Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)

Faculty

Dr. Deborah Haskins, Counseling Program Director and Assistant Professor of Counseling
Dr. Mark Bolden, Assistant Professor of Counseling
Dr. Cynthia Greer, Associate Professor of Counseling, Educating for Change

Description

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program requires a minimum of 60 credits and prepares students to take the examination that will allow them to become Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.s). An L.P.C. is authorized to do work in schools, communities and private practices. The program is National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.) accredited and meets state certification requirements of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia; it consists of required courses, laboratory and field experiences, and a comprehensive exam. The student’s program is planned in consultation with a faculty advisor; prior experiences and professional goals are considered.

Learning experiences emphasize the integration of theoretical knowledge with professional practice in a supervised setting. Attention is given to understanding ethical, multicultural, socioeconomic, and developmental issues. Graduates from Trinity’s counseling degree programs are qualified to provide individual and group counseling; implement assessment and consultation services; and develop, direct, and evaluate comprehensive counseling services.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses (51 credits)
EDCC 510 Human Growth and DevelopmentReviews theory and research in human growth and development over the life span. Emphasis is given to the interdisciplinary nature of human development, particularly the relationships among the biological, cognitive, social, and psychological domains. Critical life events and their adjustments from the prenatal period through adulthood are discussed, stressing the interaction between the developing person and a continually changing world. This course contains a field component.
3 credits
EDCC 600 Research in EducationExamines qualitative and quantitative educational research methodologies. Students learn to read, analyze, and interpret the current literature in teaching and learning. Topics include defining the research process, writing a review of the literature, exploring methods of gathering quantitative and qualitative data, developing a research design, and examining ethical issues related to the research process. Formerly EDU 599B.  
3 credits
EDCC 601 Transition to Graduate School SeminarNon-credit seminar for students in their first semester of any School of Education graduate program. Information will be provided to students on general education, certification and graduation requirements. Surveys and writing samples that are data requirements for accreditation of the department will be gathered. Academic policies, APA writing style requirements and university-provided resources will be reviewed.
0 credits
EDTE 636 Psychology of Exceptional Children and YouthSurveys research and theory of the psychosocial development of exceptional children and youth. The relationship between normal psychosocial development and the psychosocial development of exceptional children and youth is explored. The field experience is an integral component of this course. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530 and EDCC 541
COUN 538 Career and Lifestyle DevelopmentExamines theories of career development through the life span. Topics include: employment trends, career exploration and decision making, lifestyle planning, placement and career counseling programs, clients at different developmental levels in a variety of settings, and strategies that address the needs of a culturally diverse population. Students obtain hands-on experience with computer-based and other career assessment tools and sources of occupational and educational information.
3 credits
COUN 540 Principles and Theories of CounselingExamines the history, philosophy, practices, and principles of the counseling profession, including the professional roles and functions and the application to various settings, populations, and problems. Topics include current issues and trends, advocacy, ethical and legal standards, professional organizations, credentialing, and technological advances in counseling. Reviews the major affective, cognitive, and behavioral theories of counseling and psychotherapy, including historical foundations and applications. Current models of counseling are reviewed and students begin to develop a personal model of counseling. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
COUN 544 Principles and Techniques of AssessmentExamines purposes, concepts, procedures, and techniques of educational, vocational, and psychological assessment. Emphasis is on the integration of assessment information into the counseling and placement processes ethical and legal considerations and use of tests with special needs and culturally diverse populations. Basic principles of measurement, statistical concepts, and practice in selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests are examined. 
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group ProcessReviews theories, research, and techniques of group guidance counseling and psychotherapy involving both didactic and experiential learning modes. Application of theory to practice in school, work, mental health, and other counseling settings with varied client populations is stressed. Laboratory sessions provide opportunities for group participation and co-leading under faculty supervision. Open only to students pursuing an M.A. in counseling.  A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 550 Multicultural CounselingExplores practical and theoretical issues of counseling individuals, couples, groups, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Emphasis is on development of attitudes, values, and skills which promote effective interpersonal relations and counseling across cultures. Consideration is given to the impact of historical, social, and political forces on the behavior of the individual.
3 credits
COUN 553 Alcohol and Substance AbuseExamines various approaches to treating alcohol and substance abuse, factors which increase susceptibility, models of therapeutic intervening, referral sources, and educational and preventative strategies.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 555 Counseling Children and AdolescentsExamines the theories and methods of counseling interventions with children and adolescents, with emphasis on systems theories and the impact of family, school, and community. Topics include analyzing and remediating classroom-related problems, recognizing serious disorders in early stages, consulting with professional staff and families, play therapy, parent education strategies, and community referral.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 557 Introduction to Family TherapyExplores research and techniques of family systems theory as a framework for understanding family dynamics and the methods of intervention in family therapy.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 560 Techniques of CounselingProvides an introduction to specific counseling skills used by the various counseling models across the major theoretical orientations, including crisis intervention. Emphasized will be the skills and techniques that a counselor uses to establish, maintain, and terminate therapeutic relationships. Student self-awareness, values, and personal/social development are examined. Practice is gained through role-play and video/audio taping. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540
COUN 561 Principles and Practices of School CounselingExamines the philosophy, history, principles, practices, and current trends of school counseling and educational systems. Topics include the role and functions of school counselors; organizing, administering, and evaluating programs; advocacy; outreach; prevention, intervention and postvention; guidance approaches; consultation; technological competence; and National Standards for School Counseling Programs.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 570 Diagnosis and Treatment in CounselingExamines theoretical and cultural perspectives, research, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, referral process and presentation of types of maladjustments, and mental health disorders. Topics include assessment using current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic categories, implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies, psychopharmacological medications, strategies for promotion of optimal mental health, and situational and systemic factors affecting behavior.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in CounselingThis course examines the theoretical foundation of expressive therapies andtheir applicaton in the counseling of individuals and groups. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of working with art, dreams, jouranling, music, movement, poetry, psychodrama, and play as counseling approaches. This course provides both didactic and experimental learning.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional IssuesExamines ethical and legal issues in counseling. Codes of ethics, confidentiality, and legal considerations are explored. Emphasis is on professional orientation, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. Professional credentialing and current professional issues are also studied. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 606 Loss and Bereavement CounselingExplores models of coping for individuals in transition due to loss and bereavement. Topics include the grieving process, attitudes towards death, care of the terminally ill, ethical issues related to death and dying, and clinical issues in working with the bereaved. Emphasis is on seeing loss and death as natural functions of life and on teaching individuals to deal with critical life events.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560

Field Experience (9 credits, 700 hours total)
COUN 631 Practicum in CounselingProvides 100 hours of supervised practicum experience in guidance and counseling with individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Emphasis is on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate counseling techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a school counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisory hours are required. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ONLY
Prerequisites: Completion of core courses. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 640 Internship in Counseling IRequires students to work in a K-12 school setting under the supervision of both a college faculty member and a professionally credentialed practitioner in the field. Opportunities exist to apply learning and to develop skills and competencies through practical experience. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisory hours are required. Students must complete 300 hours of field experience for three credits in Part I of this course. Students must take Part I and Part II of the Internship, totaling 600 hours of supervised internship experience in the field. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ONLY
Prerequisites: Completion of core courses and COUN 631. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 642 Internship in Counseling IIRequires students to work in a K-12 school setting under the supervision of both a college faculty member and a professionally credentialed practitioner in the field. Opportunities exist to apply learning and to develop skills and competencies through practical experience. On-site, classroom, individual and group supervisory hours are required. Students must complete 300 hours of field experience for three credits in Part II of this course. Students must take both Part I and Part II of the Internship, totaling 600 hours of supervised internship experience in the field. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ONLY
Prerequisites: Completion of core courses and COUN 640. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.

Course Descriptions

EDCC 510 Human Growth and DevelopmentReviews theory and research in human growth and development over the life span. Emphasis is given to the interdisciplinary nature of human development, particularly the relationships among the biological, cognitive, social, and psychological domains. Critical life events and their adjustments from the prenatal period through adulthood are discussed, stressing the interaction between the developing person and a continually changing world. This course contains a field component.
3 credits
EDCC 530 Education of Exceptional Children and YouthSurveys major areas of exceptionality and legislated standards for special education and related services for students with special needs. Topics include inclusive education and collaboration between special educators, regular educators, related service providers, volunteers and parents. Also individual education programs (IEP) are examined in relation to students' needs and learning styles. The field experiences and observations are integral components of this course.
3 credits
EDCC 600 Research in EducationExamines qualitative and quantitative educational research methodologies. Students learn to read, analyze, and interpret the current literature in teaching and learning. Topics include defining the research process, writing a review of the literature, exploring methods of gathering quantitative and qualitative data, developing a research design, and examining ethical issues related to the research process. Formerly EDU 599B.  
3 credits
EDCC 601 Transition to Graduate School SeminarNon-credit seminar for students in their first semester of any School of Education graduate program. Information will be provided to students on general education, certification and graduation requirements. Surveys and writing samples that are data requirements for accreditation of the department will be gathered. Academic policies, APA writing style requirements and university-provided resources will be reviewed.
0 credits
COUN 538 Career and Lifestyle DevelopmentExamines theories of career development through the life span. Topics include: employment trends, career exploration and decision making, lifestyle planning, placement and career counseling programs, clients at different developmental levels in a variety of settings, and strategies that address the needs of a culturally diverse population. Students obtain hands-on experience with computer-based and other career assessment tools and sources of occupational and educational information.
3 credits
COUN 540 Principles and Theories of CounselingExamines the history, philosophy, practices, and principles of the counseling profession, including the professional roles and functions and the application to various settings, populations, and problems. Topics include current issues and trends, advocacy, ethical and legal standards, professional organizations, credentialing, and technological advances in counseling. Reviews the major affective, cognitive, and behavioral theories of counseling and psychotherapy, including historical foundations and applications. Current models of counseling are reviewed and students begin to develop a personal model of counseling. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
COUN 544 Principles and Techniques of AssessmentExamines purposes, concepts, procedures, and techniques of educational, vocational, and psychological assessment. Emphasis is on the integration of assessment information into the counseling and placement processes ethical and legal considerations and use of tests with special needs and culturally diverse populations. Basic principles of measurement, statistical concepts, and practice in selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests are examined. 
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group ProcessReviews theories, research, and techniques of group guidance counseling and psychotherapy involving both didactic and experiential learning modes. Application of theory to practice in school, work, mental health, and other counseling settings with varied client populations is stressed. Laboratory sessions provide opportunities for group participation and co-leading under faculty supervision. Open only to students pursuing an M.A. in counseling.  A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 550 Multicultural CounselingExplores practical and theoretical issues of counseling individuals, couples, groups, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Emphasis is on development of attitudes, values, and skills which promote effective interpersonal relations and counseling across cultures. Consideration is given to the impact of historical, social, and political forces on the behavior of the individual.
3 credits
COUN 553 Alcohol and Substance AbuseExamines various approaches to treating alcohol and substance abuse, factors which increase susceptibility, models of therapeutic intervening, referral sources, and educational and preventative strategies.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 555 Counseling Children and AdolescentsExamines the theories and methods of counseling interventions with children and adolescents, with emphasis on systems theories and the impact of family, school, and community. Topics include analyzing and remediating classroom-related problems, recognizing serious disorders in early stages, consulting with professional staff and families, play therapy, parent education strategies, and community referral.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 557 Introduction to Family TherapyExplores research and techniques of family systems theory as a framework for understanding family dynamics and the methods of intervention in family therapy.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 560 Techniques of CounselingProvides an introduction to specific counseling skills used by the various counseling models across the major theoretical orientations, including crisis intervention. Emphasized will be the skills and techniques that a counselor uses to establish, maintain, and terminate therapeutic relationships. Student self-awareness, values, and personal/social development are examined. Practice is gained through role-play and video/audio taping. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540
COUN 561 Principles and Practices of School CounselingExamines the philosophy, history, principles, practices, and current trends of school counseling and educational systems. Topics include the role and functions of school counselors; organizing, administering, and evaluating programs; advocacy; outreach; prevention, intervention and postvention; guidance approaches; consultation; technological competence; and National Standards for School Counseling Programs.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 570 Diagnosis and Treatment in CounselingExamines theoretical and cultural perspectives, research, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, referral process and presentation of types of maladjustments, and mental health disorders. Topics include assessment using current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic categories, implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies, psychopharmacological medications, strategies for promotion of optimal mental health, and situational and systemic factors affecting behavior.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560 
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in CounselingThis course examines the theoretical foundation of expressive therapies andtheir applicaton in the counseling of individuals and groups. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of working with art, dreams, jouranling, music, movement, poetry, psychodrama, and play as counseling approaches. This course provides both didactic and experimental learning.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional IssuesExamines ethical and legal issues in counseling. Codes of ethics, confidentiality, and legal considerations are explored. Emphasis is on professional orientation, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. Professional credentialing and current professional issues are also studied. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 606 Loss and Bereavement CounselingExplores models of coping for individuals in transition due to loss and bereavement. Topics include the grieving process, attitudes towards death, care of the terminally ill, ethical issues related to death and dying, and clinical issues in working with the bereaved. Emphasis is on seeing loss and death as natural functions of life and on teaching individuals to deal with critical life events.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 631 Practicum in CounselingProvides 100 hours of supervised practicum experience in guidance and counseling with individuals and groups in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Emphasis is on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate counseling techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a school counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisory hours are required. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ONLY
Prerequisites: Completion of core courses. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 640 Internship in Counseling IRequires students to work in a K-12 school setting under the supervision of both a college faculty member and a professionally credentialed practitioner in the field. Opportunities exist to apply learning and to develop skills and competencies through practical experience. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervisory hours are required. Students must complete 300 hours of field experience for three credits in Part I of this course. Students must take Part I and Part II of the Internship, totaling 600 hours of supervised internship experience in the field. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ONLY
Prerequisites: Completion of core courses and COUN 631. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.
COUN 642 Internship in Counseling IIRequires students to work in a K-12 school setting under the supervision of both a college faculty member and a professionally credentialed practitioner in the field. Opportunities exist to apply learning and to develop skills and competencies through practical experience. On-site, classroom, individual and group supervisory hours are required. Students must complete 300 hours of field experience for three credits in Part II of this course. Students must take both Part I and Part II of the Internship, totaling 600 hours of supervised internship experience in the field. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS ONLY
Prerequisites: Completion of core courses and COUN 640. Application must be made one semester prior to enrollment.