Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration of the Master of Science in Psychology will provide you with the knowledge and skills to offer efficient counseling and psychotherapy services. The program, which meets the requirements for recognition from the Hellenic Association of Counseling, seamlessly combines course work and a research-based thesis project with 700 hours of supervised counseling and clinical practice. The program will enable you to develop a comprehensive set of assessment, research and counseling skills.

The practicum is an excellent opportunity for you to apply theoretical knowledge which you will gain in courses such as Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology and in your training of use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills under the supervision of a faculty member and an on-site supervisor. As a trainee, you will also receive one-on-one support from your faculty mentor throughout your studies.

Strengths of the CMHC program

• The program meets the requirements for recognition from the Hellenic Association of Counseling. You will gain accreditation as Mental Health Counselor upon completion of the program requirements.
• The 700 hours of supervised counseling and clinical practice will offer you as a trainee the necessary practicum experience on counseling practice, use of skills, ethical boundaries and other essential components of a high-professional-standards mental health counselor. You will have the opportunity to choose to fulfil your internship requirements at the University Counseling Center or other clinical and counseling mental health settings.
• The instructors and supervisors in the program are doctoral-level scholars and practitioners of various disciplines with extensive experience in counseling and psychotherapy.
• In adherence to the scholar-practitioner model, you are trained and expected to incorporate research into practice by being informed on current developments as well as apply clinical quantitative and qualitative research for your thesis
• The program schedule offers online courses in addition to regular courses.

You are required to complete a total of 22 courses (66 Credits) including a practicum, thesis research project and internship in order to earn the Master of Science in Psychology degree, Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration. The academic year consists of two semesters each one15 weeks in length, with classes for each course meeting once a week for 3 hours each. Courses are offered in the evenings.

The CMHC program is a three-year program if you plan on following the program of study as outlined in the curriculum (see University Catalog).

As a trainee, it is essential you fulfil 60 sessions of individual, couples, family and/or group therapy while completing your Master of Science in Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration academic and practicum requirements. This invaluable learning experience will help you engage in a therapeutic process, deal with personal matters and thus, as evidence shows, become robust counselor capable of forming effective therapeutic relationships. It is highly recommended that as an MSPsy - CMHC candidate, you begin sessions within your first semester of the program, although some flexibility regarding the timing of therapy is allowed, since the Department recognizes that each trainee may be ready for therapy at a different time.

Comprehensive Examination

Upon successfully completing the first year of the MSPsy – CMHC Program (approximately 10 courses), you are required to pass a comprehensive examination, which provides evidence of skills acquired and competence in the field. Additional details regarding the structure and the date and time of the exam will be provided by the Program Director. Upon passing the examination you earn the Certificate in Psychology.

The Master of Science in Psychology degree, Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration program offers knowledge and skills for you as a trainee so that you meet the needs of a global, multicultural and pluralist society. You will have the opportunities to engage in the profession of the mental health counselor through research activities and conferences, seminars, masterclasses, workshops and other activities.

The thesis project, faculty research projects and the research activities of the Counseling Center offer opportunities for you to collect and analyze data and publish their research findings. As a trainee, you are encouraged to develop your skills in quantitative and qualitative research and present your work in peer-reviewed conferences and journals. Moreover, you will receive training in testing and assessment, including cognitive, achievement, personality, and career testing. Lastly, research studying and supervision groups are offered monthly as part of the program’s extra-curricular activities.

Throughout your studies you have various opportunities to participate in certificate-based professional training workshops through a series of masterclasses on topics such as Trauma and Crisis Management, Sexual Deviations in Human Sexuality, and Adolescent Mental Health. You are also encouraged to attend off-campus events which will enhance your professional as well as personal development. In particular, you will be expected to attend at least two events and reflect on your learnings.

As a graduate of the program you are equipped with knowledge and skills to pursue a successful career in a broad range of settings such as clinics, mental health counseling centers, hospitals, community service centers for individuals with physical and mental disabilities, elderly homes and career counseling centers. You will also be well-prepared for studies at the doctoral level.