clinical mental health counseling

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Thank you for your interest in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The following information will outline the procedures for applying to the program, and answer some common questions asked by applicants. In addition to this material, applicants should obtain the most recent Graduate Catalog from the graduate school office (203-392-5237), and read and comply with all applicable university application and admission information.

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

The M.S. program in clinical mental health counseling is a licensure track program designed to meet the requirements of the State of Connecticut License Professional Counselor (LPC). The program in clinical mental health counseling (52 credit hours) prepares students to work in a variety of community counseling agencies, substance abuse clinics, college counseling centers, and hospitals. Students develop skills and theoretical knowledge in doing individual, group, and career counseling with diverse populations in either public or private community mental health agencies, or colleges and universities.

All students complete practicum and internship experiences. Students specializing in counseling work in community mental health settings find practicum and internship placements in a variety of settings, including community counseling centers, child guidance centers, crisis stabilization programs, rape crisis and domestic violence programs, substance abuse programs, youth services programs, and inpatient and residential treatment programs. Students specializing in counseling in higher education find placements in community colleges as well as public and private college and university counseling and career services centers.

SIXTH YEAR PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA

The sixth year advanced graduate studies program provides the opportunity for counselors holding a master's degree in counseling to enhance their counseling competencies. This program can be designed to help counselors who graduated many years ago (with 36-48 credits) to pursue the State of Connecticut Licensure (LPC) requirements. At least 30 credits beyond the master's degree is required for the sixth year diploma.