Mental Health Counseling (MS)
The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling trains students to function in a variety of community mental health settings (e.g., clinics, hospitals, prisons, college counseling centers, day treatment programs, rehabilitation facilities, outreach programs, after care centers, etc.).
The ability to work with people in a variety of settings and roles will be cultivated. Through systematic completion of the curriculum, students will develop a competency base from which to perform effectively in their area of specialization.
A minimum program involves 36 credits of coursework, depending on undergraduate preparation.
Practicum
All students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits prior to the Counseling Practicum experience, including the Counseling Skills Laboratory (COUNS 737) course offered during the spring semester and Counseling Theory (COUNS 713).
It is during the Counseling Skills Lab and the Counseling Practicum that a student demonstrates the ability to translate training into professional judgments and techniques. Students are required to apply formally for the Counseling Practicum and to consult with their faculty advisors regarding their field placements. The Counseling Skills Laboratory and the Practicum must be completed with a grade of no less than “B” (3.0). After two failed attempts to satisfactorily complete a clinical practicum students will be subject to dismissal from the program at the discretion of faculty.
Required Core Courses (2 courses, 6 credits)
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COUNS-712 Life Span Development
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course examines the process of human development across the lifespan. While it will focus primarily on psychological processes, the intersection with biological and social processes will be explored as well. The major psychological theories of cognitive, social and emotional development will be covered as will the foundations for individual differences. Special emphasis will be placed on topics of interest to people entering the counseling professions. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-715 Methods of Research
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Principles, concepts and methods of research design and statistics associated with psychological and educational research. Practical applications of research studies to a diverse range of interests in education, psychology and counseling. Offered yearly.
Concentration Requirements (6 courses, 18 credits)
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COUNS-713 Counseling: Theory & Practice
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Analysis of selected counseling theories representative of the field of counseling psychology. Theories will be selected from the following areas: Psychoanalytic, Psychosocial, Rational, Cognitive Behavioral/Learning Theory, Person-Centered, and Existential Theory. Treatment goals and techniques will be explored.
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COUNS-716 Psychological Diagnosis
Credits:
3.00
Description:
The study of the nature of mental disorders; central concepts and processes. Psychogenesis, psychodynamics, role of anxiety, and clinical assessment using the DSM-IV.
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COUNS-717 Introduction to Psychological Testing
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-713;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Evaluating, administering, scoring, interpreting, and reporting results of standardized tests of personality, academic performance, cognitive functioning, aptitude, and achievement. Self-study development and assessment of testing programs. Critical issues in testing. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-737 Counseling Skills Lab
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-713;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An introduction to the fundamental techniques and methods of interpersonal relationships, self-examination, and field visits in relation to the role of the professional counselor. The course will involve skill building through role playing, video and/or audio taping. Normally offered spring semester.
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COUNS-739 Mental Health Counseling Practicum II
Prerequisites:
Take COUNS-738
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Continuation of COUNS 738 with an opportunity to assume increased responsibility for clients under supervision. Failure to successfully complete the practicum field experience for any reason following two attempts will result in termination from the program. Offered spring semester.
Electives (4 courses, 12 credits)
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COUNS-701 Child and Adolescent Development
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Examines the childhood, preadolescent and adolescent stages of human development relative to students learning, social development, and parental relationships. Special emphasis will be placed on deviant behavior, social actions, outreach and prevention programs. Ten observation hours required. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-710 Introduction to School Counseling
Credits:
3.00
Description:
The foundation course for those enrolled in the school counseling program. The philosophical, historical, and theoretical foundations for school counseling are investigated, as well as the varied roles and functions of the school counselor. Forty (40) field-based observation hours are required. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-714 Psychology of Career Development
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A survey of various theories of vocational choice and development, and strategies for the implementation of vocational counseling in the school, agency, or business/industrial setting. Concepts of work, vocational concerns of women and minorities and other major issues also investigated.
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COUNS-726 Family Therapy
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Selected models of family therapy will be explored. Special emphasis will be placed on assessment and the acquisition of treatment strategies proven to be effective for counselors in helping families cope with developmental stresses. Normally offered alternate years.
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COUNS-727 Substance Abuse & Treatment
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A study of the origin, contributing factors, and implications of drug and alcohol misuse. Various stages and manifestations of abuse/ dependence will be considered and current treatment modalities will be explored.
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COUNS-728 Professional Orientation: Ethical/ Legal Issues
Credits:
3.00
Description:
An overview of the legal issues confronting counselors, human services providers and administrators. Study of regulatory and licensing matters, standards of care, confidentiality laws, mental health and disability laws and family law, constitutional issues, malpractice and legal/ethical dilemmas in human services.
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COUNS-729 Human Sexuality Seminar
Credits:
3.00
Description:
The anatomy, physiology and psychology of human sexual functioning are reviewed. Etiology, interpersonal dynamics, and treatment of sexual dysfunctions are reviewed.
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COUNS-731 Action Research
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Research designs, methods, and statistics for students in educator preparation programs (school counseling and teacher preparation). The focus of this course is on the practical methods of conducting practitioner-led research, and involves the execution and presentation of an original research project. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-732 Psychological Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course explores the major psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence from biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives. Attention-deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Feeding and Eating Disorders, anxiety and depression are among the disorders explored. Student interest determines other topics. Assessment, treatment, and outcome studies are also discussed. Completion of EHS 701 or EHS 712 is recommended before taking this course. Normally offered alternate years.
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COUNS-733 Counsel Diverse Populations
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A survey of problems and issues confronting cultural diversity. The study of ethnicity and sexual orientation as they influence the development of identity. Implications for counseling strategies. Normally offered yearly.
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COUNS-735 Group Counseling
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A study of the practical and theoretical aspects of counseling small groups. There will be provision for a laboratory experience in which students participate in a group and study the dynamics of behavior as this group develops. Group stages of development and leadership skills will also be examined. Normally offered yearly.
(Coursework in related disciplines may be elected subject to approval of the program director.)
Note: Eligibility for Massachusetts licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) requires an additional 30 credit hours including a 600-hour internship. Students are encouraged to enroll in the CAGS Program at the completion of the master’s degree to satisfy the academic requirements for licensure. Licensure permits third party (Insurance Company) reimbursement for counseling services.
