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University of Pittsburgh    
2022-2023 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  May 01, 2024
 
2022-2023 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS


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In Summer 2022 the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, MS was renamed to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS. Students may choose to stay enrolled in the current Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, MS. They may also move to the new program name and are encouraged to talk to their academic advisor or program chair to discuss these options.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program delivers an innovative educational experience by integrating training in rehabilitation and mental health counseling into a holistic and cohesive graduate program for future professional counselors. We strive to be a world class educational program, preparing our students to address the complex challenges faced by people of diverse backgrounds living with disabilities including mental and behavioral health challenges. CMHC emphasizes experiential training in evidence-based practices while advancing the field through clinical research. We are committed to community engagement, advocacy, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility. 

This program prepares students for clinical practice in rehabilitation and mental health counseling. The five term, 60-credit hour curriculum includes courses on foundations of rehabilitation and mental health counseling, human development across culture and the lifespan, individual, group, family and couples counseling, substance abuse, evidence based practice in counseling, crisis management, risk assessment and disaster preparedness, clinical assessment and diagnosis, case conceptualization and treatment planning, medical and psycho-social aspects of disability, case management, vocational and career development, job development and placement, and assistive technology. Individualized and group professional mentorship over five terms of study is a hallmark of the program. 

This program prepares students to practice the profession of rehabilitation and mental health counseling. The five term, 60-credit hour curriculum is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) through October 2023. 

Graduates meet the education eligibility criteria for national certification in counseling (i.e., national certified counselor, NCC, or certified rehabilitation counselor, CRC) and the pre-clinical service and educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC).

Requirements:


Curriculum and Course Descriptions


Clinical Capstone Examination


All Counseling students are required to pass a clinical competency examination. The Clinical Counseling Capstone Exam requires student demonstration of knowledge and skills that reflect entry-level competencies of a rehabilitation and mental health counselor. Students are assessed on knowledge and skills accumulated through coursework and clinical experiences. The Capstone requires students to synthesize and apply advanced concepts into clinical practice.

The Capstone employs a clinical case study approach. Students are charged with researching and completing a written review on a client issue or population with the expectation of demonstrating expertise.  Students are provided a case study in their area of expertise to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Students are expected to analyze and synthesize case materials for case conceptualization and then develop appropriate, realistic, and evidence-based intervention plans. Students are expected to apply appropriate counseling techniques included in their intervention plan via role-play simulations. Successful completion of the Capstone is needed for the student to demonstrate mastery of graduate study.

Total Credits: 60


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