Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts - U.S.
The M.A. in Counseling (CMHC) program is for students who want to work as licensed mental health counselors in Washington State. The CACREP-accredited program trains well-rounded clinicians for the realities of daily practice. It emphasizes application of theory to practice. Students are introduced to a broad range of clinical issues through a breadth of course work, delivered by practitioner faculty. Supported internships focus on the delivery of clinical services, and assist students to develop a coherent theoretical and ethical framework for practice.
The Master of Arts in Counseling will prepare students to:
- Recognize and apply professional ethical standards including clear and appropriate relationships with clients/students, colleagues, and the community.
- Collaborate with people of diverse ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religious beliefs, and socio-economic status.
- Develop self-awareness into beliefs about what impacts personal development.
- Formulate a personal philosophy of counseling grounded in these beliefs.
- Appraise the impact of work-related issues on the mental health and wellness.
- Establish and maintain effective counseling relationships.
- Employ counseling techniques that are consistent with the selected theoretical approach.
- Recognize and positively influence intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics when leading and co-leading groups.
- Gather information to assess needs and next steps in the counseling process, including assessment for suicide/homicide risk and report requirements for abuse/neglect.
- Locate community resources and critically evaluate research related to core areas of counseling practice.
- Produce written communication that meets professional standards.
- Develop multicultural and social justice counseling competencies through gaining a systemic understanding for the influence of cultural background in presenting problems and the role of counselors in promoting social justice and the well-being of the greater community.
Total Required Credits (90 Credits)
Core CACREP Areas (49 Credits)
Other Required Courses (20 Credits)
| COUN 519 | Foundations of Mental Health Services | 1 |
| COUN 520 | Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology I | 5 |
| COUN 521 | Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology II | 5 |
| COUN 522 | Systemic Theory: Crisis, Disaster and Trauma Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 529 | Addictions and Co-Occurring Perspectives | 3 |
| COUN 550 | Comprehensive Examination | 0 |
| COUN 690 | Integrative Portfolio Project | 3 |
Additional Required Depth Coursework (8 Credits)
Choose eight credits from the list below.
| COUN 511 | Loss and Grief Counseling | 2 |
| COUN 513 | Brief Therapy Models | 2 |
| COUN 600 | Systemic Theory: Child and Adolescent Counseling | 2 |
| COUN 604 | Counseling Older Adults | 2 |
| COUN 605 | Systemic Theory in Couples Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 609 | Systemic Theory: Human Sexuality | 3 |
Internships/Practica (13 Credits)