. Emphasizes evidence-based interventions, including the use of Motivational Interviewing to support behavior change and client engagement. Examines both abstinence and harm reduction models, pharmacological interventions, and individualized treatment planning based on stages of change and recovery severity. Introduces skills to navigate the continuum of care and engage with legal systems when working with court-referred clients.
Introduces the identification, assessment, and treatment of substance use and addictive behaviors, including co-occurring disorders in counseling practice. Explores the neurobiological and theoretical foundations of addiction, risk and protective factors, and strategies for managing cravings, enhancing motivation, and preventing relapse. Emphasizes evidence-based interventions, including the use of Motivational Interviewing to support behavior change and client engagement. Examines both abstinence and harm reduction models, pharmacological interventions, and individualized treatment planning based on stages of change and recovery severity. Introduces skills to navigate the continuum of care and engage with legal systems when working with court-referred clients.
CMHC 6130. Multicultural Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Examines multicultural counseling theories, identity development, social justice, and advocacy practices in diverse clinical settings. Explores how cultural identities, values, religion, spirituality, acculturation, and historical and systemic factors influence worldviews, help-seeking behaviors, and mental health. Emphasizes the impact of discrimination, privilege, and marginalization, and provides strategies for promoting access to mental health care. Focuses on developing culturally responsive interventions in diverse counseling settings.
Examines multicultural counseling theories, identity development, social justice, and advocacy practices in diverse clinical settings. Explores how cultural identities, values, religion, spirituality, acculturation, and historical and systemic factors influence worldviews, help-seeking behaviors, and mental health. Emphasizes the impact of discrimination, privilege, and marginalization, and provides strategies for promoting access to mental health care. Focuses on developing culturally responsive interventions in diverse counseling settings.
CMHC 6150. Cognitive Therapies. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): CMHC 6000, CMHC 6010, CMHC 6020, CMHC 6030, and Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Explores the principles of cognitive-behavioral theory, conceptualization, and psychotherapy techniques. Provides a framework for assessing and treating child and adult clinical problems from the perspective of cognitive‐behavioral treatment approaches that have been empirically supported. Presents several assessment strategies including behavioral observation, self‐report, self‐monitoring, and structured interviews and rating scales. Stresses the important link between assessment and treatment planning, and evaluating treatment outcome. Explores the advantages and disadvantages of techniques discussed within a developmental framework. Emphasizes the assessment of anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, social skills, and marital dysfunction.
Explores the principles of cognitive-behavioral theory, conceptualization, and psychotherapy techniques. Provides a framework for assessing and treating child and adult clinical problems from the perspective of cognitive‐behavioral treatment approaches that have been empirically supported. Presents several assessment strategies including behavioral observation, self‐report, self‐monitoring, and structured interviews and rating scales. Stresses the important link between assessment and treatment planning, and evaluating treatment outcome. Explores the advantages and disadvantages of techniques discussed within a developmental framework. Emphasizes the assessment of anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, social skills, and marital dysfunction.
CMHC 6151. Psychodynamic Counseling Approaches. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the CMHC Program
Explores the principles of psychodynamic counseling theory, conceptualization, and counseling techniques. Includes exploration of attachment theory, ego psychology, interpersonal psychoanalysis, Kleinian theory, object relations, and brief dynamic theories with a focus on intervention in counseling. Presents psychodynamic assessment strategies, stressing the important link between assessment, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation through a psychodynamic lens. Emphasizes the evidence-based role of psychodynamic approaches in working with personality disorders and severe and persistent mental illness.
Explores the principles of psychodynamic counseling theory, conceptualization, and counseling techniques. Includes exploration of attachment theory, ego psychology, interpersonal psychoanalysis, Kleinian theory, object relations, and brief dynamic theories with a focus on intervention in counseling. Presents psychodynamic assessment strategies, stressing the important link between assessment, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation through a psychodynamic lens. Emphasizes the evidence-based role of psychodynamic approaches in working with personality disorders and severe and persistent mental illness.
CMHC 6160. Lifespan Development in Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Examines human development across the lifespan with an emphasis on counseling applications. Explores key theories of human development—including individual, family, learning, personality, grief, sexuality, and psychological growth—to enhance counseling effectiveness. Analyzes developmental milestones from infancy through older adulthood, with attention to the dynamics of affective relationships. Integrates biological, neurological, and physiological influences on development with systemic, cultural, and environmental factors that shape behavior. Applies critical thinking skills in counseling to support diverse individuals and families in navigating developmental transitions while promoting resilience, adaptation, and lifelong wellness.
Examines human development across the lifespan with an emphasis on counseling applications. Explores key theories of human development—including individual, family, learning, personality, grief, sexuality, and psychological growth—to enhance counseling effectiveness. Analyzes developmental milestones from infancy through older adulthood, with attention to the dynamics of affective relationships. Integrates biological, neurological, and physiological influences on development with systemic, cultural, and environmental factors that shape behavior. Applies critical thinking skills in counseling to support diverse individuals and families in navigating developmental transitions while promoting resilience, adaptation, and lifelong wellness.
CMHC 6162. Counseling Children and Adolescents. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Prepares counselors to address the specific needs of children and adolescents, emphasizing developmental needs, specific therapeutic interventions, and specific instruction on the conceptualization of childhood and adolescent treatment planning.
Prepares counselors to address the specific needs of children and adolescents, emphasizing developmental needs, specific therapeutic interventions, and specific instruction on the conceptualization of childhood and adolescent treatment planning.
CMHC 6163. Couples and Family Counseling. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the CMHC program.
Examines key theories and models of marriage, couple, and family counseling, emphasizing systems-based approaches to assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning. Utilizes tools such as genograms and family mapping to analyze relational patterns and inform intervention strategies. Investigates the influence of aging, migration, socioeconomic shifts, career dynamics, and gender roles on family systems. Addresses the effects of interpersonal violence and other systemic challenges on relational health. Promotes the use of culturally responsive, ethically sound counseling practices to support and strengthen couple and family functioning across diverse contexts.
Examines key theories and models of marriage, couple, and family counseling, emphasizing systems-based approaches to assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning. Utilizes tools such as genograms and family mapping to analyze relational patterns and inform intervention strategies. Investigates the influence of aging, migration, socioeconomic shifts, career dynamics, and gender roles on family systems. Addresses the effects of interpersonal violence and other systemic challenges on relational health. Promotes the use of culturally responsive, ethically sound counseling practices to support and strengthen couple and family functioning across diverse contexts.
CMHC 6710R. Counseling Practicum. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): CMHC 6000, CMHC 6010, CMHC 6020, CMHC 6030, and Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Provides students with supervised clinical experience to develop foundational counseling skills and integrate professional knowledge into practice. Requires students to complete 100 hours of field training in a clinical mental health setting, including at least 40 direct service hours through individual and group counseling. Provides supervision both on-site by a qualified clinical supervisor and on campus with a CMHC faculty supervisor in small group class sessions designed to support reflection on practicum experiences, address client needs, and navigate site-related concerns. Emphasizes the application of counseling theories and techniques, integration of assessment and diagnostic information, and consideration of client characteristics in case conceptualization and treatment planning. Facilitates peer support and consultation to enhance professional growth. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits toward graduation. May be graded credit/no credit.
Provides students with supervised clinical experience to develop foundational counseling skills and integrate professional knowledge into practice. Requires students to complete 100 hours of field training in a clinical mental health setting, including at least 40 direct service hours through individual and group counseling. Provides supervision both on-site by a qualified clinical supervisor and on campus with a CMHC faculty supervisor in small group class sessions designed to support reflection on practicum experiences, address client needs, and navigate site-related concerns. Emphasizes the application of counseling theories and techniques, integration of assessment and diagnostic information, and consideration of client characteristics in case conceptualization and treatment planning. Facilitates peer support and consultation to enhance professional growth. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits toward graduation. May be graded credit/no credit.
CMHC 6890R. Counseling Internship. (1-3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): CMHC 6710R and Admission to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. program
Provides students with supervised clinical experience to develop advanced counseling skills and integrate professional knowledge into practice. Provides supervision both on-site by a qualified clinical supervisor and on campus through weekly faculty-led group supervision sessions designed to deepen reflection on internship experiences, address complex client needs, and navigate site-related concerns. Emphasizes the advanced application of counseling theories and techniques, integration of assessment and diagnostic information, and nuanced consideration of client characteristics in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and treatment implementation. Facilitates peer support and professional consultation to strengthen clinical competence and promote continued growth as a counselor. Requires students to complete the direct and indirect clinical hours mandated by DOPL and CACREP. Repeatable for a minimum of two semesters, can be repeated for up to four semesters for a maximum of 12 credits toward graduation. May be graded credit/no credit.
Provides students with supervised clinical experience to develop advanced counseling skills and integrate professional knowledge into practice. Provides supervision both on-site by a qualified clinical supervisor and on campus through weekly faculty-led group supervision sessions designed to deepen reflection on internship experiences, address complex client needs, and navigate site-related concerns. Emphasizes the advanced application of counseling theories and techniques, integration of assessment and diagnostic information, and nuanced consideration of client characteristics in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and treatment implementation. Facilitates peer support and professional consultation to strengthen clinical competence and promote continued growth as a counselor. Requires students to complete the direct and indirect clinical hours mandated by DOPL and CACREP. Repeatable for a minimum of two semesters, can be repeated for up to four semesters for a maximum of 12 credits toward graduation. May be graded credit/no credit.