Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Union Institute & University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares you for certification or licensure as a professional counselor or clinical mental health counselor. Our CACREP accredited program will also equip you for future doctoral studies in counseling and related fields – without sacrificing your job or your income. Our flexible, online master’s degree program offers supervised practicum and internship experiences as required by state and national agencies and credentialing bodies.

60 Total credits

$795 Cost Per Credit Hour

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60 credit hour program
Full & part-time options
January, May, and August start dates
Residencies held twice a year

Cost of Program

Core Courses

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COUN/ADC 501

Counseling Theory and Practice

3 credits

This course includes the study of major theories (e.g., Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Behavioral, Transpersonal, Personality), approaches, and procedures in counseling and psychotherapy; historical and cultural contexts; case conceptualizations and applications with various client populations; specific counseling approaches used in contemporary therapeutic systems (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Family Systems, Solution Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy) and their respective limitations; and ethical and professional issues associated with counseling theories and practices.
COUN 502

Psychopathology: Diagnosis, Assessment/Treatment

3 credits

This course includes the study of the etiology and categorization of pathological behavior patterns; historical, sociopolitical, medical, behavioral, and epidemiological approaches to the systematic description of psychological disorders; use of the current version of the DSM/ICD in differential diagnosis; potential alternatives to the existing system; the roles of assessment and treatment planning in intervention; and the use of related services, intake interviews, and psychological reports.
COUN 504

Helping Relationships

3 credit hours

This course includes the study of the basic building block skills that are fundamental to the counseling process as well as the collaborative nature of the helper-client relationship. A three-stage model that drives the client problem-managing and opportunity-developing action phases will be examined: (1) helping clients tell their stories; (2) helping clients determine what they need and what they want; and (3) helping clients develop strategies to accomplish their goals. The basic helping skills, including non-verbal and reflecting skills, will be considered.
COUN 505

Professional Orientation and Ethics

3 credits

This course includes the study of ethical issues in a variety of settings, including the moral and legal bases for ethical codes; guidelines for human service professionals; personal values and biases as related to the counseling relationship and ethical and professional conduct, standards, and practices; strategies for personal and professional self-evaluation and professional development; the counselor as an advocate for clients and for the profession; conflicts among client, counselor, and societal, legal, and cultural values; and methods and practices for recognizing and resolving ethical dilemmas. Relevant state and national standards for counselor preparation, certification, and licensure will be examined.
COUN 506

Human Growth and Development

3 credits

This course examines the course of human development through the lifespan as well as the interaction between genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Emphasis is placed on psychological, sociological, and physiological approaches; human behavior (normal and abnormal); personality theory and learning theory; and the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels.
COUN/ADC 507

Group Work and Therapy

3 Credits

This course includes a study of the basic elements of group process and dynamics as well as strategies and methods commonly used to facilitate group therapy sessions. Therapeutic factors contributing to group effectiveness will be covered, as well as the characteristics and practices of effective group leaders. Ten theoretical approaches and key concepts to group counseling will be included, as well as the application of these theoretical models to group work. The historical and cultural context in which these theories were developed, as well as the ethical and professional implications of employing these paradigms in practice, will be considered. The course includes a practice component requiring ten hours of group counseling participation.
COUN 508

Appraisal and Diagnostic Techniques

3 Credits

This course explores appraisal of the individual through testing and includes the basic principles of assessment and diagnosis, development of a framework for understanding the individual, methods of data gathering and interpretation, classification of psychological and educational tests, and the study of individual differences with consideration of ethnic, cultural, and gender factors. Ethical and legal considerations in assessment will also be addressed.
COUN 509

Treatment Modalities

3 Credits

This is a course in the practice of counseling and is the third in a three-course counseling intervention series. The course covers the process of treatment of mental and emotional disorders from diagnostic assessment to case conceptualization, treatment planning, intervention, outcomes assessment, and referral. The course emphasizes the application of evidence-based approaches in an ethical and multiculturally competent way. Prerequisites: COUN 501 and COUN 504.
COUN 510

Social Basis of Behavior and Cultural Diversity

3 Credits

This course includes the study of a number of advanced topics in multicultural counseling, including cultural, ethnic, and group processes, sex roles, organizational behavior, group dynamics, status role, and attribution theory. Socially inherited and transmitted patterns of pressure, expectations, and limitations learned by individuals will be considered. Issues and trends in a pluralistic society will be examined. Major ethnic groups are studied along with counseling, social justice, and advocacy approaches appropriate to each. Emphasis will be placed on understanding cultural diversity including, but not limited to, facilitating awareness of attitudes and beliefs that may negatively impact relationships with persons who are sensitive to issues of discrimination. Theories of multicultural counseling, identity development, pluralistic trends, and systems-oriented intervention strategies (couple, family, group, and community) are considered. Counselor cultural self-awareness and the role of counseling in eliminating biases, prejudice, oppression, and discrimination are emphasized.
COUN 511

Career and Lifestyle Development

3 Credits

This course includes a study of the skills and knowledge needed to help clients consider a wide array of career and lifestyle choices. The application of career development theory and research in counseling and educational settings will be considered. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between career choice and lifestyle, sources of occupational and educational information, approaches to career decision-making processes, and career exploration techniques.
COUN 513

Research Methods and Program Evaluation

3 credits

This course includes study that provides an understanding of types of research methods, basic descriptive and inferential statistics, and ethical and legal considerations in research. The fundamentals of program evaluation will also be considered. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of the steps involved in designing and implementing a research design as well as how to evaluate the effectiveness of programs using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
COUN 516

Clinical Consultation

3 credits

This course presents theory and practice concerning consultation and management including organizational assessment and analysis, diversity within organizations, group dynamics, systems theory, managing resistance, and intervention theory. Students develop practical skills in organizational consultation and training including conducting meetings, making presentations, entering and analyzing organizations, team building, executive coaching, transition management, and diversity training. The course also provides skills needed for clinical consultation to schools, community agencies, and organizations.
COUN 519

Tests and Measurements

3 credits

This course includes studies of the theory and practice of psychological assessment; psychological testing and measurement theory; clinical and practical aspects of administration and interpretation of individual and group standardized tests of mental ability and personality; and the use of assessment procedures in diagnosis and treatment planning. Emphasis will be given to an understanding of procedures for developing and evaluating instruments and specific threats to psychometric quality. Professional standards for test development and use and the legal and ethical issues as established by the American Counseling Association and the National Board of Certified Counselors will be addressed. Prerequisite: COUN 508.

Elective Courses

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COUN/ADC 512

Psychopharmacology for Mental Health and Addictive Disorders

3 credits

This course provides an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, particularly the interaction of chemistry and biology to produce behavior, and the use of psychotropic medications for a range of populations and disorders. This will include an examination of the pharmacological features of different drugs, including: drug interactions; the basic physiology underlying the pharmacology; and the psychological impact of medications in therapeutic contexts. Also addressed will be a review of regulatory and governmental control issues, and the role of the psychologist in collaborating with physicians and other primary healthcare providers. This course is not intended to prepare the student for a primary role of prescribing, administering, or overseeing the use of medications.
COUN 514

Family Therapy

3 credits

This course examines the intervention techniques and major theories, models, and schools of couples and family therapy. The course employs a systemic perspective to consider both traditional and recently developed family treatment models, including empirically supported treatment approaches. Ethical, gender, and cultural competency issues related to family therapy are explored.
COUN 515

Crisis Intervention

3 credits

This course involves the study of the theories and principles of crisis intervention as applied to therapeutic strategies for treatment; scientific bases of various approaches to crisis intervention including short-term, long-term, and telephone counseling methods; community and societal crisis; interventions with diverse clinical populations; professional skills for intervening, prevention techniques; evaluation of services; and the roles and responsibilities of others participating in crisis intervention. Important videos will be used in order to help demonstrate various crisis counseling skills (i.e., applying theory into practice). Differences and similarities between crisis counseling and traditional counseling approaches will be examined.
COUN 517

Human Sexuality for Counselors

3 credits

This course includes studies of the diverse nature and constructs of human sexuality, sexual dysfunction, and counseling strategies; multidimensional perspectives of human sexuality including biological, behavioral, cultural, social, psychological, and clinical factors; the role of the human service practitioner as influenced by values, beliefs, and biases about human sexuality; developing the capacity of counselors to recognize and manage personal responses and needs in counseling settings.
COUN/ADC 518

Substance Abuse/Addictive Disorders

3 credits

This course provides an introduction to the nature of addictive disorders, and the historical and societal aspects of addiction problems and their treatment; specific drugs of abuse and the neurophysiology of addiction; addiction across the lifespan, and substance abuse prevention and intervention with at-risk populations; assessment and diagnosis of addiction, and the use of screening instruments and tests; conceptual models of substance use and addiction (e.g., moral, medical, biopsychosocial); gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic, culture, and social class differences and their implications for the assessment and treatment of addiction; co-morbidity of substance abuse and mental health disorders; behavioral addictions (e.g., internet, shopping, gambling, sexual addictions); and an introduction to treatment approaches (e.g., mutual help groups, CBT, Motivational Interviewing), treatment planning, treatment settings, and levels of care.
COUN/ADC 520

Substance Abuse Counseling with Addicted Populations

3 credits

This course addresses counseling procedures and strategies with addicted populations, focusing on prevention, intervention, relapse prevention, and recovery. Theories linked with addiction to biological, psychological, and other factors will be evaluated critically with an emphasis on developing effective recovery and relapse prevention. Evidence-based approaches and ethical and legal issues related to chemical dependency counseling are emphasized. Multicultural and ethical components are integrated.
COUN 523

Military Culture: Enhancing Clinical Competence

3 credits

This course is designed for students who want to develop a better understanding of how the military works and who comprises the armed forces. It provides an overview of military culture to include its history, organizational structure, core values, branches of the service, mission, and operations, as well as the differences between the active and reserve components. Students will acquire greater competency in working with service members by learning military culture and terminology, and by discussing how aspects of the military culture impact behaviors and perspectives.
COUN 524

Treatment of Behavioral Health Issues in Veterans and their Families

3 credits

This course is designed for students who want to gain a better understanding of treatment approaches for service members and their families. It covers effective treatments for PTSD and discusses their implementation with service members, veterans, and their families. It will focus on how to meet this population's unique needs, from conducting a thorough assessment to choosing an appropriate psychosocial or pharmacological treatment. Additional topics addressed are clinical issues and co-occurring problems that can arise in this population, such as traumatic brain injury and substance abuse, along with strategies for dealing with them.
COUN 525

Diagnosis of Disorders Occurring in Childhood & Adolescence

3 credits

This course reviews the etiology, diagnostic criteria, and developmental course of the mental and emotional disorders most commonly diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. Students learn how to conduct diagnostic assessments, develop case formulations, and how to diagnose children and adolescents using the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Corresponding International Classification of Diseases diagnoses will be reviewed.
COUN 529

Biological Bases of Behavior

3 credits

This course examines physiological influences on normal and abnormal human behavior including the role of the central nervous system, sensory processes, memory, neurobiology, and psychopharmacology. The course focuses on recent developments in the field that are most relevant to the practice of counseling, particularly recent findings in neuroplasticity and epigenetics.
COUN/ADC 530

Assessment, Diagnosis & Treatment Planning for Addictive Disorders

3 credits

This course focuses on addictive disorder diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning competencies. Clinical evaluation (screening, assessment) and treatment planning instruments and other methods are reviewed and practiced, including screening for co-occurring mental health problems. Referral and treatment plan implementation are also discussed. Treatment approaches, including utilizing different theoretical orientations and interventions (e.g., psychological, medical, and social models) are discussed.
COUN 544

Internship in Counseling I, II and III

3 credits

This course is designed for students to complete a post-practicum supervised clinical experience in a clinical mental health counseling setting. During this time the student will refine and enhance basic counseling skills or student development knowledge and skills, and integrate and authenticate professional knowledge and skills related to program objectives. All aspects of counseling practice – individual counseling, group counseling, appraisal, therapeutic intervention, and consultation – will receive exposure in this experience. Students must lead or co-lead a counseling or psychoeducational group during the internship experience. Internship duties will be performed under the supervision of an on-site supervisor who must be approved by the internship coordinator.
Students are required to complete 600 clock hours (300 per term), with 240 hours minimum being direct service at an approved site. Students will work under the supervision of a site supervisor and attend an average of 1.5 hours of group supervision with Counselor Education faculty. Prerequisites: COUN 501, 502, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509 and COUN 531 Practicum.

Capstone Courses

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COUN 521

Capstone Project

0 credits

The capstone project is designed to be a culminating scholarly product that is typically 30-35 pages in length. The purpose of this paper is to provide students with the opportunity to explore a topic relevant to applied professional practice in the helping profession in greater depth while demonstrating an understanding of inquiry-based learning, research, and scholarly writing expectations at the graduate level. The student is required to present their capstone project to the student body during a residency weekend. COUN 521 Capstone Project is a non-credit course that is considered the equivalent of three credit hours of academic work for financial aid purposes. COUN 521 is a fee-based course (see Tuition and Fee Schedule).
COUN 522

Capstone Writing Extension

0 credits

This is a writing extension for students who have made satisfactory progress on the capstone project but need an additional term to complete it. COUN 522 Capstone Writing Extension is a non-credit course and does not have credit hour equivalency for financial aid purposes. COUN 522 is a fee-based course (see Tuition and Fee Schedule). COUN 522 does not qualify for loan deferral; students will be reported as registered less than half-time to external agencies.

Internships

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COUN 531

Practicum

3 credits

This course is designed for students to complete a supervised clinical experience in a clinical mental health counseling setting. During that time, the student is expected to increase their competence in the areas of basic interviewing, assessment, and counseling skills. Furthermore, the student will be made more aware of the ethical, legal, and professional issues inherent in the counseling process. The student is provided practical, on-the-job, supervised, and evaluated field experiences that provide the foundation for internship experiences. Practicum duties will be performed under the supervision of an on-site supervisor who must be approved by the internship coordinator.

Students are required to complete 100 clock hours, with 40 hours minimum being direct service at an approved site. Students will work under the supervision of a site supervisor and attend an average of 1.5 hours of group supervision with Counselor Education faculty. The practicum must be completed prior to the internship.
COUN 542, 543, 544

Internship in Counseling I, II, and III

3 credits

This course is designed for students to complete a post-practicum supervised clinical experience in a clinical mental health counseling setting. During this time the student will refine and enhance basic counseling skills or student development knowledge and skills, and integrate and authenticate professional knowledge and skills related to program objectives. All aspects of counseling practice – individual counseling, group counseling, appraisal, therapeutic intervention, and consultation – will receive exposure in this experience. Students must lead or co-lead a counseling or psychoeducational group during the internship experience. Internship duties will be performed under the supervision of an on-site supervisor who must be approved by the internship coordinator.
Students are required to complete 600 clock hours (300 per term), with 240 hours minimum being direct service at an approved site. Students will work under the supervision of a site supervisor and attend an average of 1.5 hours of group supervision with Counselor Education faculty. Prerequisites: COUN 501, 502, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509 and COUN 531 Practicum.

Admission Requirements

Admission is open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or a recognized international institution of higher education. The admission decision is based upon the following: (1) a cumulative GPA of 3.0, (2) official transcripts from all previous institutions, (3) completed online application and personal statement detailing personal and professional goals, (4) resume or curriculum vitae, (5) 3 professional references, including one from a person qualified to evaluate your potential for clinical work, (6) English proficiency (if applicable), and (7) individual interview.

A Unique Hybrid Learning Format

Union’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program features online learning for courses, combined with face-to-face residency experiences, twice each calendar year at our Cincinnati, Ohio academic center. By attending these biannual residencies, you will get a chance to interact with your professors and colleagues in person.

Advanced Training & Degree

Pursue Licensing & Certification

Start a Foundation for Your Doctoral Research

Our CACREP-accredited program is led by scholar-practitioners. They are leaders within the counseling education field, while active in counseling private practice, schools and mental health agencies. Our educators pride themselves on being able to teach the theories, techniques and skills required to become a counselor. Using decades of combined counseling experience, they help prepare students to become advanced practitioners in the field of counseling and to build connections to the broader counseling professional network.

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Becky Morrissey Ph.D, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS

Program Director

becky.morrissey@myunion.edu
937.243.2403

Vital Statistics & Systemic Program Evaluation

During the 2020-2021 academic year, 11 students completed their Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The pass rate for students who took the NCE and/or NCMHCE credentialing exams is 100% (9 students have taken the exam). Of those graduating students, 100% completed their degrees in the expected completion time period as discussed in the graduate handbook. The program's estimated completion date is 86% overall. Job placement rates immediately after graduation are at 100%. Alumni have secured counseling positions in counseling private practices, community mental health agencies, schools, and counseling private practices. Additionally, 3 alumni from the 2020-2021 graduating class have been accepted and begun doctoral programs in Counselor Education & Supervision.

As outlined by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP, 2016), this report is written to comply with Section 4: Evaluation in the Program, Standard D. This standard states that “the counselor education program faculty disseminate an annual report that includes, by program level, (1) a summary of the program evaluation results, (2) subsequent program modifications, and (3) any other substantial program changes. The report is published on the program website in an easily accessible location, and students currently in the program, program faculty, institutional administrators, and personnel in cooperating agencies (e.g., employers, site supervisors) are notified that the report is available”.

Additionally, this information will be posted annually on the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s website for Union Institute & University to keep all stakeholders and parties up to date on systemic program evaluation.

2020-2021 SYSTEMIC PROGRAM EVALUATION

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the program cost me? Are there financial aid or scholarship funds available?

Visit our tuitions page for a list of current tuition and fees. There are a number of federal and state student aid programs available to qualified students. A financial aid counselor can assist you with questions related to your specific circumstances. Our scholarship page lists many opportunities to help you meet tuition costs.

What are my responsibilities as a student when it comes to preparing for licensing/certification?

If you have not done so already, secure a copy of your state’s credentialing requirements and compare it to the coursework and internship guidelines defined in the major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling University Catalog. If your state’s requirements differ from the course sequence checklist outlined in the university catalog, your studies can often be realigned to achieve your desired outcome. All students are required to take the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in their final term. The exam stimulates student integration of knowledge learned throughout the curriculum and gives comparative feedback on areas of strength and weakness.

When can I start the program and when will I graduate?

Start dates occur each year in January, May, and August. The hybrid delivery model in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers students a blended online and residency-based academic experience. Students will attend two residencies annually, along with full-featured online course delivery. Residencies are held at the Cincinnati, Ohio Academic Center. Students may complete the 60-credit program in 6 consecutive terms or 2 years. In the past three years, our program has graduated an average of 14 students each year from around the country.

What kind of job will I qualify for after I graduate with a master’s degree in counseling?

Licensure & certification details

While no program can guarantee licensure or certification to any individual, numerous external regulatory and state credentialing/licensing requirements for professional counselors were used in the design of the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. These include academic course requirements shared by states and stipulations made by national credentialing bodies for specific types of national certification. Prospective clinical mental health counseling students should review their state’s licensing requirements before matriculating into licensure-bound studies at Union Institute & University.

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has been awarded accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) . This accreditation is a testament to the strength of our graduate program, and the desire to provide the highest quality experience and instruction to our students. CACREP accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling and its specialties that are offered by colleges and universities in the United States and throughout the world.

Please note: Completion of the M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree does not automatically qualify you for certification or licensure in your state. Consult the appropriate state or national regulatory agency regarding licensure or certification requirements and processes for application. The ultimate responsibility regarding licensure or certification remains with the individual student and not with the institution.

Licensure Disclosure

A state license in counseling is literally permission from a particular state to practice counseling or to call oneself a licensed counselor. Some states have a single license and some have a two-tiered system. The names of state licenses vary from state to state. Some examples are LPC, LCPC, LPCC, LMHC, LPCMH, LCMHC, LPC-MH. Though requirements for licensure vary from state to state, all require some combination of: a master’s degree; counseling experience and supervision; and a passing score on the NCE and/or NCMHCE. Some require a mental health jurisprudence exam of that state.

Note: Completion of the MA-CMHC degree does not automatically qualify students for certification or licensure in their respective states. Students should consult the appropriate state or national regulatory agency regarding licensure or certification requirements and processes for application. As stated in Union's catalog, the ultimate responsibility regarding licensure or certification remains with the individual student and not with the institution.

Additional information, including a breakdown by state.

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I had to find a university that understood my priorities and goals, and I have...the university is committed to helping veterans complete their education and career goals through the Veterans in Union program.

Kylie H.

Student

I had to work and I had children at home. I couldn’t quit my job and attend a bricks-and-mortar school....I searched for a university that offered flexibility, online classes and face-to-face academic experience....I loved my time at Union. My professors were excellent, both online and in-person. I cherish the time spent with them and my fellow students.

Kerry S.

Graduate

Thank you all for the excellent weekend residency. It was a great combination of staff and guest lectures combined with hands-on experience. I found the role-play practice counseling sessions invaluable for getting an idea how conducting sessions in real time might feel.

Student

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Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admission Requirements

A Unique Hybrid Learning Format

Advanced Training & Degree

Pursue Licensing & Certification

Start a Foundation for Your Doctoral Research

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Becky Morrissey Ph.D, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS

Vital Statistics & Systemic Program Evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensure Disclosure

Hear What Our Students Are Saying

Kylie H.

Student

Kerry S.

Graduate

Student

Funding Your Future

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