school of health professions 2018 - 2019 Catalog

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSMH)

The program will seek accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, 22314
703.535.5990
http://www.cacrep.org


The MHC Profession

Mental health counselors provide and coordinate services for people with a range of behavioral health concerns. Providing treatment and support to individuals and families, services are provided in both individual and group contexts. Assisting clients in developing strategies to cope with and recover from the symptoms of behavioral disorders, emphasis is placed on returning to optimal emotional functioning. Many mental health counselors work in facilities that involve interprofessional relationships with other healthcare providers. This is done through a range of activities, including: appraisal, individual and group counseling, treatment planning, referral and coordination with other service providers and assisting clients to cope effectively with their environment and function as independently as possible.

Program Description

This Mental Health Counselor education curriculum is designed to involve the learner as an active participant in the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for competent practice in the field; and conforms closely to the stated requirements for the graduate education of mental health counseling professionals as set forth by accrediting and certification bodies. It is the intent of the program to graduate students who are:

  • Ready to acknowledge the importance of ensuring dignity, independence, and wellness for persons with behavioral disorders;

  • Dedicated to adhering to the key values, standards, and codes of ethics as set forth by state and national licensing and certifying bodies;

  • Engaged in reflective, creative problem-solving;

  • Sensitive to the collaborative therapeutic relationship;

  • Involved in leadership roles to develop and enhance service delivery systems;

  • Able to act as a responsible advocate for affected clients and their families.

Graduates of the program can seek employment in behavioral or mental health centers, state agencies, hospitals, healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations, prisons, probation and corrections agencies, insurance companies, health management organizations, educational institutions, and research organizations. The program actively recruits students from diverse populations.

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSMH) degree program is a distance education, 60 semester credit hour graduate program, designed to provide a comprehensive exposure to the field of Mental Health Counseling.

The MSMH program was designed specifically for people who experience barriers to attending traditional types of graduate programs. The program is ideal for people who are employed full time, who live in rural or isolated areas; have family or personal responsibilities that prevent them from taking on-campus study; or who simply cannot take extended time off to attend school. TTUHSC uses a variety of methods and technologies to maximize the students’ educational experience, including web and internet based technologies, web conferencing teleconferencing, hard copy, videotape/audiotape, and on-site practicum and internship experiences. These and other strategies are employed to ensure that all students, regardless of geographic location, are able to participate to the maximum degree possible in all aspects of their program. Students are not required to come to the TTUHSC campus.


Clinical Education

Clinical education is an integral aspect of the program. The MSMH program complies with all requirements for practicum and clinical internships as set forth by the relevant accrediting and certifying organizations. In order to meet these requirements, Mental Health Counseling students will be required to undertake two forms of practical education during their program. First, all students will participate  in a 100 hour supervised mental health counseling practicum, which fosters personal growth, provides active learning experiences, enhances student insights into individual, group, and organizational behavior, and introduces students to counseling approaches and the issues that affect service delivery. Delivered on a distance basis, these experiences will combine applied instruction by faculty with supervised practicum experiences in off campus settings, either at the student’s place of employment (when appropriate) or in designated clinical settings.

Second, all students are required to undertake a 600 hour supervised internship in a mental health focused clinical setting. Students employed in Mental Health Counseling settings may, with Program approval, utilize these locales for their internship experiences. Students not so employed shall be assisted in locating placements in appropriate, supervised clinical settings.


Mission Statement

The mission of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center forwards the mission of the University by providing a practitioner training program focused on the unique needs of diverse communities, especially in rural settings.  We are committed to preparing entry-level Mental Health Counselors to work competently and ethically through the mastery of evidence-based counseling practices. Our focus centers on understanding the unique needs of persons with mental health concerns across their lifespans in the community, workplace, personal relationships and activities.


Program Goals

The goal of the program is to prepare counselors with the counseling knowledge, attitudes, and skills to assist clients with mental health concerns to use their own resources and opportunities to meet their developmental, educational and interpersonal needs. To accomplish this goal, the program provides educational and practical experiences that allow students to meet the following knowledge and outcome expectations:

The objectives of our program are linked to our mission statement. They are to provide:

The MSMH program strives to accomplish our mission, goals and objectives by:

  • Recruiting, educating and graduating a diverse population of students who are prepared to provide mental health counseling services in a variety of employment settings.

  • Providing a rigorous academic environment that provides a solid foundation to prepare entry level Mental Health Counselors who meet national certification standards.

  • Working closely with the public and private counseling communities to ensure well-trained graduates who are considered valued employees.

  • Developing a faculty that is valued by our students and the counseling community for our teaching, research, and service.

  • Achieving the highest quality program possible within the constraints of available financial, human, technological, and time resources.

  • Developing commitment within students to empower individuals with mental health concerns to identify and maximize their resources to meet their developmental, vocational, independent living, and educational needs.

  • Instilling within students a commitment to develop a life-long commitment to learning professionalism continuing education throughout their career.

Certification and Licensure

Upon completion of the MSMH program, students will possess the competencies and experiences necessary to take the national certification examinations, and if successful, be accredited as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). In addition, graduates of the MSMH program will be able to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in most states.


Admission to the Program

The MSMH Program has a rolling admission policy, however, students applying for the Fall semester must submit an application by June 1 and those applying for Spring semester must submit an application by October 1.

Individuals applying to the program should already hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, preferably in a related area such as psychology, social work, counseling, special education, sociology, nursing, and related disciplines, however all disciplines are accepted. To be considered for admission, an overall grade point average GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale for most recent 60 credits of undergraduate credit or any graduate study credit is required. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Millers Analogies Test (M.A.T.) scores are NOT required for entry into the MSMH program. Prior work or volunteer experience in human service settings is considered a valuable attribute for applicants, but is not mandatory. Students may transfer up to 9 credit hours, if applicable, with program approval. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


Application Process

Students will submit a completed application form, transcripts, letter from the applicant outlining their rationale for applying to the program, 2 letters of reference, and a resume. Qualified candidates may be contacted for an interview.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to assure that all supporting documentation is received by the Admissions Department. Application materials and detailed information on application procedures and Admission criteria can be accessed via the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Health Professions website at http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/admissions/application.aspx. Applications for non-degree seeking students wishing to participate in selected MSMH courses are accepted up to three weeks prior to the start of the semester.

MSMH Curriculum

Course
Credit Hours
HPMC 5301      Introduction to Counseling & Ethical3
HPMC 5302      Counseling Theories3
HPMC 5303      Human Growth & Development3
HPMC 5304      Career Counseling3
HPMC 5305      Psychopathology & Diagnosis3
HPMC 5306      Treatment Planning & Case Management3
HPMC 5307      Multicultural Counseling3
HPMC 5308      Research & Statistics3
HPMC 5309      Group Counseling3
HPMC 5311      Addictions3
HPMC 5312      Assessment3
HPMC 5313      Micro Counseling                             3

Total Hours = 36

MAJOR COURSEWORK
Course
Credit Hours
HPMC 5330      Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling & Ethical Development3
HPMC 5331      Crisis Counseling3
HPMC 5332      Psycho-pharmacology for Mental Health3
HPMC 5333      Professional Development in Mental Health Counseling3

Total Hours = 12              

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Course
Credit Hours
HPMC 5314      Practicum3
HPMC 5315      Internship I3
HPMC 5316      Internship II3
HPMC 5317      Internship III                                                  3

Total Hours = 12

ELECTIVES*
*Elective credits are optional and not required for graduation.
Course
Credit Hours          
HPMC 5111      Independent Study                                               1
HPMC 5310      Special Topics3
HPMC 5345      Special Topics in Mental Health Counseling3

  • HPMC 5301 Introduction to Counseling and Ethical Development (3:3:0,O)

    This course introduces students to the profession of counseling, including the history of the counseling profession, professional accreditation and licensure requirements, the role of professional organizations in counseling, consultation with counselors and related professionals, counselor supervision, and self-care strategies. Course materials and learning activities foster the development of critical thinking skills in the areas of professional ethics and ethical decision making, multicultural and social justice awareness and competencies, and professional advocacy. This course also focuses on the laws and regulations governing the practice of counseling and the American Counseling Association (ACA) professional code of ethics.

  • HPMC 5302 Counseling Theories (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to the principles of behavior, personality, and human development. Exploration of individual, group, and family counseling theories and practices as they apply to persons with disabilities.

  • HPMC 5303 Human Growth and Development (3:3:0,O)

    The purpose of this class is to develop an understanding of human growth and development honoring both normative and non-normative experiences. Students will use this knowledge to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to provide ethical counseling services to diverse individuals across the lifespan.

  • HPMC 5304 Career Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    The theories, roles and techniques in the development of employment of persons with disabilities are explored in depth. From a career perspective, topic areas include job development, placement, work-site modifications, assistive technology, and work place supports.

  • HPMC 5305 Psychopathology and Diagnosis (3:3:0,O)

    The purpose of this class is the exploration of the range of personality and behavioral disorders as described in the DSM-V. Focusing on process, students will learn the descriptive criteria, etiology, assessment, diagnosis, identification of diversity issues, identification of common psychotropic treatments of these disorders, and develop a strong understanding of the major diagnostic categories.

  • HPMC 5306 Treatment Planning and Case Management (3:3:0,O)

    Review of the case management process, including case findings, service coordination and client advocacy. Identification and development of treatment planning strategies and caseload management.

  • HPMC 5307 Multicultural Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on the theories underlying multicultural counseling, identity development and social justice, and their application to practice. Topics addressed include race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and socioeconomic issues; racial and cultural identity formation; and oppression, privilege, social justice, and advocacy. Course materials and learning activities provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of multicultural and diversity theories and issues to examine their own development as counselors to specific client populations and to their communities.

  • HPMC 5308 Research and Statistics (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides the student with an exploration of current trends in research in counseling and related fields; basic research design, methodologies, analysis, and interpretation; a discussion of the applications of research methodologies, findings, and interpretations in guiding and evaluating counseling practice (e.g.-choosing interventions, planning assessments, evaluating results, etc.); and an introduction to research statistics.

  • HPMC 5309 Group Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course is designed to prepare counselors to become knowledgeable and skillful in using theoretical constructs of group counseling including individuals with disabilities. Attention is given to theories of counseling, elements of leadership in group counseling, healthy and dysfunctional behaviors, culturally diverse perspectives, and legal and ethical issues. Students must have passed HPCR/HPMC/HPAC/HPRC 5302 or equivalent before enrolling.

  • HPMC 5310 Special Topics in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    Specialized seminars or courses in specific areas of addiction counseling as identified by faculty, students or the community.

  • HPMC 5311 Addictions (3:3:0,O)

    A thorough review of addictions including models of addiction, assessment, treatment, and interactions between addiction and rehabilitation services. Common topics include specific issues of prevalence, culture, and political interactions.

  • HPMC 5312 Assessment (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on both the tasks of rehabilitation and mental health assessment. Common topics include a comprehensive study of commonly used vocational assessment tools as well as the DSM-V.

  • HPMC 5313 Micro Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    Exploration, development, and practice of micro-skills, the essential building blocks of counseling. Training allows for observed development and peer practice in a laboratory setting. Students must have passed HPRC/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5302 or equivalent before enrolling.

  • HPMC 5314 Practicum (3:3:7,H)

    Supervised counseling practicum fostering professional growth, knowledge skills development, and awareness into the counseling process and issues that affect service delivery. Includes both in-class and on-site experiences in settings that facilitate the development of basic counseling and practice skills. This course may be repeated if the 100 hour requirement is not met. Completion of this course is a prerequisite for the internship phase of the program. Students must have passed HPRC 5311/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5313 before enrolling.

  • HPMC 5330 Foundations of Mental Health Counseling and Ethical Development (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to the history and philosophy of mental health counseling, and the legislative and policy background underpinning the modern delivery of counseling services. Exploration of the organizational structure of current counseling services, and the legal and ethical standards that guide them are emphasized. Discussion of societal issues, trends, and developments in mental health counseling, and their impact upon client review, choice, and personal responsibility.

  • HPMC 5331 Crisis Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course provides an overview of the theories, techniques, and applications for counseling in crisis, trauma, and grief to include, but not limited to: natural disasters, man-made disasters, trauma, violent crime, military and/or community violence, and long term effects of crisis and trauma.

  • HPMC 5332 Psycho-Pharmacology for Mental Health (3:3:0,O)

    Introduction to the use of psychotropic medications for the treatment of mental disorders as applied to children, adolescents and adults. Review the function of the central nervous systems and the role of neurotransmitters on the etiology of mental disorders. Address basic principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Provides knowledge essential for counselors to understand drug impact and raise informed questions when seeking psychiatric consultation.

  • HPMC 5333 Professional Development in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3:3:0,O)

    This course serves as the capstone experience for the clinical rehabilitation counseling student. Students are expected to demonstrate both theoretical and skill competence prior to graduation. This course reviews and assesses the theoretical and applied skills, as well as attitudes of the addiction counselor trainee. Topics focus on the work the student has completed throughout the program. This course should be taken concurrently with HPRC 5312/HPCR/HPMH/HPAC 5314.

  • HPMC 6000 Internship Completion (1-6:1-6:1-40,F)

    A variable credit course used for completion of core required internship hours after HPRC 5313-15/HPCR/HPMC/HPAC 5315-17 have been completed.

  • HPMC 6001 Internship (3-9:0:1-40,F)

    An immersion experience of supervised practice within a counseling services setting. Students will serve as a counseling professional under the supervision of a fully qualified practitioner. Mandatory group supervision by faculty in an online setting. Requires a total of 600 hours of supervised clinical practice throughout the 9 required credit hours. Student will work with their advisor to determine the appropriate number of credit hours for which to register each semester. Students must have passed the Practicum course for their specialty before enrolling. Students may enroll in course multiple times.