Counseling and Educational Psychology, M.A. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization)

I. Contact Information

Thomas Harrison, Ph.D., M.F.T.,  Graduate Program Director and Associate Dean
College of Education
tch@unr.edu
(775) 682-7318

II. Brief Introduction

The College of Education offers a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling made up of 64-66 credits. The overarching objective of the clinical counseling program is to provide students with an educational opportunity to develop as individuals and professionals toward the outcome of building relational, prevention, and intervention skills. The clinical counseling specialization builds student understanding and capacity to partner with other professionals in behavioral health systems, implement research-based interventions and programs, evaluate effectiveness, understand community resources, advocate for clients, and work with a multitude of diversity issues including poverty.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

In keeping with the American Counseling Association definition of counseling, clinical counselors develop professional relationships that “empower diverse individual, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals”. Clinical mental health counselors assist clients across the lifespan and across the continuum of care. The Clinical Counseling specialization prepares students to work in a wide range of settings, including colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, faith-based organizations, non-profits, and private clinics.

IV. Admission Requirements

Priority consideration with be given to Clinical Mental Health Counseling applicants who meet the requirements for graduate degree admission status listed below:

1. Meet the Graduate School admission requirements.
2. Complete the Graduate School application.
3. Complete the Application for the Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology.
4. If invited, complete program processes, which may include group and individual interviews as well as an on-site writing assignment.

Applications are due to the Counseling program by October 1 for spring admission and February 15 for fall admission. In special circumstances, late applications may be considered. Consideration should be requested by the Clinical Mental Health Counseling coordinator and Graduate Director.

V. Program Requirements

In the M.A. graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, students take 33 units of required core courses that are common to all counseling students. The students also take 30 units of specialized studies in clinical mental health counseling that includes 12 units of internship in agencies.

• Counseling Courses

• EDRS 640 - Educational Measurements and Statistics (3 units)
• EDRS 700 - Introduction to Educational Research (3 units)
• CEP 620 - Career Development and Information Technology (3 units)
• CEP 630 - Pre-Practicum (3 units)
• CEP 650 - Counseling Theory and Process (3 units)
• CEP 651 - Counseling Practicum (3 units)
• CEP 674 - Overview of Addiction Prevention, Treatment & Recovery (3 units)
• CEP 705 - Advanced Human Growth and Development (3 units)
• CEP 751 - Multicultural Counsel (3 units)
• CEP 761 - Group Counseling (3 units)
• CEP 780 - Law & Ethics in Counseling (3 units)
• CEP 795 - Comprehensive Examination (1 to 3 units S/U Only)

•  

• Clinical Counseling Courses

• CEP 790 - Seminar (2 to 4 units)
• CEP 658 - Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies (3 units)
• CEP 690 - Workshop CEP   - Grief and Loss Counseling or Elective (1 unit)
• CEP 690 - Workshop CEP   - Poverty, Stress, and Mental Health (2 units)
• CEP 665 - Child And Fam Guidance (3 units)
• CEP 770F - Intrnshp-Priv Agencies (3 to 6 units)

VI. Total Units (64-66 units)

VII. Undergraduate Prerequisites

Students who apply to the M.A. specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are not required to take any prerequisite classes prior to applying. However, often applicants will apply with some history of coursework in addictions, human development and family studies, and psychology. Although EDRS 640 - Educational Measurements and Statistics  is required during their graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, students may opt and sometimes do take the class as an undergraduate.