M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) | Total Hours: 60 | Department: Behavioral Sciences | School: Education & Behavioral Sciences | Major Code: 078
The Master of Arts degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) prepares professional counselors for the educational and clinical training requirements of the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license offered through the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure. Training in the CMHC program is rigorous, structured, and constantly evolving to address the needs of mental health clients in today’s society.
Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of clinical settings, including community mental health centers, employee assistance programs (EAPs), inpatient psychiatric facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, interdisciplinary mental health facilities, VA hospitals and outpatient clinics, correctional facilities, university counseling centers, and private practice.
Full program information is available at se.edu/gus/ma-cmhc/.
Program Mission Statement
The CMHC program provides an environment of academic excellence designed to prepare and empower graduate students seeking entrance into the field of clinical mental health counseling. The program is based on the wellness model of mental health service delivery and prepares graduates to act in the best interest of the clients and the general public they serve.
Program Training Objectives
Training is based upon the most current competencies promulgated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Knowledge areas include:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Social and Cultural Identities and Experiences
- Lifespan Development
- Career Counseling and Development
- Counseling Practice and Relationships
- Group Work
- Counseling Assessment and Diagnostic Processes
- Research and Program Evaluation
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, applicants must complete the CMHC program application process through the SE website. Required materials include:
- Official copies of all undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate transcripts
- Application for Admission to the CMHC Program (with required witness signature)
- Statement of Personal/Professional Goals
- Consent to Release Information and Records Form (with required witness signature)
- Three Letters of Recommendation (using the form provided in the application materials)
Applicants from any undergraduate major are welcome. The CMHC program has a formal Admission, Retention, Suspension, and Dismissal (ARSD) policy available on the program website.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Information
The CMHC program is designed to meet the pre-master’s educational and clinical training requirements for Oklahoma or Texas LPC licensure.
Oklahoma Office of Professional Counselor Licensing:
ok.gov/behavioralhealth/ | (405) 522-3696
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors:
bhec.texas.gov | (512) 305-7700
Course Requirements
Core Courses (24 hours)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 5133 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice | 3 |
| COUN 5243 | Human Growth and Development in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5283 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5323 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| COUN 5443 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5483 | Social and Cultural Diversity Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5523 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5530 | Group Counseling Laboratory Experience | 0 |
| COUN 5863 | Research in Counseling | 3 |
Specialization Courses (21 hours)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 5343 | Personality Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5773 | CMHC Psychopathology & Treatment Planning | 3 |
| COUN 5503 | Crisis and Disaster Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5563 | Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5573 | Psychopharmacology in Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5593 | Substance and Behavioral Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5873 | Counseling Consultation, Administration, and Program Evaluation | 3 |
Counselor Clinical Training Courses (12 hours)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COUN 5423 | Counseling Pre-Practicum | 3 |
| COUN 5743 | CMHC Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| COUN 5923 | Counseling Internship I | 3 |
| COUN 5933 | Counseling Internship II | 3 |
Elective Course (3 hours)
Select one COUN 5XXX course based on interests and in consultation with an assigned graduate advisor.
Total Hours Required: 60