MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING - 48 credits
The Department of Psychology offers a 48-credit graduate program in psychology designed to serve the student who plans to enter the applied fields of psychology after receiving the M.A. The program offers two specialized tracks, one in school guidance counseling and one in mental health counseling.
Mental Health Counseling Track
Completion of the mental health counseling concentration is the first step toward fulfillment of a Massachusetts mental health counselor license. Successful completion of these 48 credits, combined with 12 additional credits (and other requirements, as outlined by 262 CMR, Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions) will offer students the opportunity to apply for licensure as mental health counselors. The program of study for mental health counselors consists of thirty-three (36) credits of required core courses and (12) credits of internship (600 hours). Practicum requirements for licensure are included in several core courses, as well as two supervision classes.
General Program and Policy Summary
The M.A. program must be completed within seven years of the first course counted toward the degree. Since courses are offered in a cohort model, that is, in a fixed sequence, planning with advisors is imperative. Upon acceptance into the program, the student is scheduled for orientation where their cohort options are determined. There will be continual evaluation during the course of study with students apprised of their progress. A favorable evaluation is necessary for continuation in the program. The granting of the degree is based on professional competence, completion of the program of study, and satisfactory performance on a written comprehensive examination.
To accommodate students who work and/or have other substantial demands placed upon their time, courses are offered during the evenings, late afternoon, or on Saturdays. Important exceptions to this schedule are the Pre-practicum and Practicum experiences. While some placements permit flexible scheduling, many place restrictions on scheduling. Since these experiences are an essential component of counselor training, students must plan for the flexibility that will allow them to complete these requirements.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING - 48 credits
Required Courses (36 credits)
| PSYC 0522 |
Theories of Counseling |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0610 |
Principles & Practices of Psychological Testing |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0621 |
Basic & Applied Research |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0620 |
Dynamics of Group Counseling* |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0630 |
Advanced Development |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0645 |
Counseling Diverse Populations |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0524 |
Counseling Basics with Supervision* |
4 s.h. |
| PSYC 0624 |
Advanced Counseling with Supervision* |
4 s.h. |
| PSYC 0615 |
Psychopathology: Diagnosis & Treatment of Adults |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0641 |
Ethics & Standards in the Mental Health Professions |
3 s.h. |
| PSYC 0675 |
Case Study: Applications of Theory and Practice w/Professional Orientation |
4 s.h. |
Internship Requirements (12 credits-600 hours)
PSYC0690 Internship (Mental Health Counseling) 3-12 credits (may be repeated)
* Practicum hours counted toward LMHC licensure are included in the following courses:
PSYC 0524 Counseling Basics with Supervision
PSYC 0624 Advanced Counseling with Supervision
PSYC 0620 Dynamics of Group Counseling
(4 additional courses are needed to meet the Massachusetts licensure requirement)
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