Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Overview

The Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling consists of 60 credit-hours and is designed to prepare candidates for professional counseling positions in a variety of community settings, including mental health agencies, hospitals, juvenile justice agencies, and substance abuse treatment centers facilities.  Graduates of the program are prepared to provide individual and group counseling, education and lifestyle development, and career planning, all in diverse settings. The curriculum of this program meets the standards of preparation as set forth by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Additionally, the curriculum program is aligned with the basic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia (LPC) and qualifies graduates to take the National Board of Certified Counselor’s Examination (NCE) to obtain the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation from the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, graduates will be able to:

1. Understand the effects of the onset, progression, and expected duration of disability on client’s holistic functioning and environmental, attitudinal, and individual barriers for people with disabilities.
2. Explain the impact of disability on sexuality and one’s ecological system.
3. Describe the rehabilitation service delivery systems including housing, case management, public benefits programs, educational program, and public and proprietary vocational rehabilitation programs.
4. Identify the clinical rehabilitation counseling services within the continuum of care, transferrable skills, functional assessment and work-related supports for achieving maintaining meaningful employment for people with disabilities.
5. Understand the role of family, social networks, and community in the provision of service of treatment of people with disabilities.
6. Demonstrate assistive technology to reduce or eliminate barriers and functional limitations.
7. Discuss your experience with intake interview, mental status evaluation, biopsychosocial history, mental health history, and psychological assessment for treatment planning and caseload management for people with disabilities.
8. Advocate for people with disabilities and explain third-party reimbursement.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must meet the General Admissions Requirements of the University as published in this Catalog.

Endorsement

The Department of Counselor Education endorses the licensure requirements of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists.