Program Objectives & Curriculum

The course of study outlined in the Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) specialty is intended to develop students' competencies to meet the following objectives:

Goal # 1

Research-based Practice: Counsel and assess individuals, families, groups, and communities using evidenced-based techniques, materials, and resources to assist clients in resolving socioemotional, personal, or vocational concerns, and/or coping with life’s problems.

Objective1A: Students will have knowledge regarding evidenced-based practice, including empirical basisof assessment, intervention, and other psychological applications integrated with clinical expertise, and client preferences when working with individuals, families, groups and communities.

Objective1B: Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge of the scientific, theoretical, and contextual basis of assessment, interventions and other psychological applications including having awareness of the strengths and limitations of assessments.

Goal # 2

Diagnosis & Treatment Planning: Articulate comprehension of a variety of theoretical perspectives on human behavior as well as articulating their personal rationale for and approach to counseling.

Objective2A: Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of formulating diagnoses and case conceptualization.

Objective2B: Students will utilize systematic approaches of gathering data to inform clinical decision-making.

Goal # 3

Cultural Diversity: Develop self-awareness and a multicultural orientation related to issues of diversity to more effectively serve a broad spectrum of individuals, families, groups and communities.

Objective3A: Students will demonstrate cultural humility, cultural courage, and understanding of one’s own dimensions of diversity and attitudes towards diverse others.

Objective3B: Students will use cultural opportunities to understand and safeguard the welfare of others.

Objective3C: Students will demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the scientific, theoretical, and contextual issues related to individual and cultural diversity as they apply to clinical work.

Objective3D: Students will understand the need to consider individual and cultural diversity issues in all aspects of professional work (e.g., assessment, treatment, research, relationships with colleagues).

Objective3E: Students will apply knowledge, sensitivity, and understanding regarding individual and cultural diversity issues to work effectively with diverse others in assessment, treatment, and consultation.

Goal # 4

Social Justice & Advocacy: Advocate for others by addressing the impact of social, political, economic or cultural factors to promote change at the individual (client), institutional, and/or systems level.

Objective4A: Students will demonstrate awareness of problems as possessing social, political, economic and cultural factors that impact individuals, systems, and institutions.

Objective4B: Students will use awareness of the social, political, economic or cultural factors that may impact human development in the context of service provision.

Goal #5

Ethical & Legal Issues: Comprehend and adhere to the ethical principles and professional values of the counseling profession.

Objective5A: Students will demonstrate knowledge of relevant ethical/professional codes and basic skills in ethical decision making, and demonstrate knowledge of legal and regulatory issues that apply to the practice of professional counseling.

Objective5B: Students will demonstrate the application of an ethical decision-making model by applying it to ethical dilemmas.

Objective5C: Students will display ethical values and conduct and integrate their own moral principles/ethical values in professional conduct.

Goal #6

Assessment and Evaluation: Develop, implement, and critically evaluate the efficacy of counseling services, programs, and related activities in the settings in which they plan to work.

Objective6A: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the assessment of intervention progress and outcome.

Objective6B: Students will evaluate intervention progress and modify intervention planning on the basis of their evaluation of clients’ progress.

Objective6C: Students will display broadened self-awareness, utilize self- monitoring, display reflectivity regarding professional practice (reflection-on-action), use resources to enhance reflectivity, and demonstrate elements of reflection-in-action.

Goal #7

Human Growth & Development: Understand basic principles of human growth and development and recognize the influence of biological, social, and cultural factors on the behavior and development of individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Objective7A: Students will demonstrate knowledge regarding the range of behavior (including the biological basis of behavior) in the context of stages of human development and diversity

Objective7B: Students will apply concepts of human growth and development and diversity to case formulation, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation.

Goal # 8

Consultation & Relationships: Seek appropriate consultation with colleagues, other professionals, and lay persons while establishing effective relationships with individuals and agencies that also provide client services.

Objective8A: Students will understand when consultation is appropriate and engage in consultation when necessary.

Objective8B: Students will form and maintain productive and respectful relationships with clients, peers/colleagues, supervisors, and professionals from other disciplines.

Goal #9

Professional Identity: Demonstrate the role and professional identity of counselors, understand professional issues unique to mental health counseling, and promote the growth and development of the clinical mental health counseling field.

Objective9A: Students will display professionalism and will understand professional values that foster effective relationships with others.

Objective9B: Students will act to understand and safeguard the welfare of others by being involved in professional organizations and participating in professional development activities.

For more information, see Curriculum Map.