MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Learning Outcomes

• Counseling degree students are taught to integrate psychology and spirituality in an academically rigorous, culturally informative, clinically responsible manner.
• Graduates of the master’s in clinical mental health counseling emerge prepared to meet the unique mental and spiritual demands of a modern, global society.

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Certifications

• Pastoral Care Specialist (CPCS) Certificate
• Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)

• Demonstrate a comprehensive overview of the evolution, structure and expansion of the field of professional counseling, both mental health based and pastoral, and the responsibilities for practice and accountability;  
• Evidence a professional competency in recognizing key ethical principles, their application to core therapeutic issues and an ability to apply a hermeneutical decision making process in their judgment;  
• Apply a theological reflection process to the development of all processes within personal integration and therapeutic relationships;  
• Extend skills and service in areas of human engagement that entail advocacy, outreach and consultation;  
• Recognize critical points of development and maturation and the processes involved in these, both within themselves toward personal transformation and in their clients to support and foster such growth;  
• Develop an openness to feedback in the course of learning and practice that allows for self-examination, theologically- based reflection and articulation of pastoral/spiritual character.  

• Be able to differentiate characteristics and skills in working with diverse populations in this post- modern age and support ongoing efforts to promote cultural awareness and reduce factors that denigrate human worth and freedom;  
• Evidence knowledge of both state and stage theories of progress through the lifespan with particular attention to supporting theories, including recent neurobiological research;  
• Recognize the etiology, symptomology, progression of pathologies, consider effective treatment modalities and introduce treatments dealing with these competently and comprehensively;  
• Apply knowledge of career assessment protocols and theories of career development for both selves and others seeking life directions;  
• Identify for themselves an orientation to a major counseling theory that can allow them to create a framework for therapeutic assessments, interaction, and outcomes that combine clinical skill and compassionate presence;  
• Be able to apply and interpret necessary methods and analyses in terms of research writing, needs assessment, statistical results and program evaluations;  
• Employ strategies and interventions for both small and large group dynamics that allow clear communication within and among members and engage persons in healing practices;  

• Through one semester of preclinical and three semesters of supervised onsite work with clients, students will compose a practice strategy and process that is clinically competent and pastorally focused. They will  
• Formulate working diagnoses and treatment goals;  
• Integrate the higher skills of therapeutic intervention within clear multicultural and ethical guidelines for practice;  
• Integrate spirituality and psychology in the assessment of various cases and therapeutic interactions;  
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of theoretical approaches consistent with client issues; 
• Attend to clients in empathic and non-judgmental way;  
• Be able to reflect theologically in counseling relationships that facilitate understanding their roles as pastoral counselor. 

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Required Courses (60 Credits)

• COUN 500 Introduction to Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3 Credits)
• COUN 505 Theology for Pastoral Identity
  (3 Credits)
• COUN 510 Counseling Theories (3 Credits)
• COUN 555 Perspectives on the Human Person (3 Credits)
• COUN 700 Psychopathology (3 Credits)
• COUN 710 Marriage and Family Counseling
  (3 Credits)
• COUN 720 Human Growth and Development (3 Credits)
• COUN 730 Ethics and Professional Issues
  (3 Credits)
• COUN 740 Pre-Clinical Preparation and Orientation (3 Credits)
• COUN 750 Clinical Practicum (3 Credits)
• COUN 760 Groups: Theory and Practice
  (3 Credits)
• COUN 770 Internship I (3 Credits)
• COUN 771 Internship II (3 Credits)
• COUN 780 Clinical Assessment (3 Credits)
• COUN 781 Career Counseling (3 Credits)
• COUN 782 Research Methods (3 Credits)
• COUN 785 Addiction Counseling (3 Credits)
• COUN 786 Multicultural Counseling (3 Credits)
• COUN 789 Trauma and Crisis (3 Credits)
• COUN 799 Interdisciplinary Seminar (3 Credits)

See catalog for more details.

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Tuition

Tuition is based on the number of credits students are enrolled in. For more information, visit the Office of Financial Assistance.

While Neumann is known for its competitive, affordable sticker price, we know that most graduates need financial assistance of some kind while enrolled in graduate school. For everything you need to know about your financial aid options, download our guide: Offsetting the Cost of Graduate School — Financial Aid for Graduate Students.

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Admissions Requirements

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended, graduate writing prompt, and two (2) letters of recommendation.

For more information on the admissions requirements for this program, visit our admissions page. 

Graduate Assistantships at Neumann University 

Program Features

• Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Weeknight courses
• Ecumenical program that welcomes all faith traditions
• Integrates psychology and spirituality
• Caring, expert faculty-practitioners

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