ASU Distance Learning Degrees

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Masters in Counselor Edcuation (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)

Degree At A Glance:

Number of Credits	75
Cost Per Credit	$ 300
Total Tuition	$ 22,500

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Clinical mental health counseling is a proactive mental health profession that treats mental illness, addresses life distress and adjustment issues, and facilitates wellness in individuals, families, and their related contexts (Shallcross, 2013). Clinical mental health counselors are highly-skilled professionals who provide flexible, consumer-oriented therapy. They combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical, problem-solving approach that creates a dynamic and efficient path for change and problem resolution. Clinical mental health counselors may qualify as both a nationally certified counselor (NCC) and a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling
specialization prepares individuals to provide evaluations, referrals, and short-term counseling services to help people prevent or remediate personal problems, conflicts, and emotional crises. Includes instruction in human development, psychopathology, individual and group counseling, personality theory, career assessment, patient screening and referral, observation and testing techniques, interviewing skills, professional standards and ethics, and applicable laws and regulations.

Program Contact Information
Program Advisor	Dr. Annie Lewis		229-500-2149
Online Specialist	Dr. Denata Williams	Schedule Now with Dr. Denata Williams	229-500-2913

Albany State University recommends the following course track for transfer students.
If you would like to use a different track, please contact your Online Support Specialist.

Foundations (21 hours)

Course Listing for Foundations
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5000	Introduction to Counseling Profession	3 hours COUN 5000 - Introduction to Counseling Profession 3 credit hours Course Description This course offers an introduction and orientation to the counseling profession. The course includes studies of the history and philosophy of the profession; contemporary and emerging trends in counseling; professional organizations, publications, credentialing requirements including certification and licensure and accreditation standards; advocacy, public policy, and ethical codes that shape professional practice.
COUN 5500	Theories of Counseling*	3 hours COUN 5500 - Theories of Counseling* 3 credit hours Course Description This course introduces students to the theories and principles of counseling, alternative theoretical strategies and the process of counseling. Points of convergence and divergence will be discussed.
COUN 5501	Lifespan Development*	3 hours COUN 5501 - Lifespan Development* 3 credit hours Course Description This course offers an introduction to the study of human development from conception through death. Theories of development of physical, psychological, psychosocial, cognitive, moral aspects of human development are presented. The course also explores environmental and genetic factors, developmental crises and transitions, family development, and community influences as they relate to optimal and exceptional development.
COUN 5520	Multicultural Counseling: Theory & Practice	3 hours COUN 5520 - Multicultural Counseling: Theory & Practice 3 credit hours Course Description An examination of relationships, issues and trends in the context of a diverse society related to such factors as culture, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics,family, religious and spiritual values, education, socioeconomic status and the unique characteristics of individuals, couples, families, ethnic groups, and communities. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5540	Prevention, Intervention & Consulation	3 hours COUN 5540 - Prevention, Intervention & Consulation 3 credit hours Course Description The course will help students to develop the skills and techniques for effective consultation with clients, educators, parents, and community referral resources, and other clinicians. Theoretical and practical application and practice of specific skills essential to prevention, intervention, and collaboration are emphasized. Prerequisites: COUN 5528 or COUN 5525 or COUN 5508.
COUN 5600	Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling	3 hours COUN 5600 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description Legislative, judicial and ethical mandates germane to professional counselors are presented in this course. Current issues including such topics as confidentiality, use of assessment instruments, family issues, professional identity, and an examination of the ACA Code of Ethics and other professional standards will be covered. Prerequisite: COUN 5528.
COUN 5610	Crisis Counseling And Intervention	3 hours COUN 5610 - Crisis Counseling And Intervention 3 credit hours Course Description This course provides an overview of the types and models of crisis intervention. Consideration of organization, and client variables including developmental needs, diversity and cultural issues, as well as primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention are addressed. Prerequisite: COUN 5512.
EDUC 5199	Introduction Teacher Education	0 hours EDUC 5199 - Introduction Teacher Education 0 credit hours Course Description Orientation to Teacher Education provides graduate students with the training and information needed to successfully navigate ASU teacher preparation program requirements. Students will receive training on the College of Education's Conceptual Framework; the requirements needed to successfully complete teacher preparation programs; learn to navigate DegreeWorks to complete academic program plans of study; and learn to navigate LiveText for purposes of assessment and evaluation of Key Unit and Program specific assessments. All students will be required to purchase a LiveText account and have an active ASU account prior to participation in the course.

Nature of the Learner (12 hours)

Course Listing for Nature of the Learner
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5508	Introduction to Mental Health Counseling	3 hours COUN 5508 - Introduction to Mental Health Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description Students are introduced to the history, philosophy, and theoretical foundations of the clinical mental health counseling professions, including the scope of practice, credentialing, professional roles, functions, and relationships with other helpers. This course provides an overview of the clinical mental health counseling program; self-care strategies appropriate to the counselor role; professional organizations and licensure; and the roles of professional counselors in advocacy and the promotion of social justice.
COUN 5519	Addiction Counseling	3 hours COUN 5519 - Addiction Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description This course provides an orientation to and introductory framework for recognizing and treating addictions and abuses. Students develop conceptual knowledge, practical skills, and self-awareness concerning the etiology of addiction, assessment strategies, and diagnosis and treatment planning as evidenced in the current professional literature. Theories of addiction counseling and application of these theories comprise a significant part of this course. Co-occuring disorders, such as process addictions and mental illnesses are also addressed. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5560	Diagnosis and Treatment	3 hours COUN 5560 - Diagnosis and Treatment 3 credit hours Course Description This course provides a framework for understanding the major diagnostic categories of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Emphasis is given to the principles and practices that relate to the psychopathology, DSM diagnosis, etiology and assessment, systematic treatment planning, interviewing, and short- and long-term interventions. Students examine techniques commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and developmental disorders as well as for psychophysiological and psychosocial programs. Through coursework and discussions, students consider multicultural factors that complicate diagnosis as well as current trends and contemporary issues in clinical assessment and diagnosis. Prerequisite: COUN 5700.
COUN 5561	Psychopharmacology	3 hours COUN 5561 - Psychopharmacology 3 credit hours Course Description This course provides an overview of psychotropic medications used in the management of mental, behavioral, and addictive disorders in children and adults. Students will explore basic anatomical, physiological, and chemical characteristics of the nervous system to understand the rationale for using medications, along with their limitations and side effects. Additionally, students explore related historical, social, ethnic, and cultural factors related to counseling and psychotropic medical treatment. Prerequisite: COUN 5560.

Clinical Skills (21 hours)

Course Listing for Clinical Skills
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5512	Counseling Strategies and Techniques	3 hours COUN 5512 - Counseling Strategies and Techniques 3 credit hours Course Description An experimental approach to more effective interpersonal communication, this course offers the opportunity for awareness, personal growth and understanding of self and other, and communication of that self-awareness and understanding. This course is designed to teach basic skills of the helping relationship and the structure of the basic counseling interview. Through skills practice, students develop a better understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5515	Group Counseling and Dynamics	3 hours COUN 5515 - Group Counseling and Dynamics 3 credit hours Course Description The experiential course emphasizes the nature of groups and the dynamics of group interaction as well as the legal and ethical standards related to group counseling. Students design, implement, and facilitate counseling groups. Prerequisite: COUN 5512.
COUN 5517	Couples and Family Counseling	3 hours COUN 5517 - Couples and Family Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description Using a systems prespective for understanding the dynamics of families and couples, this course provides students with theories, knowledge, and skills related to major models of family counseling and related interventions as a rationale for selecting appropriate modalities for assessment and counseling. Prerequisite: COUN 5512.
COUN 5531	Career Development and Counseling	3 hours COUN 5531 - Career Development and Counseling 3 credit hours Course Description This course focuses on career development theories and decision making models use of occupational and labor market information, technology-based career market information, technology-based career information systems, career development, and educational planning. Prerequisite: COUN 5500.
COUN 5570	Practicum	3 hours COUN 5570 - Practicum 3 credit hours Course Description Students complete at least 100 clock hours of supervised clinical experience conducive to the modeling, demonstration, and development of counseling skills. The practicum requires 40 hours of direct service with clients, including experience in individual counseling. Counseling interview will be recorded. Background checks and proof of professional liability insurance coverage are required. Prerequisites: COUN 5501, 5512, 5515, 5531, 5600 or permission of Program Coordinator.
COUN 5595	Internship I	3 hours COUN 5595 - Internship I 3 credit hours Course Description Internship provides a supervised 600 clock hours of clinical experience in setting. Interns must complete at least 240 direct service clock hours, including experience in individual counseling and group work, and supervision by the University Supervisor and the cooperating onsite counselor. Prerequisite: COUN 5570, or Permission of the Program Coordinator.
COUN 5598	Internship II	3 hours COUN 5598 - Internship II 3 credit hours Course Description This course is a continuation of COUN 5595. In this course, students complete their supervised, 600 clock hour internship in a setting appropriate for their specialized field of training. The requirement includes completion of 240 direct service clock hours and supervision by the university supervisor and the cooperating onsite counselor. Prerequisite: COUN 5595.

Clinical Skills (21 hours)

Course Listing for Clinical Skills
Course	Title	Credits
COUN 5510	Assessment in Counselor Education	3 hours COUN 5510 - Assessment in Counselor Education 3 credit hours Course Description Students in this course are provided with an overview of assessments used in counseling, rehabilitation, and education as well as the responsibilities of counselors using assessments. Students learn about the tests used in clinical, educational, and organizational settings, and they examine the psychometric properties used to develop and evaluate these instruments. Topics included in this course are statistical concepts, and common assessment formats for measuring constructs such as personality, pathology, achievement, aptitude, and career interests. There will also be a focus on assessment critique, administration and interpretation of assessment results, and incorporating assessment results into work with clients and students. Prerequisite: Admission to the Counselor Education Program.
COUN 5596	Thesis	3 hours COUN 5596 - Thesis 3 credit hours Course Description This class offers students the opportunity to develop and defend their research under the supervision of their thesis advisor. Prerequisites: COUN 5570 or Permission of Program Coordinator.
COUN 5620	Research and Program Evaluation for Counselors	3 hours COUN 5620 - Research and Program Evaluation for Counselors 3 credit hours Course Description This course presents research methodology, philosophical, ethical, and training issues; major qualitative and quantitative designs; methodological issues, and professional research issues. Students complete training on human subjects review. Prerequisites: COUN 5510 or permission of coordinator.

Program Completion Rates, Median Debt, and More

The following program details are intended to help you make an informed decision about the college that’s right for you.

Tuition and Fees Information Table
Tuition & Fees as of July 30, 2018
Tuition	$22,500
Institutional Fee	$225 / per semester
Technology Fee	$65 / per semester

For more information on jobs related to this program, please click on the below links to the O*NET website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Table of related jobs to this degree/program
211023.00	Mental Health and Subtance Abuse Social Workers
211014.00	Mental Health Counselors

This program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue a job in this field or related fields. Although career and professional development services are available to students and graduates, finding a job is the individual responsibility of the student. We do not guarantee that any student will be placed in any particular job, or at all.

Total Credits (75 Hours)

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Masters in Counselor Edcuation (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)

Degree At A Glance:

Foundations (21 hours)

Nature of the Learner (12 hours)

Clinical Skills (21 hours)

Clinical Skills (21 hours)

Program Completion Rates, Median Debt, and More