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M.S. IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

The 60-credit CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at LIU Brentwood prepares you for a career as mental health counselor. You will learn individual and group counseling techniques to help youths, adults, couples, parents and families work through their problems and issues. As a mental health counselor, you can have a positive and meaningful impact on people. The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling will provide counselors with the preparation and support they need to help others experience healthy, fulfilled lives.

LIU Brentwood is a leader in preparing students for careers in counseling and development. We provide an educational environment that fosters the personal and professional growth of future counselors and related professionals while upholding the highest ethical standards and respect for individual differences. Our faculty members are actively engaged in mental health counseling and frequently contribute to publications and conferences.

The program integrates mental health counseling theories and approaches with carefully supervised practical experiences in state-of-the-art appropriate field settings. The training comprises individual counseling as well as group and other systemic modalities within the developmental model and brief therapy framework. This is an individualized program emphasizing self-development and the integration of individual and group counseling theories and techniques, with a strong emphasis on carefully supervised clinical experiences. Each degree candidate will be required to complete 100 hours of counseling practicum (EDC 669) as follows: 90 hours in a school of mental health agency site and 10 hours off site with clients who will be audio-tapes and 600 hours of internship experience (EDC 683, EDC 684).

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION FOR GRADUATES

This program prepares students to fulfill the educational requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor established by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination. Successful completion of this examination will qualify the student to become a national certified counselor.

NEW YORK STATE LICENSURE

The program has been certified by the New York State Education Department as "licensure qualifying." For more information about mental health counseling and licensure, please contact the LIU Brentwood academic advisor, the coordinator for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program in the Department of Counseling and Development at LIU Post, or consult the New York Mental Health Counseling Association.

OFFICE OF ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES' (OASAS) EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Graduates of the master's degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling who complete the requisite coursework will meet the 350 hours of education and training required to apply for the Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor-Trainee (CASAC-T) designation.  Graduation from the master's degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will also meet 4000 of the 6000-hour requirement for full certification as a CASAC. In addition, if the graduate completed their 600 internship hours in clinical mental health counseling at an OASAS affiliated facility, then the number of experiential hours needed for full certification will only be 1400. Upon admission to the Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program those students who are interested in the CASAC-T designation must declared in writing their intention to pursue the CASAC-T to the Chair of the Department of Counseling and Development.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program must meet the following requirements for admission:

  • Application for Admission
  • Official copies of your undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any college(s) or universities you have attended.
  • Bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in undergraduate studies or successful completion of another master’s degree. Applicants who do not meet this academic requirement will be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Two professional and/or academic letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s potential in the profession and ability to complete a graduate program.
  • Personal statement that addresses the reason you are interested in pursuing graduate work in this area of study.
  • Interview with a faculty member of the Department of Counseling and Development. Pass a spontaneous writing sample at admissions interview.
  • If you hold a degree from outside the United States your official records of all post-secondary education must be translated by an approved organization such as World Education Services (WES). You may purchase this translation by contacting WES, www.wes.org or telephone at 1-800-937-3895. Request a course-by-course translation with conversion of all grades into a U.S.4- point scale with U.S. degree equivalencies. This translation must be received by the Office of Admissions in an envelope sealed by WES.
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. The TOEFL or IELTS is generally not required of candidates who have studied for at least two years at an accredited high school or post-secondary institution where English is the only method of instruction, unless there is a need for additional evidence of proficiency in English upon review of other academic credentials. The required minimum acceptable TOEFL score is: 85 Internet-based (213 computer-based or 550 paper-based) or minimum IELTS scorre: 6.5.

Send application materials to:

Office of Admissions
LIU Brentwood
1001 Crooked Hill Road LIU Building
Brentwood, NY 11717

Program Requirements

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

A student must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Any student who cumulative GPA average falls below 3.00 will be evaluated by the Academic Standing Committee of the Department of Counseling and Development, issued a letter of warning, and placed on probation. A student on probation who fails to bring his or her average up to 3.00 in the succeeding semester may be dropped from the program. In addition, a student who receives grades below B in to graduate courses is considered to have an academic deficiency. A third grade below B, after the student received a formal warning of the deficiency, may cause the student to lose matriculated status or be dropped from the program.

Courses

Course

Credits

EDC 600

Introduction to Professional Counseling

3

EDC 601

Introduction to Mental Health Counseling

3

EDC 608

Assessment and Intervention Strategies in Mental Health Counseling

3

EDC 610

Behavior Dynamics Over Life Span

3

EDC 613

Diversity and Socio-Cultural Issues in Counseling

3

EDC 615

Theories of Counseling

3

EDC 616

Family Counseling

3

EDC 660

Practicum in Psychological Testing for Counselors

3

EDC 668

Counseling Pre-Practicum

3

EDC 669

Counseling Practicum

6

EDC 676

Career Development

3

EDC 683

Mental Health Counseling Internship I

3

EDC 684

Mental Health Counseling Internship II

3

EDC 685

Mental Health Counseling Internship III

3

EDC 687

Group Approaches: Theory & Practice

3

EDC 689

Group Counseling Laboratory

3

EDC 702

Research Methods in Counseling

3

Electives

Course

Credits

EDC 614

Developmental Counseling with Children & Adolescents

3

EDC 617

Principles of Couple Counseling

3

EDC 652

Counsel Approaches to Human Sexuality

3

EDC 654

Counselor Examines Alcoholism

3

EDC 657

Counseling Families of Alcoholics

3

EDC 659

Counseling for the College Admission & Selection Process

3

EDC 686

Mental Health Counseling Internship IV

3

EDC 690

School Counseling Internship I

3

EDC 750

Special Topics in Counseling

3

Course Descriptions

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EDC 600: Introduction to Professional Counseling
This is the basic introductory course for counseling in schools, colleges and mental health agencies and explains the role of the professional counselor. The course focuses on the student as a person and as a potential counselor. The changing world of the counselor is also the world of the developing client. Forces contributing to the variable, emerging culture of values, societal norms, and individual choices are examined in relation to the developmental world of young persons and adults and to the practices, philosophies and principles of the institutions with which counselors are associated.  
Each semester, 3 credits

EDC 601: Mental Health Counseling
To be taken as the first course in the Mental Health Counseling specialization, within the student's first 15 semester hours of work. This course is an introduction to preventative education and counseling for mental and emotional health as uniquely available in mental health centers. The course prepares students to work on counseling teams and enrichment programs, to handle referral procedures, community relations and teamwork, and to deal with mental health problems in terms of their etiology and the innovations in the field.
Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 608: Assessment & Intervention Strategies in Mental Health Counseling
This course is a weekly seminar focused on, but not limited to, the following: the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, referral and prevention of disorders; psychological assessment, case conceptualization, psychopathology, utilization of current diagnostic tools, including the DMS-IV; use and limitations of psychopharmacological medications; guidelines for conducting intake, mental status, biophysical and mental health interviews; and consultation theory and practice.
Prerequisite of EDC 610 and 615 is required. Every Fall, 3 credits

EDC 610: Behavior Dynamics Over the Life Span
This course provides for the study of the dynamics of human behavior over the life span. This course covers healthy adjustment versus maladjustment at each stage of life. The major models describing human behavior and the causes of mental illness are described. The classifications of mental illness and adjustment disorders according to the DSM IV are discussed and illustrated. 
Every semester, 3 credits

EDC 613: Diversity & Socio-Cultural Issues in Counseling
Major twenty-first century contributions of sociology and anthropology are examined with a view to understanding the role of socio-cultural factors in human development and behavior. This course also examines the impact of the socio-cultural viewpoint on contemporary concepts of adaptive and maladaptive human behavior and related mental health issues.
Every semester, 3 credits

EDC 614: Developmental Counseling with Children and Adolescents
This course focuses on understanding the principles and rationale of developmental counseling with children from a multicultural perspective. Students become familiar with the three main functions of the developmental counselor: counseling, consulting, and coordinating. Students are made aware of the kits, games, audiovisual material and special programs used by the developmental counselor. In addition to an overview of developmental stages and developmental tasks which children face, the course includes exploration and experimentation with various and unique methods used in developmental counseling. Students observe and interact with an individual child from a developmental perspective.
Prerequisite of EDC 600 is required. Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 615: Theories of Counseling
This is a basic course in counseling theories and techniques and their application within a multicultural and diverse society. Students gain an understanding of the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy, (e.g., psychoanalytic, existential, person-centered, gestalt, reality, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems, etc.) In addition, the counselor as a person and a professional is explored as well as ethical issues in counseling and therapy. 
Prerequisite of EDC 600 is required. Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 616: Family Counseling
This course offers a consideration of theories, practices and related activities with couples, parents and/or other related adults and children. Included in the course is a survey of some major trends and problems associated with individual adjustments, adaptations and other reactions within family and social settings.
Prerequisite of EDC 615 is required. Every semester, 3 credits

EDC 617: Principles of Couple Counseling
A study of the theoretical and practical aspects of couple counseling from initial referral to termination. The difference between this form and individual, group or family counseling will be examined in order to understand the clinical issues involved. Both the object relations and the systemic theories will be studied with emphasis on the clinical application to help couples change, according to their therapeutic goals.
Prerequisite of EDC 615 is required. Every Spring, 3 credits

EDC 619: Socio Cultural Issues in Counseling Field Experience
It is critical for the helping professional to give due consideration to culture and its impact in the counseling relationship/process. Multicultural counseling is counseling that takes place among people of different cultural backgrounds. It takes into consideration the individual experiences of the clients in their cultural context. This course will provide a field-based multicultural emersion into a cultural experience (place to be identified by the professor). It will seek to expose students for field experiences which will provide primary exposure to the cultural nuances; explore cultural awareness of one's own cultural values and biases as they reflect on personal stereotypes; understand how race, culture and ethnicity may affect personality formation, vocational choices, and manifestation of psychological disorders, help-seeking behavior, and the appropriateness of counseling approaches; understand the impact of multiculturalism as a force in the professional helping discipline; understand the pitfalls of Cross Cultural counseling; explore the cultural dynamics of the dominant ethnic groups and the implications for culturally responsive counseling; examine the research on cutting edge issues in counseling clients of diverse cultures; understand the ethical implications of multicultural counseling; and become aware of the consequences of social intolerance and the global impact.
On occasion, 3 credits.

EDC 652: Counsel Approaches to Human Sexuality
A study of human sexuality from its normal manifestations and development to its dysfunctions. The student will be guided to examine his/her own attitudes and values in this area and to learn counseling approaches to problems and questions related to sexuality. 
Every Fall, 3 credits

EDC 654: Counseling Examines Alcoholism
A study of human sexuality from its normal manifestations and development to its dysfunctions. The student will be guided to examine his/her own attitudes and values in this area and to learn counseling approaches to problems and questions related to sexuality.
Every Fall, 3 credits

EDC 657: Counseling Families of Alcoholics
Theories, practices problems and trends as they relate to counseling the family affected by alcoholism are considered. Sessions will include lectures, films and role playing to explore the kinds of problems present and the different approaches to counseling these families.
Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 659: Counseling for the College Admission & Selection Process
This course is designed to provide systematic training in counseling for the college admission and selection process. Graduate students and those who are already in the field are introduced to concepts and practical skills required for competency in working with diverse populations: the traditionally aged college student applicant. The disadvantaged, the minority student, the gifted, the learning disabled, the student athlete, and the adult. The course consists of lectures, presentations, cooperative and group learning activities, video viewings, class discussions and "hands-on" type of activities designed to enhance knowledge of the college admission and selection process. College admission personnel and school counselors are invited as guest presenters. 
Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 660: Practicum in Psychological Testing for Counselors
This course is laboratory experience designed to develop adequate understandings and competencies with respect to concerns, issues and implementation factors related to administration, scoring, recording and interpretations of aptitude, intelligence tests, as well as interest and personality inventories.
Prerequisite of EDC 600 is required. Every Spring, 3 credits

EDC 668: Counseling Pre-Practicum
This is the basic counseling laboratory course designed to provide supervised practical counseling experience from a lifespan and a multicultural perspective that can be applied in the school, agency, or college setting Students learn the basics in terms of active listening skills and the use of appropriate counseling techniques through role-play and other activities. Students must have three five actual tape-recorded role playing sessions with another student in the course who will act as the client; the professor may give permission for students to work with a client who is not a member of the class. Interview summaries, detailed analyses, and other relevant counseling experiences are part of the course. Orientation to the role of the professional counselor and ethical concerns are discussed.
Prerequisite of EDC 600 and a Pre of Co-requisite of EDC 615 are required. Ever Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 669: Counseling Practicum
This is an in-depth counseling practicum designed to provide supervised practical counseling experience from a lifespan and multicultural perspective, through successful completion of counseling sessions with 40 hours of direct service to clients. Students in the school counseling specialty will provide these services in a school setting while students in the mental health specialty will do services in the mental health facility. This includes actual audio/video tape-recorded sessions with individual clients. Group counseling sessions are also required. Interview summaries, detailed analyses and other relevant counseling experiences are part of this course. This course is also designed to develop and extend the students' understanding and competencies begun in EDU 769A/EDC 668. The appropriate roles of the professional counselor, based upon the Ethical Guidelines of the Ame5ricamn Counseling Association (ACA), will also be covered. Professional Liability Insurance, available from ACA and other professional associations is required. All students will receive an additional one-hour of triadic supervision (i.e., either one-on-one or the professor and two students); this individual supervision is built into the class time frame. This is a 6-credit practicum of 4 hours. 
Prerequisite or Co-requisite of EDC 687 is required. Every semester, 6 credits

EDC 670: Educational Tests and Measurements
This is a survey course in the principles and practices of testing and assessment used in schools. After a quick look at the concepts of educational statistics and the underlying mathematical basis of standardized tests, the student will examine the most widely used tests and assessments that he/she will be expected to know and understand in the K-12 setting: achievement tests, interest inventories, aptitude and intelligence measures. In addition, time will be devoted to the New York State Learning Standards and the assessments which will accompany the higher graduation requirements. 
Every semester, 3 credits.

EDC 676: Career Development
This course is an in-depth study of theories and emerging patterns in career development counseling. Attention is given to psychological, sociological, economic and education dynamics. Emphasis is placed on practical counseling techniques at the various stages of development, and on the effect that career choices, problems and solutions have on members of the family system. Data from sociology and anthropology is used to understand psychological issues of career and employment as they make an impact on the family.
Every semester, 3 credits.

EDC 683: Mental Health Counseling Internship I
This course is designed for students in the latter part of the graduate program, after having taken considerable theory and coursework in the counseling process. The student is required to attend seminar meetings to prepare weekly logs directed toward observation, insight, and evaluation of activities in the field setting. Related professional readings and development of an action research design are also required. The student is expected to develop a counseling caseload, participate in group work, attend staff meetings and schedule a weekly meeting with the field supervisor for evaluation. A minimum 300 hours in a counseling settling, appropriate to the student's specialization, is required. 
Prerequisite of EDC 669 and Pre or Co-requisite of EDC 601, 608 & 687 are required.
Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 684: Mental Health Counseling Internship II
This is a second semester internship required for Mental Health Counseling students. Course content and time requirements are the same as for EDC 783/EDC 683.
Prerequisite of EDC 683 is required. Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 685: Mental Health Counseling Internship III
This course consists of supervised experience involving 300 hours in selected school or agency settings. Professional readings and an action research project are required. However, the student at this level is expected to be self-initiating and able to perform both competently and creatively in considerable depth to achieve the objectives of the course at the practitioner level.
Prerequisite of EDC 683 & 684 is required. Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 687: Group Approaches: Theory & Practice
This course is designed to help prospective counselors and practicing counselors to understand the dynamics of therapeutic forces within a counseling group, to facilitate changes in their clients'behavior and to help clients learn to assist themselves. Evaluative techniques and research findings are considered. 
Every Fall, 3 credits

EDC 689: Group Counseling Lab
This course entails supervised professional level, practical group counseling experiences and counseling of groups and the analysis/evaluation of group counseling work. Weekly seminars, demonstration groups and tapes, readings and faculty conferences are used. Professional liability insurance, available from ACA and other professional associations, is required. 
Prerequisite of EDC 687 is required. Every semester, 3 credits

EDC 690: School Counseling Internship I
This course is designed for students in the school counseling specialization. It is taken in the latter part of the graduate program after they have taken considerable theory and coursework in the counseling process and its application within a school setting. The student is required to attend weekly seminar meetings and to prepare weekly logs directed toward observation, insight and evaluation of activities in the field setting. Related professional readings and development of an action or research project are also required. The student is expected to develop a counseling caseload and participate in group work. 
Prerequisite of EDC 669 and a pre or co-requisite of EDC 614 & 687 are required. Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits.

EDC 691: School Counseling Internship II
This course is designed for students in the school counseling specialization. It is taken in the latter part of the graduate program after they have taken considerable theory and coursework in the counseling process and its application within a school setting. The student is required to attend weekly seminar meetings and to prepare weekly logs directed toward observation, insight and evaluation of activities in the field setting. Related professional readings and development of an action or research project are also required. The student is expected to develop a counseling caseload and participate in group work.
Prerequisite of EDC 690 is required. Every Fall and Spring, 3 credits

EDC 702: Research Methods in Counseling
This course is an overview of basic principles in human relations, covering what a counselor should know in order to understand case studies and to evaluate his or her own work and the studies reported by all in the field. The emphasis is practical.
Every semester, 3 credits

EDC 707: Degree Synthesis
Degree synthesis is the review and integration of the material covered in the various areas of study in the M.S. in Counseling Program. The student is expected to demonstrate an understanding of the theory and application of learning in a work setting, whether school, college or community agency. Each student is also expected to demonstrate ability in written communication using a clear and precise manner in the explanation of curriculum information; and ability in oral communication in the manner of group discussion, listening, asking pertinent questions and explaining information adequately to the professor and student colleagues. Pass/Fail Only
On Demand, 1 credit

EDC 750: Special Topics in Counseling
Summer Institute on a special topic in counseling.
Every Summer, 3 credits

CONTACT

LIU Brentwood
Brentwood-info@liu.edu
631-287-8500

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Email: brentwood-info@liu.edu
Phone: 631-287-8500