Course Descriptions
Mental Health Counseling
MHC 6401
Theories of Counseling
3 credits
Classic and contemporary theoretical approaches to counseling are examined in this course including major personality theories, counseling theories and learning theories. Clinical applications incorporating the influence of cultural diversity are also emphasized as well as the formation of a personal theory of counseling.
MHC 6402
Human Development
3 credits
This course explores developmental processes from conception through adulthood. The interaction of environmental and genetic factors is stressed. Theories of individual and family development and transitions across the life span are considered with an emphasis on the nature and needs of persons at various developmental stages and cultures and the impact of these stages on mental health.
MHC 6501
Tools, Techniques, and Strategies of Counseling I
3 credits
This course teaches introspective skills in order to develop a therapeutic relationship, maintain ethical boundaries, interview and counsel, and to cultivate self-awareness within the field of clinical mental health counseling. The course emphasizes the centrality for students to be nonjudgmental, reflective, and authentic towards one’s internal perceptions of self, others, values, beliefs, and environment in order to fully engage in the helping profession. Specific learned skills are basic listening, self-awareness, stress management, self-care, mindfulness, empathy, and other practices that promote positive counseling outcomes.
MHC 6502
Tools, Techniques, and Strategies of Counseling
3 credits
This course teaches the principles of helping relationships, essential interviewing and counseling skills, and general intervention strategies relevant to the provision of culturally responsive clinical mental health counseling services. Emphasis is placed on skills and strategies that promote psychological resilience, enhance motivation, and assist clients in the prevention, management, and/or remediation of various issues including crises, developmental transitions, and ongoing dysfunctional behaviors
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401 and MHC 6501
MHC 6505
Ethics and Practices of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
3 credits
This course focuses on ethical practice and mental health law to help develop a deep understanding of legal and moral issues involved in professional practice. Ethical issues related to gender, sexual, racial, cultural and generational diversity will be discussed. This course also covers the history and philosophy of clinical mental health counseling including professional roles, functions and responsibilities with respect to interagency and interdisciplinary collaboration. Professional issues including the management of mental health services and programs, licensure, funding, records, expert witness status, and managed care are discussed.
MHC 6901
Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology
3 credits
The classification system of psychopathology is studied with emphasis on symptomatology, etiology, and implications for treatment modalities with special emphasis given to multiaxial diagnosis. Various treatment interventions, including the adjunctive use of medications, are presented.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6402, and MHC 6505
MHC 7202
Group Counseling
3 credits
This course introduces students to the theory, research, ethics, and practice of group counseling. Basic principles of group formation, group dynamics, group process, group development, and group leadership are emphasized for various types of groups. Students participate in an experiential group activity for a minimum of 10 hours.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6502, and MHC 7501
MHC 7203
Counseling for Career Development
3 credits
This course provides a lifespan perspective on work/career. The impact of career development theory on the counseling process and the relationship of career guidance and development to college, vocational/technical schools, and job placement in community and school-based settings are studied and discussed. The availability of specialized career counseling resources for diverse client populations and those with special needs is investigated.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401 and MHC 6505
MHC 7501
Family Counseling
3 credits
This course recognizes the importance of the family and family counseling as a viable modality in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Major areas of study include the history and development of family counseling, classic and contemporary theoretical approaches, key concepts, skills and techniques used in the assessment and treatment of a family. Characteristics of healthy and dysfunctional family systems are explored as well as special concerns such as the impact of divorce, abuse, addictions, domestic violence, single-parent households, minority stress, poverty, etc. on a family system. The concept of family-of-origin and the use and development of a genogram is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6402, MHC 6501, MHC 6502, and MHC 6505
MHC 7605
Counseling Diverse Populations
3 credits
This course explores the social, psychological, cultural, economic, and environmental influences that affect various client populations. Counseling tools to meet the special needs of women, men, racial and ethnic minorities, the disabled, and other diverse groups are examined.
MHC 7805
Appraisal Techniques
3 credits
This course is a survey of psychological tests and instruments used in clinical mental health counseling settings. Principles of statistics and measurement, administration, scoring, interpretation, and use of various appraisal instruments are covered. Specific skill training in conducting clinical counseling intake interviews is addressed. Cultural biases that occur in the assessment and testing of clients is also discussed.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6505, and MHC 6901
MHC 7806
Methods of Research and Program Evaluation
3 credits
This course covers the principles and practice of counseling research and program evaluation. Qualitative, quantitative, and single-case design research methods are covered. Statistical methods used in conducting research and program evaluation are presented in addition to models of needs assessment and program evaluation. The use of research to inform evidence-based practice and ethical and culturally relevant strategies for interpreting and reporting the results of research and/or program evaluation studies are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401 and MHC 6505
MHC 7905
Practicum
4 credits
The Practicum clinical field experience is comprised of 100 total clock hours of supervised counseling experience in a mental health agency setting, a group supervision seminar, site supervision, and faculty supervision. The focus is a broad orientation to the clinical aspects of the field of mental health counseling with strong emphasis being placed on personal and professional identity and self-development. The course consists of basic/core counseling skills and intervention strategies and techniques, and exploration of the role of the clinical mental health counselor in a mental health agency setting.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6402, MHC 6502, MHC 6901, MHC 7202, MHC 7501, MHC 7605, MHC 7805, MHC 7806, MHC 8020, MHC 8061, and two electives from MHC 8011, MHC 8012, 8062, MHC 8064, MCC 8063. ''B'' for all previous work. Student must pass clinical candidacy.
MHC 8011
Advanced Seminar: Counseling Children & Adolescents
2 credits
This course teaches students the basic principles of assessment, conceptualization, and intervention skills with children and adolescents.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6502, MHC 6505
MHC 8012
Advanced Seminar: Evidence Based Family Treatment
2 credits
This course introduces students to a variety of empirically supported multi-systemic treatment modalities. Discussion topics include family and school consultation, strength-based approaches to treatment, and counseling youth in community based and hospital settings.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6502, MHC 6505, MHC 7501
MHC 8020
Addictions Counseling
3 credits
This course introduces students to the basic principles of chemical dependency and ''process addictions,'' including issues associated with gambling and sexual addictions counseling and the impact of addictions on co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This course will present the Disease Model of addiction and other etiological models, and the range of treatment options, counseling strategies, and prevention techniques available for treatment of addiction and co-occurring disorders. Screening and assessment instruments are introduced, with an emphasis on correct diagnosis and application of the Stages of Change Model.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6502
MHC 8030
Human Sexuality Counseling
2 credits
This course is an overview of sexuality issues encountered in the practice of counseling including: anatomy and physiology related to human sexual response; varieties of sexual behavior; sociocultural context of human sexuality; sexuality issues across the lifespan; sexuality issues related to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, illness, disability, and abuse; counseling skills and techniques for assessing and counseling human sexuality issues; and ethical issues related to human sexuality counseling. During the course, students will be challenged to explore personal values, attitudes, and comfort level related to counseling sexuality issues.
MHC 8061
Advanced Seminar: Humanistic Counseling
2 credits
This course provides an advanced exploration of the theories, principles, and skills of humanistic approaches to counseling.
MHC 8062
Advanced Seminar: Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling
2 credits
This course provides an advanced exploration of the theories, principles, and skills of cognitive and cognitive behavioral approaches to counseling.
MHC 8063
Advanced Seminar: Mindfulness-based Counseling
2 credits
The Mindfulness-based Counseling Seminar will be a combination of learning theoretical Mindfulness-based Counseling material (through lecture and discussion) and practicing the skills of the Mindfulness-based Counselor. As those skills are largely dependent on the presence and person of the Counselor, this Seminar will put much emphasis on personal growth and self-knowledge.MCC 8063
Advanced Seminar: Mindfulness Based Counseling
3 credits
This course will provide an overview of the construct of mindfulness and its applications in the clinical mental health counseling field. Students will be given instruction to help them to establish a personal mindfulness practice. In addition, students will review current treatment approaches that utilize mindfulness, including Mindfulness Based Cognitive therapies, Mindfulness Based addiction therapies, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Students of this course will be prepared to be mindfulness based in their counseling practice, and will have the prerequisite to pursue training as a mindfulness teacher from programs that provide that certification.Prerequisite(s): Must be enrolled in the WU CMHC program and have chair approval or be a graduate or graduate student from a counseling or mental health training program
MHC 8064
Motivational Interviewing
2 credits
This course introduces students to the processes and concepts of Motivational Interviewing, a collaborative, person-centered counseling style for addressing ambivalence about change. Originally developed in the context of treating substance use disorders, MI is designed to strengthen intrinsic motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere or acceptance and compassion.Prerequisite(s): MHC 6401, MHC 6501, MHC 6502
MHC 8092
Seminar: Consultation for Counselors
2 credits
This course introduces students to the theory, research, and practice of professional consultation. Students develop, implement, and evaluate a consultation project to be included in their professional portfolio. Students participate in a consultation exercise to enhance their academic performance.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 7905 and all respective prerequisites
MHC 8093
Seminar: Supervision for Counselors
2 credits
This course introduces students to the methods, models, and practices of clinical supervision. Students will participate in a supervision project to practice basic supervision skills and evaluate the performance of counselors which will be included in their professional portfolio.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 9001 and all respective prerequisites
MHC 8094
Psychopharmacology for Counselors
1 credit
This course is an introduction to psychopharmacology, the types of medications used in clinical mental health settings, and their side effects. Practical issues of clinical assessment, client referral, and strategies for coordination of treatment involving medication are discussed.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 6505
MHC 9001
Internship
4 credits
Internship I clinical field experience is comprised of 300 total clock hours of supervised counseling experience in a mental health agency setting, a group supervision seminar, site supervision and faculty supervision. Internship I focus is on advanced counseling and differential diagnostic interviewing skills, appropriate professional documentation, case conceptualization, treatment of high risk clients and treatment planning. The course also discusses personal and professional issues, ethics, and evidence-based models/theories related to clinical mental health.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 7905, ''B'' in all respective prerequisites
MHC 9002
Internship II
4 credits
Internship II clinical field experience is comprised of 300 total clock hours of supervised counseling experience in a mental health agency setting, a group supervision seminar, site supervision and faculty supervision. Internship II is designed to prepare students for counseling practice and future professional licensure. This course highlights the importance of knowledge and application of the current research literature which surveys counseling treatment modalities, strategies and outcome evaluation.
Prerequisite(s): MHC 9001, ''B'' in all respective prerequisites