Program Coordinator/Contact
Kristin Bruns, NCC, LPC in Ohio
Department of Counseling and Human Development
E-mail: kristin.bruns@sdstate.edu
Program Information
Students who successfully complete this 60-credit hour specialization will earn a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Upon successful completion of the core requirements, and those of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization and with the successful completion of the comprehensive written and oral examinations, graduates are endorsed as having constructed appropriate entry level knowledge and as having met appropriate skill acquisition to be recognized as professional clinical mental health counselors. Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization are also responsible for having taken supporting area courses which supplement or enhance their chosen specialty.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Standards and Accreditations
The Master of Science in CHRD specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under the 2001 standards for Community Counseling.
Certification
All Master of Science students are eligible to begin the process for the National Certified Counselor certification by taking the NCE six months before or after they graduate.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization is designed to meet the requirements of the South Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. Graduates of this specialization are eligible for training supervisee status under the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors. Once graduates complete an approved plan for the remainder of the supervised clinical experience, they are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Licensure
Graduation from this program does not grant immediate licensure as a counselor. Licensure differs by state and is obtainable by completing additional client contact hours after graduation. Students are responsible for researching licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course requirements for a MS in CHRD specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, students will:
- understand and advocate for positive attention to developmental needs of individuals, families, schools, and communities;
- promote mental health through well-developed and consistent theoretical study and application;
- appreciate cultural, ethnic, and gender differences as they relate to perceptions and expectations of counseling;
- apply ethical, legal, moral, and professional standards to all aspects of professional counseling services;
- respond to the mental health needs of a variety of individuals and families, through a wide spectrum of services including support, education, assessment, and treatment;
- understand and be able to appropriately select and apply a variety of service or treatment modalities;
- understand assessment strategies and the criteria for mental illnesses as well as effective treatments;
- understand and model healthy community and work relationships; and
- be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional counselor.
Course Delivery Format
Instruction occurs through didactic (classroom) and clinical experience. Most classes are enhanced with internet supplement.
