Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness

专业介绍

The Master of Arts program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, offered in both residential and online formats, prepares students to become mental health counselors working with both individuals and groups in a broad spectrum of settings, including community agencies, university counseling programs, mental health centers, hospitals, HIV and AIDS outreach programs, and substance abuse treatment centers. The curriculum emphasizes understanding people across the life span in cultural contexts, promoting equity and social justice, and helping all people craft lives of wellness, health, and meaning.

Graduates meet the academic requirements for New York State licensure and are eligible for New York State licensure as a mental health counselor. All graduates are eligible to qualify for diagnostic privileges in New York State. This privilege allows licensed mental health counselors to independently diagnose mental disorders and create assessment-based treatment plans and permits them to take on a more comprehensive role in providing mental health services. Many employers prefer or require professionals with diagnostic abilities.

In addition to their coursework, students are required to complete both a practicum and an internship as part of the program, which entails completing 600 hours of supervised counseling practice. This is typically accomplished over two consecutive terms, with a minimum of 300 hours per term at a counseling site. The Practicum and Internship experience take place in department-approved counseling settings where students receive supervision from licensed mental health professionals.