The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling trains students to function in a variety of community mental health settings (e.g., clinics, hospitals, prisons, college counseling centers, day treatment programs, rehabilitation facilities, outreach programs, after care centers, etc.).

The ability to work with people in a variety of settings and roles will be cultivated. Through systematic completion of the curriculum, students will develop a competency base from which to perform effectively in their area of specialization.

A minimum program involves 36 credits of coursework, depending on undergraduate preparation.

Practicum

All students must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits prior to the Counseling Practicum experience, including the Counseling Skills Laboratory (COUNS 737) course offered during the spring semester and Counseling Theory (COUNS 713).

It is during the Counseling Skills Lab and the Counseling Practicum that a student demonstrates the ability to translate training into professional judgments and techniques. Students are required to apply formally for the Counseling Practicum and to consult with their faculty advisors regarding their field placements.  The Counseling Skills Laboratory and the Practicum must be completed with a grade of no less than “B” (3.0).  After two failed attempts to satisfactorily complete a clinical practicum students will be subject to dismissal from the program at the discretion of faculty. 

Required Core Courses (2 courses, 6 credits)

COUNS 712 Life Span Development
COUNS 715 Methods of Research

Concentration Requirements (6 courses, 18 credits)

COUNS 713 Counseling: Theory and Practice
COUNS 716 Psychological Diagnosis
COUNS 717 Introduction to Psychological Testing
COUNS 737 Counseling Skills Laboratory
COUNS 738 Mental Health Counseling Practicum I
COUNS 739 Mental Health Counseling Practicum II

Electives (4 courses, 12 credits)

COUNS 701 Child and Adolescent Development
COUNS 710 Introduction to School Counseling
COUNS 714 Psychology of Career Development
COUNS 725 Forensic Psychological Assessment
COUNS 726 Family Therapy
COUNS 727 Substance Disorders and Treatment
COUNS 728 Professional Orientation: Ethical/Legal Issues
COUNS 729 Human Sexuality Seminar
COUNS 730 Personality Disorders Seminar
COUNS 731 Action Research
COUNS 732 Psychological Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
COUNS 733 Counseling Diverse Populations
COUNS 734 Counseling Psychology Seminar
COUNS 735 Group Counseling
COUNS 736 Consultation
COUNS 751 Domestic Violence, Abuse and Neglect
COUNS 910 Independent Study: Counseling

(Coursework in related disciplines may be elected subject to approval of the program director.)

Note: Eligibility for Massachusetts licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) requires an additional 30 credit hours including a 600-hour internship. Students are encouraged to enroll in the CAGS Program at the completion of the master’s degree to satisfy the academic requirements for licensure. Licensure permits third party (Insurance Company) reimbursement for counseling services.