Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

Mercer University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to assist individuals and communities with emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. The blended program offers a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and a supervised internship, equipping graduates for licensure as Associate Professional Counselors or Licensed Professional Counselors. Students can specialize in areas such as addictions counseling, play therapy, and military counseling. Graduates are eligible for licensure in Georgia and other states and have consistently achieved high pass rates on licensing exams.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

Mercer University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares graduates to assist individuals and communities in addressing emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. The program boasts experienced faculty, an immersive internship with supervised client interaction, and comprehensive preparation for licensure exams.

Objectives:

• Equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in clinical mental health counseling.
• Develop students' understanding of human behavior, psychopathology, and counseling techniques.
• Prepare students for licensure as Associate Professional Counselors (APCs) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).

Program Description:

• Format: Blended (online and in-person)
• Schedule: Part-time or full-time
• Start Terms: January, May, August
• Course Length: 16 weeks
• Completion Time: 30-42 months for full-time students

Outline:

Required Courses:

• Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Counseling Theory and Practice
• Human Growth and Development
• Psychopathology
• Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling
• Career Counseling
• Research Methods in Counseling

Electives:

Students can choose electives to specialize in areas such as:

• Addictions Counseling
• Play Therapy
• Military Counseling
• Spirituality in Counseling

Internship:

Students complete a supervised internship with 600 hours of direct client contact.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Exams: Written and oral exams assess students' knowledge and understanding of course material.
• Projects: Research projects and case studies evaluate students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills.
• Clinical Supervision: Supervisors monitor students' progress in their internship and provide feedback.

Assessment Criteria:

• Academic Performance: Students must maintain a minimum GPA to remain in the program.
• Clinical Skills: Students must demonstrate competence in counseling techniques and ethical decision-making.
• Professionalism: Students must exhibit professional behavior and adhere to ethical guidelines.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive Lectures: Faculty engage students through dynamic presentations and discussions.
• Skill-Building Exercises: Students practice counseling techniques in role-playing and simulations.
• Case Studies: Real-world case studies provide students with opportunities to analyze and apply their knowledge.

Faculty:

• Experienced and licensed clinicians with expertise in mental health counseling.
• Published authors and award-winning professionals recognized for their contributions to the field.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Clinical Mental Health Counselor (Licensed Professional Counselor or Associate Professional Counselor)
• School Counselor
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Marriage and Family Therapist

Career Outcomes:

• Employment in a variety of settings, including:
• Community Agencies
• Department of Corrections
• Drug Treatment Centers
• Hospitals
• Mental Health Centers
• Private Practices
• Residential Treatment Centers
• Eligibility for licensure in Georgia and other states.
• Graduates consistently achieve high pass rates on licensing exams.