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Mental health counseling is the provision of professional counseling services, involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families and groups for the purposes of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health.
Training for mental health counselors requires the minimal of a 60 credit-hour program, with 1000 hours of practicum/internship. Mental health counselors work in clinics, hospitals, public and private agencies and college and university settings. Currently, 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico license mental health Counselors. A Certificate of Advance Study is available for individuals with a related master’s degree.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor- LMHC New York State
Niagara University's program meets state of New York requirements and graduate are license eligible (3,000 clock hours needed and passing the state test). Also, graduates may take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) to receive the national board certification: Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
Professional associations for Mental Health Counselors:
•American Counseling Association (ACA) www.counseling.org
•American Mental Health Counselors Association www.amhca.org
Advisor: Dr. Hodges - shodges@niagara.edu - 716-286-8328
Counseling Program Statement
The counselor preparation programs in the College of Education are founded on a commitment to developing practitioners and leaders in the counseling field who, in the Vincentian tradition, individually and systemically foster human growth and development, and spiritual and emotional well being within a culturally diverse context. Graduates of these programs are expected to demonstrate the qualities of outstanding, reflective practitioners such as the dispositions of caring and respect for self and others, and a commitment to equity, social justice, open-mindedness, and fairness. Additionally_ , candidates within these programs are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and ethical standards as set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and adopted by Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP in its 2001 standards outlines 8 core areas of expertise for school counselors. These areas require candidates to develop knowledge, skills and dispositions in the areas of:
- Professional identity
- Social and Cultural Diversity
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Development
- Helping Relationships
- Group Work
- Assessment
- Research and Program Evaluation
~ Money Magazine Places Mental Health Counselors on Best Job List ~
Mental-health counselor ranked 33rd on the Money magazine list of "Best Jobs" for 2006 as reported in the May edition of the popular periodical. Occupations were selected by Money and Salary.com using US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics data on positions that will grow at an above-average pace over the coming decade and require at least a bachelor's degree. Jobs were then scrutinized according to salary (average annual pay over $50,000), number employed and annual openings. Finally, the ranking took into account stress levels, flexibility in hours and working environment, creativity and how easy it is to enter and advance in the field. Visit the following link to see the list: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/top50/index.html
Mental Health Counseling Curriculum:
A. Required Coursework:
Edu 651 Introduction to Counseling
Edu 654 Theories of Counseling
Edu 655 Lifespan Development
Edu 652 Multicultural Counseling
Edu 595 Educational Research and Statistics
Edu 657 Appraisal and Testing for Counselors
Edu 658 Counseling Process
Edu 659 Wellness and Counseling
Edu 666 Abnormal Psychology
Edu 619 Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Edu 670 Differential Diagnoses
Edu 664 Career Counseling
Edu 668 Family Counseling
Edu 669 Advanced Group
Edu 679 Mental Health Practicum
Edu 685 Internship I
Edu 686 Internship II
Edu 687 Internship III Total = 54 hours
To complete the 60 credit hour requirement, students may choose from the menu options below.
B. Elective Coursework:
Edu 671 Psychopharmacology
Edu 672 Bases to Drug & Alcohol Addiction
Edu 803 Counseling & Behavioral Therapy with Children
Or other graudate courese work as approved by advisor
C. A student may do a focus area in Criminal Justice to complete the requirement:
CRJ 582 Women, Minorities and the CRJ System
CRJ 572 Penal Policy and Management of Offenders
D. Graduate students in the Mental Health Counseling program may also transfer in nine (9) graduate credit hours from another university.
Total Credit Hours required for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Mental Health Counseling: 54 required hours + 6 Elective hours= 60
E. Prior to completion of the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mental Health Counseling, a student will complete and successfully defend a portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is admission to the program decided?
Decisions for admittance into the graduate program are based upon a comprehensive system, which includes multiple measures to assess the personal characteristics, communications and basic skills proficiency of candidates. This system includes (a) a standardized skills proficiency test (the MAT or GRE), (b) faculty recommendation, (c) statement of intent, (d) record of competence and effectiveness in academic and/or professional work, and (e) graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of a B average.
All students attend an interview which will examine the student's career goals, personal readiness for conducting therapy, multicultural sensitivity and awareness, and personal judgment and decision-making skills.
How long will it take to complete the program of study?
Students can complete the master of science degree program in mental health counseling in three years by taking courses in the fall, spring and summer sessions.
What is the advisement process?
Students will be assigned a faculty adviser upon completion of the application for admission. Students should meet with the assigned adviser prior to beginning their program of study and periodically thereafter. The adviser will assist the student in planning his/her program.
What are the requirements for graduation?
Students must maintain a B average in course work and successfully complete a comprehensive examination and all practicum and internship placements.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. If you are matriculated (accepted) student you may qualify for a Stafford Student Loan, a Federal Perkins Loan, a TAP award (New York state residents) or an OSAP Loan (Canadians).
You can contact the Financial Aid office at Niagara University:
Barbara M. Corcoran
Financial Aid Counselor
716-286-8686
e-mail: bmc@niagara.edu
How do I apply to the program?
Click here to go our application site.
The Program
The master of science degree in mental health counseling is designed for persons seeking employment in an agency counseling setting. The program qualifies students for New York State Licensure- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Individuals can also apply for national certification as a professional counselor (NCC) and as a clinical mental health counselor (CCMHC). (Additional years of experience are required for the certification.)
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)
A CAS program is available for persons with a related master's degree. Advisement and permission from the department are necessary before acceptance.
Internships
The program includes a three credit hour counseling practicum and a nine credit hour internship for a total of 1,000 clock hours of supervised experience.
Registration
The master of science degree and certification of advanced studies programs in mental health counseling have been approved and registered by the New York State Education Department.
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. (Feb. 16, 2007) — The Niagara University College of Education’s graduate program in mental-health counseling has received the licensure qualifying designation from the New York State Department of Education.
The program, founded in 1994, was the first of its kind in the state. Graduate students have the opportunity to complete coursework and internship experiences with experienced faculty who hold both a Ph.D. and licensure in the profession.
“Mental health counselors have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse array of settings on many critical issues that affect children, youth, families and our community,” said Dr. Debra Colley, dean of the College of Education.
The 60-credit-hour program requires a 1,000-hour field-placement requirement. In addition to training in individual, group, couples and family counseling, the mental-health counseling program also requires a course in mediation and conflict resolution. Upon completion of the program, candidates are eligible for their licensure to practice mental-health counseling in New York state.
Niagara University and Brock University have a joint certificate program in Dual Diagnoses (In this case "Dual Diagnoses" means Developmental Disabilities and a corresponding mental disorder). Each summer DD classes are offered at Brock University. For more information go to: www.brocku.ca/dualdiagnosis
"When I think about my time in the Mental Health Counseling Program at Niagara University, I feel pride and gratitude. Through my classes, professors, and classmates, I learned specific counseling skills, techniques, theory, and mental health background; faced challenges that I did not know I could face; and received the great support that I needed to achieve my goals. The opportunity to intern at the college's counseling center gave me practical experience, while it solidified my career aspirations to work with college students. My former professors and internship supervisor supported me post graduation, and continue to offer career advice and encouraging words. The program gave me the knowledge, experience, and confidence to achieve my goal of being a "counselor" and a help to others. I am so happy and thankful that I chose this comprehensive education to enhance my life."
Teresa L. Walker - Niagara University Alumnus
Assistant Director/Counselor
Higher Education Opportunity Program
St. Bonaventure University
"As a working professional in the criminal justice field as a domestic violence advocate/counselor, Niagara University’s program in Mental Health Counseling provided me with the necessary skills, education, and training to enhance my counseling techniques. Also, it gave me career mobility and advancement. The 60-hour structure program gives you the option to have a focus area; I chose the drug/alcohol and criminal justice components. The 1000 hours internship over the course of four semesters, gave me the skills and supervision that I needed to be an effective counselor. I was able to counsel various populations; such as the Mentally Ill Chemically Addicted (MICA) and forensics. This program has not only prepared me to be a mental health counselor but also for the coursework requirements for licensure in New York State and nationally. As a result of a small interactive setting, I was able to foster relationships with my fellow classmates, professors, and mental health professionals."
Tomasina Cook - Niagara University Alumnus
Domestic Violence Counselor
Niagara County Sheriff's Department
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