Mental Health Counseling (Licensure)

This course examines the major theories, principles and techniques of mental health counseling and the application of such theories to counseling settings. This includes the examination of the influence of psychoanalytic, interpersonal/social, cognitive and behavioristic theories on present therapeutic techniques. A number of treatment modalities and styles of counseling are evaluated and the relationship between the nature of the current DSM diagnoses and the effectiveness of each approach is discussed. Coursework, classroom discussion and role play are used to translate theoretical understanding into effective counseling behavior for a clear understanding of applying theoretical perspectives to work with clients and for consultation with individuals and families. PREREQUISITE: None

This course emphasizes diversity in relation to the theories, issues, and trends related to multicultural counseling and family consultation. The focus is on the impact of diversity on psychological, physical and social health and growth. Coursework covers studies of the attitudinal and behavioral patterns of diverse people based on life stage, religious beliefs and rituals, sexual orientation, gender identity, racial identity, ethnicity, cultural beliefs and rituals, familial dynamics, socioeconomic status, and intellectual and physical differences. The students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide competent counseling and consultation to diverse individuals, groups and families. PREREQUISITE: None

This course examines the theoretical bases of the counseling processes, mental health counseling techniques, and their therapeutic applications in relation to the understanding and practice of counseling skills necessary for the mental health counselor and psychologists. This course will provide students with a number of treatment modalities and techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychoanalysis to integrate the theories of treatment into specific situations that the counselor or psychologist will confront in actual practice. Case studies and simulations of therapeutic interventions will support the application of theories to practice. Topics will range from working with clients individually and multiple system membership to consultation around behavioral/emotional issues in a variety of clinical settings. The consultation model will be considered as it relates to counselors and psychologists within a multicultural model. PREREQUISITE: PSY5347

The focus in this course is on the practical problems involved in real-world research. Topics covered include the nature of causal inference, validity of instruments and design, experimental and quasi-experimental field-based research approaches, design development, and problems involved in the statistical analysis of data obtained from complex design.

This course encompasses the understanding of substance use disorder within the criteria of the current DSM and addiction as a disease within the medical model.  Students will be introduced to contemporary theories on the social, physiological, psychological and emotional components of addiction. The appropriate mental health counseling treatment modalities for addiction and co-occurring disorders will be reviewed and practiced through an understanding of the stages, effects and processes of addiction. This course will cover preventions, interventions and outreach strategies related to addiction and recovery counseling. Medically assisted treatment will also be discussed.

This course covers the major theories of human lifespan development in relation to the well-being of individuals and mental health counseling. Students will engage in a comprehensive study of major theories of physical, cognitive, affective, and social development and their application to mental health counseling and psychological interventions. Students will relate developmental theory to real life developmental issues and to the understanding of learning and personality development. Through case studies and review of literature, students will understand the nature of the developmental needs and potential issues of individuals and families at each developmental stage of life. PREREQUISITE: Permission of program director.

This course covers major theories and principles of psychopathology and intervention in relation to mental health counseling. Students will engage in a comprehensive study of identification and diagnosis of psychopathology as well as mental health treatment planning for abnormal, deviant, or psychopathological behavior. This course includes the study of assessment of psychopathology and therapeutic strategies for treatment of crisis, short-term mental health issues and long-term mental health issues. Students will study the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) for the criteria of diagnoses, in relation to the intake, assessment, treatment planning and counseling. Case studies will be examined to address the physiological, biological and environmental factors related to psychopathology across the human lifespan. PREREQUISITE: Permission of program director.

The purpose of this second semester of practicum is to continue to provide experience for the student in counseling practice and supervision totaling a minimum of 100 hours. The student is offered an opportunity to apply skills gained from coursework to counseling practice through peer role plays and laboratory experience in individual, group, couple, and family interactions. Students may also choose to complete their practicum experience at a conforming clinical field experience site. The student works under the direct supervision of an approved licensed mental health counselor or equivalent. Periodic campus meetings are held with the college supervisor. Additional requirements may apply. Student is responsible for meeting any regulatory requirements for licensure. PREREQUISITES: Advanced standing and permission of the department chair

Supervised experience in psychotherapeutic and assessment procedures in an approved clinical facility. Includes seminars and case conferences and must be supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist. The internship may be selected after the student has completed 60 credit hours of doctoral work and involves 16 to 20 hours a week. On-campus meetings are also required as a key part of the supervision. Additional requirements may apply.

The second semester of post-practicum supervised curricular experience totaling a minimum of 600 hours of supervised practice. Includes supervised field experience in counseling, psychotherapeutic techniques and assessment procedures in an approved clinical facility supervised by an approved licensed mental health counselor or equivalent. On-campus meetings are also required as a key part of the curricular experience. Includes seminars and case conferences. The internship may be selected after the student has completed the majority of doctoral coursework and involves 16 to 20 hours a week. Additional requirements may apply. Student is responsible for meeting any regulatory requirements for licensure. PREREQUISITES: Advanced standing and permission of department chair

The first semester of the dissertation process. Part I of the dissertation process includes the completion of the dissertation proposal in accordance with the program manual and approval of the dissertation committee and program director.

PREREQUISITE: Completion of all course requirements and permission of the program director. Limited to candidates for the Doctor of Mental Health Counseling degree who have successfully completed the comprehensive courses PSY9949 and PSY9950.

The second semester of the dissertation process. Part II of the dissertation process includes the completion of the dissertation and passing the oral defense of the dissertation in accordance with the program manual and approval of the completed dissertation and oral defense by the dissertation committee and program director.

PREREQUISITE: Completion of all course requirements and permission of the program director. Limited to candidates for the Doctor of Mental Health Counseling degree who have successfully completed the comprehensive courses PSY9949 and PSY9950.