Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

This online Master's program in Mental Health Counseling prepares students for licensure in West Virginia. It combines coursework with practical experiences, including a practicum and internship, to equip graduates for careers in various mental health settings, such as outpatient centers, private practices, and addiction treatment facilities. The program emphasizes ethical practice and diversity, and its faculty have extensive clinical experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Mission:

To provide quality instruction and training, producing competent professionals who effectively serve those in need of mental health services.

Objectives:

• Prepare ethical, compassionate professionals equipped with knowledge, values, and skills to promote mental health wellness.
• Meet the academic requirements for counselor licensure in West Virginia.
• Equip graduates to pass the National Counselor Exam.

Program Description:

• 60-credit hour program focusing on preparing students for the mental health counseling field.
• Combines traditional coursework with a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship for graduation.
• Offered online.

Outcomes:

• Graduates find employment in various settings, including outpatient mental health centers, private practices, psychiatric hospitals, addiction treatment centers, correctional facilities, and group homes.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Two-year program with the option to complete it in three years.
• Can be completed in six semesters (including summer terms) or eight semesters.
• Includes coursework, practicum, and internship experiences.

Course Schedule:

• First year focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in counseling, human growth and development, and social and cultural factors.
• Second year dives into assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, group counseling, career counseling, marriage and family counseling, and substance abuse counseling.
• Summer semesters offer opportunities to take electives and complete research requirements.

Modules:

• COUN 500: Professional Counseling Orientation
• COUN 501: Human Growth and Development
• COUN 502: Social and Cultural Foundations
• COUN 503: Counseling Theories
• COUN 504: Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
• COUN 505: Counseling Techniques
• COUN 506: Theories and Techniques of Assessment
• COUN 507: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• COUN 508: Research and Program Evaluation
• COUN 600: Group Counseling
• COUN 601: Career Counseling
• COUN 602: Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention
• COUN 603: Marriage and Family Counseling
• COUN 698: Practicum

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Comprehensive examination during the final semester

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The context mentions faculty with extensive clinical experience, implying a strong focus on practical application of knowledge.

Faculty:

• Jason Newsome is mentioned as the Director for the Mental Health Counseling Program.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Graduates are prepared for various careers in mental health counseling, including:
• Outpatient mental health centers
• Private practices
• Psychiatric hospitals
• Addiction treatment centers
• Correctional facilities
• Mental health counselor
• Therapist
• Addiction counselor
• School counselor

Other:

• The program prepares students for licensure as a counselor in West Virginia.
• The program highlights its commitment to diversity and ethical practice.