{"id":8,"date":"2025-06-09T16:19:52","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T16:19:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-of-arts-clinical-counseling-psychology\/?page_id=8"},"modified":"2025-11-25T16:25:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T16:25:02","slug":"curriculum-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/curriculum-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Curriculum Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Curriculum Overview<\/h3>

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The timeline for accreditation will involve a year-long process beginning Fall \u201926 and culminate in accreditation by Fall \u201927. There are strict guidelines prescribed for such accredited programs, including the requirement of a minimum of 60 credits, three dedicated faculty members with degrees in counselor education from CACREP-accredited programs themselves, and significant supervised practicum and internship hours. The curriculum will intentionally prepare students for content areas of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).<\/p>

Students will achieve competencies in eight CACREP core areas:<\/p>

  • Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice<\/li>
  • Social and Cultural Diversity<\/li>
  • Human Growth and Development<\/li>
  • Career Development<\/li>
  • Helping Relationships<\/li>
  • Group Work<\/li>
  • Assessment<\/li>
  • Research and Program Evaluation<\/li><\/ul>

    The program will also enable the integration of unique aspects of a Â鶹ÊÓƵ\u2019s education and its Jesuit values into select portions of the curriculum.<\/p>

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    Course Breakdown<\/h2>

    Required Courses: (14 courses, 42 credits)<\/strong><\/p>

    • MH 501 Foundations of Mental Health Counseling<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 502 Counseling and Human Development<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 505 Psychopathology<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 511 Principles and Methods of Counseling<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 512 Theories and Foundations of Counseling<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 515 Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 521 Measurement and Assessment<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 522 Research Methods and Design<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 525 Group Dynamics and Therapy<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 531 Ethics and Professional Issues<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 535 Career Development<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 601 Crisis Intervention Strategies for Trauma and Abuse<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 621 Counseling for Clients with Chemical Addictions<\/span><\/li>
    • MH 631 Foundations of Marriage and Family Counseling<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

      Field Experience (4 courses, 9 credits)<\/strong><\/p>

      • MH 680 Counseling Practicum (3 CREDITS)<\/span><\/li>
      • MH 681 Internship I (2 CREDITS) (Prereq MH 680)<\/span><\/li>
      • MH 682 Internship II (2 CREDITS) (Prereq MH 681)<\/span><\/li>
      • MH 683 Internship III (2 CREDITS) (Prereq MH 682)<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

        Course Descriptions<\/strong><\/p>

        MH 501 Foundations of Mental Health Counseling<\/strong><\/p>

        This course provides an overview of the field of mental health counseling, including its history and philosophy. It will initiate students into the professional identity, roles, and personal growth process\u00a0of becoming a counselor, equipping students with the foundational self-awareness, ethical grounding, and theoretical orientation needed to become effective, reflective, and responsible counselors. This course also discusses the integration of Ignatian values within the counseling profession. (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 502 Counseling and Human Development<\/strong><\/p>

        An overview of the major theories, issues, and data of developmental psychology covering early childhood through late adulthood. (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 505 Psychopathology\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        An overview of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data of psychopathology, including an introduction to the official DSM-5 nomenclature. <\/span>Note: Undergraduate courses in <\/span><\/i>Introduction to Psychology<\/span> and <\/span><\/i>Abnormal Psychology<\/span> are required before taking this course<\/span><\/i>. (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 511 Principles and Methods of Counseling<\/strong><\/p>

        This course introduces a variety of methods used in counseling with an emphasis on integrative approaches to the helping profession. (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 512 Theories and Foundations of Counseling<\/strong><\/p>

        An exploration of the major theories of counseling with an emphasis on integrative approaches to the helping profession. (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 515 Social & Cultural Foundations of Counseling<\/strong><\/p>

        This course is an overview of multicultural counseling, focusing on the impact of societal expectations and cultural norms on the client.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 521 Measurement and Assessment<\/strong><\/p>

        A survey of basic concepts and tests used in diagnosis and treatment of individual and relational problems, with selective training in the use of several major instruments. (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 522 Research Methods and Design<\/strong><\/p>

        Various approaches and techniques for conducting behavioral and social research are covered with an emphasis on experimental methods.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 525 Ethics and Professional Issues<\/strong><\/p>

        An overview of the legal, ethical, and professional issues currently facing mental health counselors as addressed by the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics. Particular attention is given to matters involving confidentiality, informed consent, conflicts of interest, counselor values, transference and countertransference issues, advertising, and potential dual relationship conflicts. Variation in state mental health laws will also be discussed (predominately focused on NY, NJ and CT, but may include states that students are considering for future licensure). (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 529 Group Dynamics and Therapy<\/strong><\/p>

        An overview of the major theories, issues, and data of the psychology of small groups and group therapy. Topics considered include group communication, leadership, facilitation, decision making, conflict resolution, and focal group counseling. Participation in group therapy outside of class is required, and students must be prepared to attend small group therapy sessions as part of the class requirements. Prerequisite: MH 525 (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 535 Career Development<\/strong><\/p>

        An in-depth study of the theories, concepts, and issues regarding career counseling including an introduction to various career assessment inventories.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 601 Crisis Intervention Strategies for Trauma and Abuse\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        This course considers an overview of the field of crisis counseling with an in-depth perspective of various crises, such as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Required Before Practicum)<\/span><\/p>

        MH 621 Counseling for Clients with Chemical Addictions<\/strong><\/p>

        This course is an in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues and data in the diagnosis and treatment of chemical addictions. Will explore evidence-based treatment approaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        MH 631 Foundations of Marriage and Family Counseling<\/strong><\/p>

        Examination of marriage and family systems and dynamics, including the causes of conflict and dysfunctional relational patterns, and the understanding of counseling principles and processes designed to aid the counselor in resolving conflict and in the healing of relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        MH 680 Counseling Practicum \u2013 3 CREDITS<\/strong><\/p>

        This course serves as the Practicum clinical experience, focusing on essentials of the counseling process in a mental health setting. The student will complete a minimum of 100 hours in a mental health setting over the academic term. Of the 100 clinical hours, a minimum of 40 hours must be \u201cdirect service\u201d to clients. Students will participate in a weekly seminar where they will discuss their cases along with ethical and professional issues. Evaluation by onsite supervisor and seminar faculty will determine student readiness to commence clinical instruction in an internship.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 681 Internship I (Prereq: 680) \u2013 2 CREDITS<\/strong><\/p>

        Students must complete a minimum of 600 total hours in a mental health setting providing counseling services in a variety of modalities. The 600 hours must include 240 \u201cdirect service hours\u201d. This course covers oversight and evaluation of the first third of these required hours. Supervision will be provided by an onsite licensed mental health clinician. Prerequisite: MH 680<\/span><\/p>

        MH 682 Internship II (Prereq: 681) \u2013 2 CREDITS<\/strong><\/p>

        Students must complete a minimum of 600 total hours in a mental health setting providing counseling services in a variety of modalities. The 600 hours must include 240 \u201cdirect service hours\u201d. This course covers oversight and evaluation of the second third of these required hours. Supervision will be provided by an onsite licensed mental health clinician. Prerequisite: MH 681<\/span><\/p>

        MH 683 Internship III (Prereq: 682) \u2013 2 CREDITS<\/strong><\/p>

        Students must complete a minimum of 600 total hours in a mental health setting providing counseling services in a variety of modalities. The 600 hours must include 240 \u201cdirect service hours\u201d. This course covers oversight and evaluation of the final third of these required hours. Supervision will be provided by an onsite licensed mental health clinician. Prerequisite: MH 682<\/span><\/p>

        MH 541 Counseling & Life Coaching\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        This course is an introduction to Life Coaching exploring the models, techniques and available resources for use in coaching and differentiates the principles and practices of coaching from counseling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        MH 551 Psychopharmacology\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        This course provides students with an appreciation and understanding of basic classifications, <\/span>indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological <\/span>medications so that appropriate referrals can be made for medication evaluations and side effects of such medications can be identified.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 561 Cognitive Behavior Therapy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        Introduction and discussion of the philosophy and theory underlying cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Includes training and practice in selected empirically supported CBT interventions.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 565 Brief Solution-Focused Cognitive Therapy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of Brief Solution-Focused Therapy. This course will involve learning how to apply brief counseling strategies in order to empower clients and facilitate solution development.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        MH 603 Counseling for Survivors of Abuse<\/strong><\/p>

        A comprehensive study of treatment for survivors of family violence and sexual abuse.<\/span><\/p>

        Integrated study of the impact of trauma and abuse and an overview of important issues and concerns. Students will participate in the counseling experience as part of the learning process.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 611 Counseling Approaches to Life-Threatening Illnesses\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        A course designed to help students gain theoretical and experiential understanding and <\/span>beginning competence in working with patients, their families and caregivers who are dealing <\/span>with life-threatening and life-debilitating illnesses.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 617 Counseling for Grief and Loss\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        This course will help students gain theoretical and experiential understanding, and beginning <\/span>competence in working with patients, their families and caregivers who are dealing with <\/span>bereavement, grief, and loss.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 633 Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues and data in the diagnosis and <\/span>treatment of disorders usually first evident in children and adolescents.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 637 Play Therapy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        An overview of a counseling approach called \u201cplay therapy\u201d which is applicable within both <\/span>school and clinical practice settings. While targeted for use with pre-school and school-aged <\/span>children, play therapy can also be adapted to work with adolescent, adult, and geriatric <\/span>populations.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 641 Counseling Issues and Human Sexuality\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

        An overview of physiological, psychological, and sociocultural variables associated with sexual <\/span>identity and sexual behavior. An introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 651 Anxiety and Mood Disorders<\/strong><\/p>

        An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data in the diagnosis and <\/span>treatment of the anxiety and mood disorders.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 653 Personality and Dissociative Disorders<\/strong><\/p>

        An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data in the diagnosis and <\/span>treatment of personality and dissociative disorders.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 657 Eating Disorders<\/strong><\/p>

        A course to help students gain theoretical and experiential understanding, and beginning <\/span>competence in working with patients, their families and significant others who are dealing with <\/span>eating disorders. The role of culture and societal norms as it impacts this issue will be explored. Various factors, as well as modes of treatment, will be discussed.<\/span><\/p>

        MH 691 American Counselling Association Conference Abroad<\/strong><\/p>

        This course will provide students with an opportunity to gain knowledge regarding the <\/span>current trends in the field of mental health counseling as well as facilitate the continued <\/span>development of professional identity as a \u201cMental Health Counselor\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Curriculum Overview The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The timeline for accreditation will involve a year-long process beginning Fall \u201926 and culminate in accreditation by Fall \u201927. There are strict guidelines prescribed for such accredited programs, including the requirement […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1293,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1293"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions\/57"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academics\/graduate-programs\/master-arts-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}