Counseling Program
The Master of Arts in Counseling program is a non-thesis program that prepares individuals to provide a variety of professional counseling services to diverse client populations in a wide range of work settings. The mission of the program is to prepare exemplary counselors who are committed to ethical practice. The program has a strong focus on leadership and advocacy skills in relationship to human development issues as well as the planning, delivery, and evaluation of comprehensive programs for school counseling. The clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) specialization emphasizes evidenced-based practice as the foundation for delivering culturally responsive treatment for clients in a variety of clinical and forensic mental health settings. Counseling’s specific learning outcomes are aligned with the School of Leadership and Education Sciences’ overarching ACE themes of (A) academic excellence, (C) critical reflection and inquiry, identification with a community of practice and a (E) commitment to service, ethical practice, and knowledge and skills in serving diverse populations.
The Counseling Program utilizes benchmark assessments to determine whether candidates meet the standards required to enter the program, continue in the program, and complete the program. A Clinical Instruction Benchmark Assessment (CIBA) is utilized to provide students (also referred to as candidates) with personal and professional development feedback, to assess progress in the program, and to determine the student’s readiness for the transition to the practicum and fieldwork/internship portions of clinical instruction. The CIBA is completed prior to approval to register for the Counseling Practicum.
The Counseling Program also has a chapter of Chi Sigma Iota – the International Academic and Professional Honor Society for counseling - which students are eligible to join after completing at least nine units of graduate courses with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA.
Graduates of the Counseling Program find employment in school districts, clinical settings such as community agencies and private practice, community college and university campuses, career centers, and government and business settings. In addition, many of our graduates have gone on to doctoral programs in counseling psychology, counselor education, educational leadership, educational psychology, and related fields. Students who complete our MA program are eligible for state licensing as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in 49 states. The USD Counseling Program meets the requirements of the proposed Professional Counselor Licensing Bill in California as well.
Program Requirements
Applicants to the program should specifically address the fit of the counseling program’s coursework and experience requirements to the applicant’s career goals. In the application and in the required individual and group interviews with program faculty members, applicants should provide evidence of demonstrated ability in academic endeavors and examples of effective helping skills applied in employment, intern, and volunteer settings. Recommendation letters should reflect on the applicant’s intellectual and interpersonal skills based on direct observation or supervision of the applicant.
Program Specializations and Requirements
Students in both program areas complete courses designed to meet program requirements recommended by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). All students complete core and specialization courses of counseling courses specific to their areas of professional practice. The program requires the student to complete a 100-hour Counseling Practicum and two semesters of fieldwork or internship in a setting related to the student’s career goal. The fieldwork or internship requires completion of 600 units of supervised work at an approved site.
Comprehensive End-of-Program Evaluation
I. Comprehensive Examination, Student Survey and Exit Interview
II. Successful completion of the comprehensive student assessment and professional development process (CMHC only)
This process is designed to provide an assessment of the student’s clinical reasoning within diverse conceptual frames. Formulations must be based on the relevant literature and on core clinical knowledge and science. The case materials must demonstrate the student’s abilities to (1) establish and maintain a psychotherapeutic relationship; (2) self-reflect and critically analyze clinical material; (3) gather and use clinical data; (4) devise a treatment plan and (5) direct interventions appropriately and in accordance with this plan (clinical decision-making).
Course Descriptions
Please click for larger image.
Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization (CMHC) is an intensive 60 unit graduate curriculum that provides comprehensive training at the master’s level. The CHMC specialization prepares graduates for independent clinical practice as licensed professional counselors. The specialization has a strong clinical focus that helps students develop competencies required to work as practitioners in educational settings, mental health agencies, correctional institutions, religious organizations, inpatient health-care facilities and private practice. Students in the CMHC specialization also learn methods for conducting clinical assessments, using the DSM-IV-TR, conceptualizing cases, writing psychosocial histories, crafting treatment plans, as well as evaluating the outcomes of mental health programs and clinical services. Professional mental health ethics and cultural responsiveness are integrated into all coursework. Clinical mental health counselors provide direct services to clients of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and circumstances to help them achieve their goals. Students learn individual and group counseling techniques, as well as the clinical intervention skills found to be effective for a variety of mental health issues ranging from adjustment disorders to severe mental illnesses. The CMHC specialization uses an evidence-based clinical practice approach in coursework and internship so students develop competencies and a professional identity consistent with clinical mental health counselors.
I. Core Courses (26 units) |
|
| COUN 503 | Professional Orientation in Counseling (2) |
| COUN 505 | Lifespan Development (3) |
| COUN 508 | Research Methods in Counseling (3) |
| COUN 510 | Career Development Across the Lifespan (3) |
| COUN 515 | Multicultural Counseling (3) |
| COUN 520 | Counseling Psychology: Theory and Practice (3) |
| COUN 525 | Group Dynamics (3) |
| COUN 530 | Assessment Techniques in Counseling (3) |
| COUN 548 | Forensic and Ethical – Legal Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3) |
II. Mental Health Clinical Core (19 units) |
|
| COUN 541 | Advanced Counseling: Diagnosis and Treatment (3) |
| COUN 543 | Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3) |
| COUN 544 | Introduction to Family Counseling (3) |
| COUN 545 | Substance Abuse Counseling (3) |
| COUN 546 | Human Sexuality (2) |
| COUN 547 | Risk Assessment and Trauma Intervention (3) |
| COUN 549 | Psychopharmacology with Diverse Clinical Mental Health Clients (2) |
III. Electives (3 units) |
|
| COUN 504 | Prepracticum in Counseling Techniques (3) |
| COUN 587P | Clinical Mental Health Practicum (3) |
| COUN 597F | Clinical Mental Health Internship I |
| COUN 598F | Clinical Mental Health Internship II |
| Students complete a total of 6 or more units until they complete a minimum of 600 hours of supervised experience with minimum 320 direct service hours. | |
V. Non-Credit CMHC Requirements |
|
| 1. Declaration and writing of clinical sub-specialization plan (due by last Friday in September) 2. Successful leadership and membership in at least two CMHC specialization projects 3. Active malpractice insurance verification each year that is maintained in good standing throughout enrollment in CMHC (must be on file in counseling office) 4. Full compliance with ACA and any other relevant mental health ethical codes. (Violations can result in program dismissal.) 5. Attend and document at least 36 clinical supervision group meetings with a doctoral level licensed mental health professional during the entire CMHC specialization. 6. Fingerprint clearance (due by the first Friday in October) |
|
Specialization in School Counseling |
|
| Students who specialize in School Counseling plan to be school counselors in elementary, middle school/junior high and high school settings or to work with agencies serving K-12 children and their families. Students have knowledge and skills in student advocacy and student support as well as in the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive guidance and counseling programs. The USD School Counseling Specialization stresses the development of leadership skills in transforming school counseling. The requirements for the California Pupil Personnel Services Credential with an emphasis in School Counseling can be met through this degree program. The 48 unit program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and has been approved to meet current California Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS) standards. The program director and credentials analyst will help students who seek credentials from other states. | |
I. Core Courses (30 units): |
|
| COUN 503 | Professional Orientation in Counseling (2) |
| COUN 504 | Prepracticum in Counseling Techniques (3) |
| COUN 505 | Human Development (3) |
| COUN 506 | Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counseling (1) |
| COUN 508 | Research Methods in Counseling (3) |
| COUN 510 | Career Development Across the Lifespan (3) |
| COUN 515 | Multicultural Counseling (3) |
| COUN 520 | Counseling Psychology: Theory and Practice (3) |
| COUN 525 | Group Dynamics (3) |
| COUN 530 | Assessment Techniques in Counseling (3) |
| COUN 541 | Advanced Counseling: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (3) |
II. School Counseling Specialization Courses |
|
| Required Courses (18 units, including 6 units of fieldwork): | |
| COUN 518 | Organization of Student Support Systems (3) |
| COUN 536 | Counseling Children and Youth in School Settings (3) |
| COUN 537 | Applied Techniques for Counseling in School Settings (3) |
| EDUC 582 | Psychological Foundations in School Settings (3) |
III. Clinical Instruction in School Counseling |
|
| COUN 588P | Practicum: School (3) |
| COUN 590F | Fieldwork in School Settings (3) Minimum of 2 semesters required |
PPS Credential in School Counseling |
|
| The USD Counseling Program is an accredited Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential preparation program for the school counseling specialization. Students completing the Counseling Program’s School Counseling Specialization are eligible to apply for the California K-12 PPS – School Counseling credential. | |
Requirements for the Specialization in School Counseling |
|
| Applicants must satisfy all of the following: 1. Complete post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 48 semester units in a Commission-accredited professional preparation program specializing in school counseling, including a practicum. 2. Obtain the recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-accredited Pupil Personnel Services program, specializing in school counseling. 3. Pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). The USD Counseling Program has two options for obtaining the recommendation for the PPS credential in School Counseling: |
|
Option 1: For students completing the USD M.A. in Counseling with a School Counseling specialization. |
|
| Requirements: • Complete requirements for the M.A. in Counseling with the School • Counseling specialization; • Pass CBEST; and, • Meet the PPS credential fieldwork requirements.* |
|
Option 2. For students who already have a master’s degree in counseling. (This option is periodically available, when program enrollment permits) Candidates for this option should make an appointment with the Program Coordinator for School Counseling to have previous graduate course work evaluated for equivalence to the following courses: |
|
| COUN 503 | Professional Orientation in Counseling (2) |
| COUN 504 | Prepracticum in Counseling Techniques (3) |
| COUN 505 | Human Development (3) |
| COUN 506 | Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counseling (1) |
| COUN 508 | Research Methods in Counseling (3) |
| COUN 510 | Career Development Across the Lifespan (3) |
| COUN 515 | Multicultural Counseling (3) |
| COUN 520 | Counseling Psychology: Theory and Practice (3) |
| COUN 525 | Group Dynamics (3) |
| COUN 530 | Assessment Techniques in Counseling (3) |
| COUN 536 | Counseling Children and Youth in School Settings (3) |
| COUN 537 | Applied Techniques for Counseling in School Settings (3) |
| COUN 588P | Practicum: School (3) |
| COUN 590F | Fieldwork in School Settings (3) Minimum of two semesters, for a total of 6 units |
| Total fieldwork = 600 hours. | |
| * Fieldwork: The PPS credential requires 600 hours of fieldwork completed under the supervision of a PPS-credentialed supervisor. School fieldwork must be completed at two of three levels: elementary, middle/junior, high school. Fieldwork sites are approved by the faculty member designated as the Director of Field Experiences in conjunction with the student’s advisor. Specific hours of direct contact experience, cross-cultural counseling, and group counseling are required. Students receive individual and group supervision during the fieldwork experience. Students enroll in a fieldwork course each term that they are collecting fieldwork hours until 600 hours are completed. Students must complete a minimum of 200 hours at each fieldwork site. Prerequisites: COUN 505, COUN 515, COUN 525 and COUN 588P (or approval of the Coordinator for Clinical Instruction.) | |
Reservation of the Right to Modify
_________________
To report typographical or design errors: Annie O'Brien, Academic Publications Coordinator.
For content errors, please contact the respective school or department.
