MASTER OF EDUCATION IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Program Overview

Oklahoma City University's online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for state licensure and a fulfilling career as a counselor. The program emphasizes a practitioner-wellness model, fostering compassionate and ethical counselors dedicated to serving diverse populations. Through a comprehensive curriculum and supervised practicum experiences, graduates gain the knowledge, skills, and resilience to excel in the challenging and rewarding field of clinical mental health counseling.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview:

The Oklahoma City University online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MHC) program prepares students for state licensure and a fulfilling career as a counselor. The program utilizes a practitioner-wellness model, which approaches counseling as a combination of art and science.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to excel as professional counselors.
• Nurture the development of compassionate and ethical counselors dedicated to serving diverse populations.
• Foster a strong foundation in evidence-based therapeutic interventions and counseling theories.
• Prepare students for the challenges and rewards of a career in clinical mental health counseling.

Description:

The MHC program offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing various aspects of clinical mental health counseling, including:

• Theoretical foundations: Students explore diverse counseling theories and techniques, gaining a strong grasp of the field's theoretical underpinnings.
• Clinical skills development: Through coursework and practicum experiences, students refine their therapeutic communication, assessment, and intervention skills.
• Professional development: The program emphasizes professional ethics, cultural competency, and self-care to prepare graduates for the demands of the counseling profession.
# Outline

Content:

The MHC program curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for clinical mental health counselors, including:

• Human Growth and Development: Understanding the intricacies of human development across the lifespan.
• Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling: Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Group Counseling: Mastering the theories and techniques of group therapy.
• Career Counseling: Guiding individuals through career exploration and decision-making.
• Individual and Family Counseling: Developing expertise in individual and family therapy modalities.
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling: Exploring ethical considerations and legal regulations relevant to professional practice.
• Assessment and Testing: Learning to administer and interpret psychological assessments for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Research and Program Evaluation: Understanding research methodologies and program evaluation techniques.

Structure:

The MHC program is delivered online, allowing for flexible learning and accommodating diverse student schedules. Students engage in:

• Interactive online modules: Delivered through a user-friendly learning management system.
• Live online sessions: Synchronous virtual classes fostering direct interaction with faculty and classmates.
• Fieldwork experiences: Supervised practicum placements in diverse clinical settings providing real-world experience.

Course Schedule:

The online MHC program offers courses throughout the year, allowing students to enroll and start their studies at various points.

• Module 2: Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling: Students explore the impact of social and cultural factors on mental health and develop culturally competent counseling skills.
• Module 4: Theories of Counseling: Students gain a deep understanding of major counseling theories and their application in clinical practice.
• Module 5: Assessment and Testing: This module covers the principles and techniques of psychological assessment, including test administration, interpretation, and report writing.
• Module 6: Individual Counseling: Students develop the skills needed to conduct effective individual therapy sessions, including therapeutic communication, case conceptualization, and intervention planning.
• Module 7: Group Counseling: This module explores the dynamics and techniques of group therapy, enabling students to facilitate group interventions for various populations.
• Module 8: Career Counseling: Students learn how to guide individuals in career exploration, decision-making, and job search strategies.
• Module 9: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Counseling: This module examines ethical considerations, legal regulations, and professional responsibilities relevant to counseling practice.
• Module 10: Research and Program Evaluation: Students delve into research methodologies and program evaluation techniques used to assess the effectiveness of counseling interventions.
# Assessment

Assessment Methods:

The MHC program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:

• Examinations: Online and proctored exams assess students' understanding of course concepts and theories.
• Assignments: Written assignments, case studies, and presentations allow students to demonstrate their application of knowledge and skills.
• Fieldwork Supervision: Supervisors provide regular feedback and evaluation of students' performance in their practicum placements.
• Comprehensive Exam: A culminating exam assesses students' overall competency and readiness for professional practice.

Assessment Criteria:

The assessments in the MHC program are designed to ensure that students achieve the following:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of clinical mental health counseling theories and principles.

• Possess the necessary skills to conduct effective individual and group counseling interventions.

• Apply ethical and legal guidelines in their professional practice.

• Maintain cultural competency and sensitivity when working with diverse clients.

• Demonstrate strong communication, documentation, and critical thinking skills.

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

The MHC program utilizes a variety of effective teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning, including:

• Interactive online lectures: Faculty members deliver engaging lectures and facilitate discussions through virtual classrooms.
• Collaborative learning activities: Students engage in group projects, case studies, and online forums to deepen their understanding and apply theoretical concepts.
• Fieldwork supervision: Experienced supervisors provide guidance, feedback, and support to students during their practicum experiences.
• Technology-enhanced learning: The program utilizes innovative online learning tools and resources to enhance the learning experience.
• Guest speaker presentations: Professionals from the field share their expertise and insights with students.

Faculty:

The MHC program faculty comprises experienced and licensed mental health professionals with expertise in diverse areas of counseling, including:

• Individual and family therapy
• Group therapy
• Trauma-informed care
• Substance abuse counseling
• Career counseling
This holistic approach aims to equip students with the skills and resilience to navigate the challenges of the counseling profession while maintaining their own mental and emotional health. # Careers

Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the MHC program are prepared for a rewarding career in various settings, including:

• Mental health clinics
• Hospitals
• Community agencies
• Schools
• Private practice
• Government agencies

Career Opportunities:

The MHC program opens doors to diverse career opportunities, such as:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Mental Health Counselor
• School Counselor
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Private Practice Therapist

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the MHC program consistently achieve high pass rates on national licensing exams and secure employment in a variety of counseling positions. The program's emphasis on practical skills and professional development prepares graduates for success in the competitive mental health field.

Other

• The MHC program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• The program offers scholarships and financial aid options to support students.
• Graduates of the MHC program are eligible to pursue state licensure as professional counselors.