
About the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Program
The CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students using the fundamentals of counseling theory and practice in an experiential and interpersonal learning environment. Our aim is to train professional counselors with a sound foundation in ethical behavior, counseling theories, contemporary research, and professional skills, creating a knowledge base and capacity for thinking that can be translated into effective counseling practice with individuals, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds. We strive to guide our students to become more self-aware and self-reflective as they hone their intellectual, interpersonal, and counseling skills. We encourage critical thinking, emphasize professional integrity, and foster a commitment to mental health advocacy as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Program Objectives
- Students will understand counselor professional identity and demonstrate skill in applying ethical and legal considerations in professional counseling.
- Students will be able to demonstrate the awareness, knowledge, and skills to counsel clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Students will be able to apply theories of human development to clients’ needs and issues.
- Students will have knowledge of career assessment and planning principles and theories.
- Students will demonstrate skills necessary to be an effective counselor while applying a theoretical approach.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills to facilitate psychoeducational and process groups.
- Students will be able to select and interpret assessment measures (i.e., academic/educational, career, personality, diagnostic, and developmental).
- Students will be able to critically evaluate research in a manner that informs counseling practice.
Annual Reports and Program Data
- 2016–17 Annual Data
- 2016–17 Annual Report and Program Evaluation
- 2017–18 Annual Data
- 2017–18 Annual Report and Program Evaluation
- 2018–19 Annual Data
- 2018–19 Annual Report and Program Evaluation
- 2019–20 Annual Data
- 2019–20 Annual Report and Program Evaluation
Prospective Students
- 2016–17 Program Handbook
- 2017–18 Program Handbook
- 2018–19 Program Handbook
- 2019–20 Program Handbook
- 2020–21 Program Handbook
- Prior Syllabi
General Program Information (Admissions Criteria, Methods of Instruction, Minimum Degree Requirements, Matriculation Requirements, and Curriculum Map)
Meet the Faculty

Ellen Behrens, Ph.D
Associate Professor

Jordan Briggs
Program Administrator

Trevor Earl
Adjunct - Master of Professional Counseling

Anna Lieber
Adjunct - Master of Professional Counseling

Amy Miner
Adjunct - Master of Professional Counseling

Nancy Pratt
Adjunct - Master of Professional Counseling

Colleen Sandor, Ph.D
Professor

Janine Wanlass, Ph.D
Professor

Alex White
Adjunct - Master of Professional Counseling
Contact Admissions
For questions and information related to admissions, please contact the program's enrollment coordinator in the Graduate Admissions Office.
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Elhom Gosink
Role
- Full-Time Staff
- Lead Graduate Enrollment Coordinator
Degrees
B.A. Westminster College
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Site Supervisors
If you are a site supervisor for practicum students or interns, check out your online orientation and trainings.