ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
The Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a “licensure qualifying” bridge program approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions. The Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers the opportunity for individuals with a master’s degree in school counseling or other related counseling degree to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor in New York State. The 18 credit advanced certificate is predicated upon the individual having completed a master’s degree in school counseling or other related counseling degree with a minimum of 48 credits in specified core educational content areas as delineated in the state regulations for mental health counselor licensure. Individuals who graduated from a program of less than 48 credits will be required to take additional coursework above the 18 credits to ensure meeting the state requirement of a minimum of 60 graduate credits. Upon application candidates will have their transcript(s) reviewed by the department to ascertain the needed number of graduate credits required for the advanced certificate.
Courses offer research-based knowledge as well as clinical experience in providing mental health assessment and treatment as well as an understanding of various professional, legal and ethical issues. Required courses include:
- EDC 601 Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Ethics
- EDC 608 Diagnostic Interviewing and Assessment in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- EDC 611 Evidence Based Treatment Planning in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- EDC 616 Family Counseling
- EDC 683 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I (300 hours)
- EDC 684 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship II (300 hours)
Upon completion of the advanced certificate the individual will meet the educational requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor in New York State. They will then be eligible to file for a “limited permit” and begin accruing the 3000 post master’s experiential hours required for licensure. They will also be eligible to file to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) which is the licensure examination designated by the State. There is also the possibility that the Office of the Professions may accept experiential hours gained after the receipt of the individual’s master’s degree if the experience was in an approved setting under the supervision of a recognized licensed mental health professional.
Admissions Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This is a licensure-qualifying bridge program approved by the New York State Education Department. In order to be admitted to the program, students must have a master's degree in school counseling or other related counseling degree with a minimum of 48 credits in specified core educational content areas as delineated in state regulations for mental health counselor licensure. Individuals who graduated from a program of fewer than 48 credits will be required to take additional coursework above the 15 credits to ensure meeting the state requirement of a minimum of 60 graduate credits. Upon application candidates will have their transcript(s) reviewed by the department to ascertain the needed number of graduate credits required for the advanced certificate.
Applicants to the Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must meet the following requirements for admission.
- Application for Admission
- Official copies of graduate transcripts from any college(s) or universities you have attended.
- Applicants must have graduated in good standing with an M.S. in School Counseling or related counseling degree from an accredited institution of higher learning with a minimum of 48 credits in specified core educational content areas as required by New York State mental health counselor licensure. Applicants with a master's degree in school counseling, or other related counseling degree of less than 48 credits will be required to take additional coursework beyond the 15 credits to earn the advanced certificate.
- Personal Statement that addresses the reason you are interested in pursuing graduate work in this area of study.
- Applicants must show evidence of good character; e.g. no ethical misconduct or legal history that would adversely impact professional conduct
- The Department of Counseling and Development reserves the right to require a departmental interview with a faculty member if warranted after completion of the departmental review of the applicant's graduate transcript.
Send application materials to:
LIU Brentwood
Admission Department
1001 Crooked Hill Road
Brentwood, NY 11717
Program Requirements
REQUIRED COURSES
|
Course |
Credits |
|
|
EDC 601 |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
|
EDC 608 |
Assessment and Intervention Strategies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
|
EDC 616 |
Family Counseling |
3 |
|
EDC 683 |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I (300 hours) |
3 |
|
EDC 684 |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship II (300 hours) |
3 |
Course Descriptions
EDC 601 Clinical 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 preventive 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.
Credits: 3 Every Fall and Spring
EDC 608 Assessment & Intervention Strategies in Clinical 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.
Credits: 3 Every Fall and Spring
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.
Credits: 3 Every Fall and Spring
EDC 683 Clinical 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 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 mental health counseling setting, acceptable to the department is required. Health Insurance required for Mental Health Counseling students. Prerequisite of EDC 669 and Pre or Co-requisite of EDC 601, 608, & 687 are required.
Credits: 3 Every Fall, Spring and Summer
EDC 684 Clinical 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 683. Health Insurance required for Mental Health Counseling students. Prerequisite of EDC 683 is required.
Credits: 3 Every Fall, Spring and Summer
CONTACT
LIU Brentwood
Brentwood-info@liu.edu
631-287-8500