Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Faculty
Dr. Cynthia Greer, Associate Professor of Counseling, Educating for Change
Dr. Luane Oprea, Associate Professor of Counseling
Dr. Diane Reese, Assistant Professor of Counseling
Dr. Samantha Knox, Director of Clinical Training
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 accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and meets state certification requirements of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
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. Issues such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Trauma-informed and Trauma-responsive will be presented in a multidisciplinary perspective with support of current research and interventions. 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. The student’s program is planned in consultation with a faculty advisor; prior experiences and professional goals are considered.
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. The skills developed in this course will be important for the development of the capstone topic in the Capstone course. Candidates will be able to interact and share research ideas with the other candidates from the other education programs, such as Teacher Education. Formally titled, "Research in Education and Counseling"
3 credits
EDCC 601 Orientation: Tools for Graduate SchoolNon-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. Formerly EDCC 601 - Transition to Graduate School Seminar.
0 credits
COUN 535 Introduction to CounselingThis course is designed as one of the initial courses for those candidates with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or in School Counseling. The primary purpose of the course is for candidates to gain an overview of the counseling profession by conducting an in-depth examination of mental health/professional counseling as a helping profession. This examination will occur through readings, class discussion, and experiential activities. In the course candidates will examine: historical, philosophical and social/political influences on contemporary mental health/professional counseling practice and the future of mental health/professional counseling a s a helping profession; professional organizations to which profession al counselors belong, the settings in which they practice, and the roles of mental health/professional counselors in those settings; credentialing and licensing for mental health/professional counseling practice; and knowledge bases critical to mental health counseling including evidence-based practice.
3 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. The course 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 and evaluated for application, population, and cultural competence.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group ProcessReviews theories, research, and techniques of group 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. 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 535 and 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 data-driven programs; advocacy; outreach; prevention and intervention; guidance approaches; consultation; technological competence; and and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors Standards for Student Success.
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. Treatment Planning includes development of wellness treatment models and culturally relevant interventions.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in CounselingThis course examines the theoretical foundation of expressive therapies and their application in the counseling of individuals and groups. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of working with art, dreams, journaling, music, movement, poetry, bibliotherapy, 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 Trauma & Crisis Intervention in CounselingThis course is designed to introduce candidates to the impact of crises, disasters and other trauma causing events on individuals, families, and communities. Candidates will have opportunities for both theory and skill development by examining crisis and trauma counseling, including crisis theory; multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, or disasters; cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurological effects associated with trauma; brief, intermediate and long-term approaches; assessment strategies for clients in crisis and principles of intervention for individuals with mental or emotional disorders during times of crisis, emergency, or natural, man-made, and technological disasters. Topics such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Trauma-informed, and Trauma-responsive will be addressed in the course. Finally, candidates will review issues affecting counselors working with trauma populations and self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue.
Formerly titled as Loss and Bereavement Counseling
Field Experience (9 credits, 700 hours total)
COUN 631 Practicum in CounselingPracticum is the first course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's degree. Candidates begin to accrue 100 direct and indirect hours towards the overall goal of 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals, groups, and families. Emphasis is placed on development and increasing interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidenced-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student's chosen field and professional interests. Students must take and pass the CPCE in Practicum to graduate the program. A grade of B or higher is required to advance to COUN 640 Internship Counseling I.
3 credits
COUN 640 Internship in Counseling IInternship I is the second course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall goal of 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals, groups, and families. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidenced-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student's chosen field and professional interests. A grade of B or higher is required to advance to COUN 642 Internship in Counseling II.
3 credits
COUN 642 Internship in Counseling IIInternship II is the third course of three in the clinical sequence leading to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall goal of 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals, groups, and families. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidenced-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student's chosen field and professional interests. A grade of B or higher is required to advance. Students who do not successfully complete 700 hours will take the continuation course COUN 697 until the hours and requisite assignments are completed.
3 credits
Course Descriptions
Explanation of Course Prefixes and Numbers
Courses designated EDCC are core courses and common to various programs in the School of Education. Courses designated EDTE are largely specific to the M.A.T. teacher education program. Students pursuing an M.A.T. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, as well as students in Early Childhood Education, take several courses designated EDCI, which are offered in conjunction with the Curriculum and Instruction Program.
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. The skills developed in this course will be important for the development of the capstone topic in the Capstone course. Candidates will be able to interact and share research ideas with the other candidates from the other education programs, such as Teacher Education. Formally titled, "Research in Education and Counseling"
3 credits
EDCC 601 Orientation: Tools for Graduate SchoolNon-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. Formerly EDCC 601 - Transition to Graduate School Seminar.
0 credits
COUN 535 Introduction to CounselingThis course is designed as one of the initial courses for those candidates with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or in School Counseling. The primary purpose of the course is for candidates to gain an overview of the counseling profession by conducting an in-depth examination of mental health/professional counseling as a helping profession. This examination will occur through readings, class discussion, and experiential activities. In the course candidates will examine: historical, philosophical and social/political influences on contemporary mental health/professional counseling practice and the future of mental health/professional counseling a s a helping profession; professional organizations to which profession al counselors belong, the settings in which they practice, and the roles of mental health/professional counselors in those settings; credentialing and licensing for mental health/professional counseling practice; and knowledge bases critical to mental health counseling including evidence-based practice.
3 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. The course 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 and evaluated for application, population, and cultural competence.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 547 Counseling and the Group ProcessReviews theories, research, and techniques of group 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. 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 535 and 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 data-driven programs; advocacy; outreach; prevention and intervention; guidance approaches; consultation; technological competence; and and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors Standards for Student Success.
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. Treatment Planning includes development of wellness treatment models and culturally relevant interventions.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560
COUN 604 Expressive Arts in CounselingThis course examines the theoretical foundation of expressive therapies and their application in the counseling of individuals and groups. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of working with art, dreams, journaling, music, movement, poetry, bibliotherapy, 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 Trauma & Crisis Intervention in CounselingThis course is designed to introduce candidates to the impact of crises, disasters and other trauma causing events on individuals, families, and communities. Candidates will have opportunities for both theory and skill development by examining crisis and trauma counseling, including crisis theory; multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, or disasters; cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurological effects associated with trauma; brief, intermediate and long-term approaches; assessment strategies for clients in crisis and principles of intervention for individuals with mental or emotional disorders during times of crisis, emergency, or natural, man-made, and technological disasters. Topics such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Trauma-informed, and Trauma-responsive will be addressed in the course. Finally, candidates will review issues affecting counselors working with trauma populations and self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue.
Formerly titled as Loss and Bereavement Counseling
COUN 631 Practicum in CounselingPracticum is the first course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's degree. Candidates begin to accrue 100 direct and indirect hours towards the overall goal of 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals, groups, and families. Emphasis is placed on development and increasing interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidenced-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student's chosen field and professional interests. Students must take and pass the CPCE in Practicum to graduate the program. A grade of B or higher is required to advance to COUN 640 Internship Counseling I.
3 credits
COUN 640 Internship in Counseling IInternship I is the second course of three in the clinical sequence leading to a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall goal of 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals, groups, and families. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidenced-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student's chosen field and professional interests. A grade of B or higher is required to advance to COUN 642 Internship in Counseling II.
3 credits
COUN 642 Internship in Counseling IIInternship II is the third course of three in the clinical sequence leading to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters degree. Candidates continue to accrue 300 direct and indirect hours towards the overall goal of 700 direct and indirect hours in counseling individuals, groups, and families. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal and professional effectiveness, application of appropriate and evidenced-based counseling theory/techniques, observation, consultation, ethical and legal issues, and performance of the duties of a professional counselor. On-site, classroom, individual, and group supervision hours are required. Off-site supervised individual and group hours are accrued at a site chosen in concert with the Clinical Coordinator and consistent with the student's chosen field and professional interests. A grade of B or higher is required to advance. Students who do not successfully complete 700 hours will take the continuation course COUN 697 until the hours and requisite assignments are completed.
3 credits