Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Coordinator/Contact

Staci Born, Assistant Professor
Department of Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 301, Box 507
605-688-5062

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

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; (Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness)
Apply ethical, legal, moral, and professional standards to all aspects of professional counseling services; (Transferable Skill: Ethics - Moral Decision Making/Moral Reasoning)
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 (Transferable Skill: Wellness)
Be prepared to pursue licensure as a professional counselor.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

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.

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.

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).

Course Delivery Format

Instruction occurs through didactic (classroom) and clinical experience. Most classes are enhanced with internet supplement.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	60 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	60 Credit Hours
	Option C - Coursework Only	60 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

CHRD 601 - Introduction to Professional Issues and Ethics Credits: 1
CHRD 602 - Research and Evaluation in Counseling and Human Development Credits: 3
CHRD 610 - Developmental Issues in Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 661 - Theories of Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 701 - Professional Issues and Ethics II Credits: 1
CHRD 713 - Administration and Management of Mental Health Organizations Credits: 3
CHRD 723 - Counseling the Family Credits: 3
CHRD 731 - Multicultural Counseling and Human Relations Credits: 3
CHRD 736 - Appraisal of the Individual Credits: 3
CHRD 755 - Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Credits: 4
CHRD 766 - Group Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 785 - Pre-Practicum Credits: 3
CHRD 786 - Counseling Practicum Credits: 3-5
CHRD 794 - Internship Credits: 1-6 (9 credits required)
PHA 647 - Pharmacological Issues in Mental Health Counseling Credits: 3

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

CHRD 798 - Thesis Credits: 1-6 (Minimum of 5 required credits)
Electives - Select courses listed under Option C

Option B - Research/Design Paper

CHRD 788 - Research Problems in Counseling and Guidance Credits: 1-3 (Minimum of 2 required credits)
Electives - Select courses listed under Option C

Option C - Coursework Only

Electives Credits: 9

Select from the following

The following is a list of potential electives, though it is not comprehensive. Note: *Prerequisites or permission of instructor may be required.

CHRD 706 - Introduction to Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques Credits: 2
CHRD 707 - Advanced Play Therapy and Techniques Credits: 2 *
CHRD 708 - Play Therapy: Filial and Family Credits: 1 *
CHRD 709 - Applications of Play Therapy Credits: 2 *
CHRD 710 - Clinical Experiences in Play Therapy I Credits: 1 *
CHRD 711 - Clinical Experiences in Play Therapy II Credits: 1 *
CHRD 725 - Couples and Advanced Family Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 728 - Child and Adolescent Counseling Credits: 2
CHRD 756 - Counseling the Addictive Client Credits: 3

Total Required Credits: 60 (Option A, B, & C)

Additional Program Requirements

All Master of Science students are required to purchase and carry professional liability insurance throughout the duration of the program. M.Ed. students will be required to purchase and carry professional liability insurance if enrolled in clinical courses.
Clinical course registration is completed by the department.
Students enrolled in the M.S. CHRD program need to complete a 100-hour practicum and an approved 600-hour internship. These experiences allow students to learn by doing, with active, sound supervision.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 525 paper-based, 71 Internet-based
IELTS: 5.5

Formal Application Process

In addition to applying for Graduate School, applicants must also apply to the CHRD program by April 1 for fall admission or by October 1 for spring admission. Admission is competitive.

The CHRD department requires all applicants to submit the documents below by the appropriate admission deadline:

CHRD Disclosure Statement
Resume
A typed, one-page goal statement discussing your aspirations to the counseling field
Two completed CHRD Recommendation Forms (do not use the Graduate School reference forms).

Based on the rating score of the applicant’s file, the applicant will either be invited to the group screening interview top continue the admissions process or denied admission.

Criminal Background Check Requirement

Applicants who successfully complete the interview will be required to successfully complete and pay for a criminal background check before an official offer of admission is secured.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .