Clinical Mental Health Counseling

In accordance with the CACREP 2024 accreditation standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the Counseling and Human Development program with Clinical Mental Health concentration consists of 20 courses totaling 60 semester hours. Coursework is divided into three areas:

  • FOUNDATIONS (3 courses) that must be taken early in the program and are prerequisites to higher level courses;
  • AREA OF CONCENTRATION (15 courses) that are sequenced to build a strong mental health skill base;
  • ELECTIVES (2 courses) that allow students to pursue further course work in an area of interest (for the clinical mental health emphasis all electives must be in "clinical" areas).

Prerequisites are specified within the course descriptions listed in this catalog. 

Field experience courses in clinical mental health counseling consist of Practicum (CHD 790), CMHC Internship I (CHD 796I) and CMHC Internship II (CHD 796II). Each course is completed in sequence. Students may only take one field experience course at a time.  Students meet with a faculty supervisor (the course instructor) and a group of their peers via Zoom for 1.5 to 2 hours once a week for sixteen weeks for Group Supervision. Field experiences focus on assisting counselor trainees to improve individual and counseling skills. Counselor-trainees work under the supervision of a professional counselor who has been licensed/certified for a minimum of 2 years. 

CMHC Practicum In compliance with CACREP 2024 Standards, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum involves 100 hours of counseling activities including: individual and group counseling (at least 40 face-to-face hours); consultation; referral and case management; psycho-social assessment; taped case review; termination procedures; and individual and group supervision. 

Pre-requisites for Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum include the following: BSC 560 KP, CHD 602 KP, CHD 603 KP, CHD 610 KP, CHD 612 KP, CHD 624 KP, CHD 626 KP, CHD 635 KP, CHD 637, CHD 730 KP, CHD 740 KP, CHD 772 KP, CHD 775 KP, CHD 777 KP.     

Students eligible to enroll in Practicum (CHD 790) must provide proof of current malpractice insurance. Students must also be in good standing and maintain a grade point average of 3.0.

To enroll in Practicum students must complete all prerequisites, submit a completed Field Experience Application, and receive approval from the Field Coordinator.

To enroll in Internship students must successfully complete Practicum and all pre-requisites for Practicum.

Note: Students completing both CMHC and School Counseling (Dual) degrees will need to complete one practicum (CHD 790), both School Counseling Internships (CHD 795I and CHD 795II), and both Clinical Mental Health Internships (CHD 796I and CHD 796II).