College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master of Science

Program Purpose

The Master of Science degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is designed to prepare students to be practicing counselors in a variety of mental health settings. The CMHC program emphasizes the role of helping relationships and the development of counseling skills throughout the curriculum. Two field experiences (practicum [100 hours] and internship [600 hours]) are required. Students are prepared to sit for the National Counseling Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) which awards the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. Following 3200 hours of post-master's supervised experience by a licensed professional, individuals who have NCC status may apply for state licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in the state of Delaware.

Program Competencies

    Communication Skills

  1. Demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills.

    2. Technological Skills

  2. Demonstrate a familiarity with the use of technology in the delivery of counseling services.

    3. Knowledge

  3. Demonstrate knowledge of research, theory, and application of lifespan human development with an emphasis on diversity.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of normal and abnormal behavior in the context of application to diagnosis and treatment planning.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of the history, philosophy, theory, and professional activities of the counseling profession.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of theories, skills, and techniques related to individual, group, family, and career counseling in a multicultural society.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of testing, measurement, research tools, and technology as applied to clinical mental health counseling.

    8. Personal and Professional Identity

  8. Demonstrate an understanding and application of the ethical and legal principles of the profession of counseling.
  9. Demonstrate professional and personal growth consistent with the standards of the counseling profession.

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2011-2012 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2011 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.