Online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
Be the support others need to improve communities and heal our world.
Walsh University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development—Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization is geared toward compassionate professionals who desire to counsel and support others. For those who want to develop skills to help people of all ages and diverse backgrounds through a myriad mental health issues, this 60-credit hour program will provide you with core knowledge in the areas of diagnostic assessment and treatment to facilitate individual, group, and crisis counseling.
This program will prepare you with the ability to:
- Become an independent licensed practitioner and develop and apply your own philosophy for counseling and consultation
- Address clinical problems in your clients to help them improve coping and functioning skills
- Gain an understanding of the history and philosophy of the counseling profession and professional counseling roles
- Analyze conflicts and crises associated with progression throughout the lifespan
- Confidently diagnose/treat mental and emotional disorders
- Promote the wellness and full development of individuals, groups, and families
- 20 courses / 60 credits
- 100 Practicum hours / 600 Internship hours completed in your community
- 20 terms / just over 3 years to complete
- 8-week terms
- 1:1 faculty guidance
- Values-based education
- Site placement services and student support at no cost
- 5 convenient starts per year
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university in any field
- GPA minimum 3.0 (No GRE or MAT with 3.0)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Notarized affidavit of good moral character
- Faculty interview
- Resume
- Personal Statement
Our Financial Aid Office is committed to working with you. We also award aid based on need. Tuition for Walsh University’s online graduate programs varies depending on the number of credits required to complete the degree. The cost per credit hour is $775 for this program.
To calculate tuition for your degree program or to discuss your financial aid options, schedule an appointment or contact an enrollment advisor today at 888.899.4046.
$10,000 stipend opportunity available to qualified students! Contact Rose Mogus at rmogus@walsh.edu or 330-490-7264, or visit walsh.edu/cope for details!
As a student, you’ll benefit from an exceptional learning experience from a reputable, values-focused university.
- The Walsh Online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development program is CACREP-accredited.
- We are recognized as a College of Distinction for Ohio universities, Catholic universities, and Overall for 2020–2021
- Approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
- U.S. News & World Report ranked us #58 in Best Value Schools Midwest, and #39 in Regional Universities Midwest.
Walsh University opened its doors in North Canton, OH, on November 17, 1960. Founded and operated by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, whose beginnings date back to France following the French Revolution. Walsh University grew from humble beginnings to a thriving campus community.
Today, Walsh is a Catholic liberal arts university that has grown to encompass more than 2600 students and 16,000 alumni. Our North Canton campus sprawls over 130 acres, and we offer more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. Through Walsh University’s online degree completion program, we also educate students virtually from anywhere in the world.
A Values-Based Education
As a Catholic university that welcomes students of all faiths, Walsh is dedicated to developing the whole person. Like our courageous, hard-working, and faithful founders, you will be prepared to lead in service to others. Evolve as a well-rounded individual through meaningful relationships within a diverse community of faculty, students, and mentors.
In advance of your practicum or internship, our field experience team will begin working with you to help secure approved sites to complete practicum and internship hours within your own community, at no additional cost. You will also benefit from a Student Support Advisor who supports you from enrollment through graduation. We fully prepare our students for their licensure exam; all students in our 2021 Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduating class passed their NCE on first attempt and secured jobs within six months of graduation
Employment
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development—Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are prepared to enter a field where they will impact others’ lives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors category is in the top 20 of fastest growing occupations in the nation, with a projected 10-year growth of 25.2%. In 2020, there were 85,566 job postings for counselors.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a licensed counselor is $46,240.
Demand
The demand for counselors is driven by the increase in many mental health challenges. Experts in the field believe there is a mounting mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic. Counselors are needed to address growing populations suffering from addiction, anxiety and depression and other mental disorders. Counselors can help to reduce the suicide rate, currently the second leading cause of death among ages 10 to 34.
Here’s What an Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Student Says
"Walsh’s graduate counseling program offers valuable courses that foster growth in counseling and communication that I knew would be directly transferable to my current work as a professional in the field of education. I was relieved by the immediate advising and tremendous support I got from faculty members who have helped me while I maintain a full-time work schedule. I am eager to meet the challenges to successfully complete my master’s and am confident that it will offer me opportunities of promotion in my career."
-Maria Oriti, MA Counseling Program
Core I
Intro to Counseling/Counseling Profession
Orientation to the counseling profession through an examination of the history and philosophy of the counseling profession; professional roles of counselors; professional counseling organizations; and legal, ethical, and professional issues in professional counseling. Introduction to stages and strategies in the counseling process. Development of attending skills, basic and advanced counseling skills, as well as an introduction to case conceptualization skills. Includes an intensive laboratory focused on developing interviewing skills and mastering counseling procedures.
Career Counseling
This course examines historical and current theories, principles, and practices of vocational and career counseling over a lifespan. The course addresses interrelationships of career, family, and other roles which affect work. The impact of multicultural and lifestyle issues on career is considered. Strategies for assessing abilities, interests, values, personality and other factors are explored. Students explore their own career development and how it aligns with their counseling identity.
Marriage and Family Counseling
This course provides an overview of theories and treatment strategies in marriage and family counseling. The course highlights the application of systems theory to the understanding and treatment of human problems. Students will also consider development, cultural, and gender issues in the practice of family and couples counseling. Students will practice creating genograms and other forms of family assessment and applying theory and approaches to case studies.
Theory and Practice of Addictions Counseling
Theories and practice of addiction focuses on knowledge and skills needed for the development and implementation of theories of addiction counseling, treatment approaches, and procedures, prevention, and recovery maintenance in the addictions field. Emphasis is placed on selection and utilization of evidence-based practices.
Foundations for Practice
This course provides an orientation to the professional specialty of clinical mental health counseling, including professional roles, identity and functions, the history and philosophy of the profession, scope of practice, ethical and professional practice issues (such as managed care), credentialing, and clinical supervision, models, and processes. The course explores models and programs used in the prevention and treatment of mental health across diverse populations, and the design of mental health service delivery systems across levels of care. The course investigates the organizational (including emergency management systems), financing, public policy and regulatory processes of mental health service delivery systems. Advocacy for mental health service needs across diverse populations and for the advancement of the profession will be considered. Prerequisites: BSC 560, CHD 602, CHD 603, CHD 610, CHD 624, CHD 730, CHD 740.
Practicum: Counseling Techniques
This course involves a supervised experience of professional counseling at an approved clinical or school site. Students will receive both individual and group supervision during the Practicum course. Students are required to complete 100 logged hours of counseling related services, 40 of which are direct client or student contact hours. During this course, students will develop and enhance counseling-related skills and competencies. Students will also practice applying ethical and professional principles to the work environment. Case conceptualization that utilizes the biopsychosocial cultural and spiritual model is a critical part of this course and students are required to process both client/ student cases and professional identity with the instructor and course peers. Clinical Mental Health Prerequisite: CHD 777
Research Methods/Program Evaluation
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret and synthesize empirical research and apply common research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and techniques. This course introduces research problems and questions, research methods and designs, sampling procedures, types of variables, reliability and validity measures, threats to internal and external validity, simple statistics, and statistical tests commonly used to address counseling research problems and evaluate counseling program effectiveness. The course will cover needs assessments, counseling outcome measures, evidence-based practices in counseling, and the ethical, legal, and cultural considerations regarding counseling research and program evaluation.
Group Process
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the various group counseling theories and various theoretical perspectives in group dynamics to their practice in therapeutic settings. In addition students will learn how to assess interpersonal and group dynamics, identify and practice group facilitation skills, manage group process, and recognize how and when group treatment may or may not be a beneficial treatment process for particular individuals or problems.
Assessment and Treatment Planning in Addictions
This course focuses on the conceptual framework for the use of assessment tools as they relate to the assessment and development of treatment planning for substance use and other addiction disorders. Signs, symptoms, and patterns of use will be examined, as well as psych-social and family dynamics. This course will assist clinicians in identifying strategies for screening and assessing clients and development of effective treatment plans.
Advanced Abnormal Behavior
Survey of all forms of abnormal behavior within each group of psychiatric disorders, viewed from various theoretical perspectives, including psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, and cognitive-behavioral. Delineation of symptoms, etiology, developmental course of the disorders, treatment modalities, and prognosis. Introduction to the basic principles and tools of psychiatric diagnosis. Application of counseling strategies for effectively initiating, maintaining, and terminating the counseling relationship. Orientation to the use of psychotropic medications in the treatment of abnormal behavior. Considers the historical development of treatment services for mental illness and the role of the mental health counselor. Prevention of abnormal behavior and issues related specifically to abnormal behavior among racial, ethnic, and socially diverse groups. Prerequisites: BSC 560,CHD 602, 603, 610, 612, 635 (CHD 635 may be taken concurrently)
Internship I
Internship I and II in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a supervised field experience designed as the capstone of clinical training. The two 16-week courses are focused on further development of clinical skills and competencies as well as counselor identity. Combined course requirements call for a 600-hour internship experience with a minimum of 240 clock hours in direct service to clients in an approved clinical setting (clinic, agency, private practice, hospital, etc.). Within the two semesters, students must refine and demonstrate their competence in diagnosis and treatment planning as well as, integrate counseling theories to clinical practice with individuals, groups, families, children, and/or adolescents in a setting appropriate to the learner's course of study. Students will continue to advance their case conceptualization skills utilizing the biopsychosocial cultural and spiritual model and must maintain ethical decision-making. Throughout the internship experience, students are required to process both client/ student cases and professional identity with the instructor and course peers. Prerequisite: CHD 790 and Perquisite or CHD 796 II: CHD 796 I
- Applications are currently being accepted for next intake
Assessment in Counseling
This course provides an overview of psychological assessment instruments used in counseling. This course also introduces basic statistical methods for interpreting scores and evaluating various psychological instruments. Students will acquire knowledge in analyzing client/student data generated via standardized and non-standardized (interviews, biopsychosocial evaluation) assessment methods. Types of psychological instruments reviewed will include intelligence, personality, symptom checklists, aptitude, achievement, and vocational instruments. Furthermore, the course provides an overview of the history and current context of psychometric assessment, including ethical, legal, social, and cultural perspectives. Students will practice introductory test and assessment administration, interpretation, and counseling assessment report writing.
Addictions
Provides an overview of addictive disorders and addictions counseling. Discusses the neurobiological, genetic, psychological, developmental, behavioral, and sociocultural perspectives on the etiology, development and recovery processes associated with substance use disorders. Explores assessment, diagnosis, intervention strategies, determination of appropriate level of care, and specific treatment modalities and counseling approaches for substance use disorders listed in the DSM-5. Discusses the impact of addictions on families, the self-help movement, relapse prevention approaches and the prevention of addictive disorders. Considers treatment issues with diverse cultural groups. Provides an overview of special ethical issues involved in addictions counseling.
Evidence based Practice in Addiction Counseling
This course focuses on advanced theories and techniques in family, relationship and group counseling specific to psychoactive substance abuse and addiction, assessments, dysfunctional relationships, family systems, effects of growth and development, group dynamics, diversity ad facilitation, pharmacology of both drugs of abuse as well as detoxification and treatment of addiction and mental/emotional disorders, drug tolerance, sensation/perception and legal/ethical issues in pharmacology.
Diagnosis of Mental/Emotional Disorders
An overview of the historical and ethical issues, conceptual principles, and current research regarding diagnostic systems used in classifying mental and emotional disorders with special reference to the DSM system. Focus on practice in making differential diagnostic formulations which include consideration of co-occurring/substance use disorders and precipitating crisis situations, recognizing signs and symptoms related to diagnostic systems (including the use of the Mental Status Exam), using current DSM and ICD nomenclature, provisional diagnoses and rule/outs. Practice in articulating the relationship of biopsychosocial case conceptualization to diagnostic processes. Practice in evaluating the impact of medical issues and substance use on diagnosis. Consideration of the racial, ethnic and cultural heritage, and social diversity in diagnostic processes, and the appropriate use of diagnostic processes during crisis and disaster events. Prerequisites: CHD 772 and its prerequisites.
Internship II
Internship I and II in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a supervised field experience designed as the capstone of clinical training. The two 16-week courses are focused on further development of clinical skills and competencies as well as counselor identity. Combined course requirements call for a 600-hour internship experience with a minimum of 240 clock hours in direct service to clients in an approved clinical setting (clinic, agency, private practice, hospital, etc.). Within the two semesters, students must refine and demonstrate their competence in diagnosis and treatment planning as well as, integrate counseling theories to clinical practice with individuals, groups, families, children, and/or adolescents in a setting appropriate to the learner's course of study. Students will continue to advance their case conceptualization skills utilizing the biopsychosocial cultural and spiritual model and must maintain ethical decision-making. Throughout the internship experience, students are required to process both client/ student cases and professional identity with the instructor and course peers.
Theories of Counseling/Development
This course provides an exploration of selected theories of counseling and their corresponding techniques. Students will explore the nature and process of counseling and learn the critical role theories play in case conceptualization and treatment planning. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students will learn to apply theory using case conceptualization techniques, selecting interventions, and consultation. Students are encouraged to begin to define their own theoretical approach to their work with individuals, couples, and families.
Social/Cultural Diversity in Counseling
This course provides an exploration of social and cultural diversity in counseling, including diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural heritages and sexual identities and socioeconomic statuses. It includes a study of historical and current issues of equality as applied to socially marginalized groups; personal reflection on the impact of one’s own attitudes, beliefs, worldview, and racial and cultural identity on the counseling process; strategies for employing culturally competent counseling in individual, group, and family modalities, including specific behavioral skills and application of various theories of racial and cultural identity development; the role of the counselor as an advocate for members of marginalized groups and for the pursuit of social justice; and ethical and legal obligations of counselors in dealing with social and cultural diversity.
Treatment of Mental/Emotional Disorders
This course explores the delivery of mental health services through empirically supported treatments, and integrative, theory-related, individualized case conceptualization, and comprehensive treatment planning for individuals from diverse social groups. This course also looks at the use of commonly accepted biopsychosocial case conceptualizations, treatment planning, and case documentation systems with specific case materials. As sometimes part of treatment of mental and emotional disorders, this course explores the consideration of lethality and crisis assessment and intervention strategies based on developmental stage, context, strengths, and vulnerabilities. The course reviews strategies for delivery of crisis, brief, and outpatient/long-term mental health services across a continuum of care, including consideration of family and social networks. This course also explores appropriate delivery and interventions for disaster, crisis, and trauma-causing events among socially diverse populations. Prerequisite: CHD 775 and its prerequisites.
Core II
Lifespan Development
Overview of human development processes and stages. Analysis of predictable conflicts and crises associated with progression throughout lifespan, as well as the impact of cultural and environmental factors upon development. Overview of developmental theories (physical, psychosexual, cognitive, emotional, and social development) that describe development from conception to death. Concentration upon applying theoretical concepts to counseling various populations across lifespan.
Developmentally Informed Trauma, Crisis & Grief Interventions
Students will develop an understanding of counseling clients/students during crisis, disaster, and other trauma/grief causing events. This course will examine theories, models, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies. The counselor’s collaborative role in crisis preparedness and response is examined, including self-care strategies. The differences in responses to trauma/grief will be explored, along with counseling strategies to facilitate a healthy recovery. Counseling approaches for clients/students and families experiencing the trauma/loss such as suicide, death of a child/sibling, homicide, and unexpected death will be included.
Counseling Children & Adolescents
The course covers the clinical management of common problems with children/adolescents. The importance of family and parent training is emphasized, as well as the critical need to intervene with children using play as the language of the child, Issues such as academic achievement, mood and anxiety, behavioral management, oppositional and defiant behavior, sexuality, substance use and abuse, self-harm and suicide are explored from a developmental perspective. Assessment, service planning and building a community-based system of care will be described based on current research literature. Creative interventions, including symbolic and art techniques, will also be explored. This course will be delivered in a hybrid format.
Ethics/Issues in Counseling
This course introduces students to concepts regarding ethical and legal issues encountered by licensed professional counselors and school counselors. Students are asked to identify and apply ethical principles and professional codes of ethics to a variety of ethical dilemmas using the Ethical Decision-Making model. Current legal issues facing professional and school counselors are identified and discussed.
Personality Assessment
This course explores the delivery of mental health services through empirically supported treatments, and integrative, theory-related, individualized case conceptualization, and comprehensive treatment planning for individuals from diverse social groups. This course also looks at the use of commonly accepted biopsychosocial case conceptualizations, treatment planning, and case documentation systems with specific case materials. As sometimes part of treatment of mental and emotional disorders, this course explores the consideration of lethality and crisis assessment and intervention strategies based on developmental stage, context, strengths, and vulnerabilities. The course reviews strategies for delivery of crisis, brief, and outpatient/long-term mental health services across a continuum of care, including consideration of family and social networks. This course also explores appropriate delivery and interventions for disaster, crisis, and trauma-causing events among socially diverse populations. Prerequisite: CHD 775 and its prerequisites.
Specialty
Electives (choose two)
Developmental Issues & Disorders
An overview of the range of childhood/adolescent behaviors in childhood/adolescent psychiatric disorders, addictions/substance use disorders, and developmental issues that may arise. Disorders/issues are viewed from various etiological perspectives, including neurobiological, psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral. Review of current research regarding etiology and treatment across behaviors/disorders. Delineation of symptoms, etiology, developmental course of the disorders, commonly accepted treatment modalities and prognosis across culturally diverse populations. Review of psychotropic medications, including their drug actions, common side effects and their use in the treatment of specific disorders/issues. Consideration of the prevention of behaviors and issues related specifically to children/adolescents from socially diverse groups. This course will be delivered in a hybrid format.
Trauma Assessment/Treatment
This course is an introduction to current theory and practice models related to trauma and crisis intervention. Trauma-related issues including suicide risk/ideation, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual assault, grief, and crises in schools are introduced and addressed Emphasis is given to treatment approaches that are caring and socially responsible in working with diverse individuals and families. This course is taught from a strengths-based/wellness perspective.
Motivational Counseling
Provides an introduction to the basic principles and interventions of motivational interviewing and stages of change theory; and explores counseling applications with substance abusers, difficult-to-treat and delinquent teens, criminal justice clients, and dual diagnosis clients. Incorporates experiential practice of techniques.