Mental Health Counseling, M.S.

Philosophy

At Old Westbury, we take pride in our origins being centered in creating a community that has and continues to welcome non-traditional students of all ages, ethnic and racial groups, as well as various walks of life; resulting in one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation (https://www.oldwestbury.edu/diversity). The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling Program is firmly committed to issues pertaining to multicultural diversity and seeks faculty members, staff, and students who reflect such diversity, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religious/spiritual orientation, disability status, and national origin. Issues of human diversity are integrated throughout the entire curriculum and program in that students are actively exposed to numerous opportunities to develop competence in addressing issues pertaining to cultural and identity group membership with various populations. The program also seeks to create a space for growth, collaboration, and collegiality among faculty, staff, and students around respecting and affirming various dimensions of cultural diversity.

The theoretical orientation of the M.S. Program in Mental Health Counseling promotes a psychotherapy integration approach. Student trainees are encouraged to discover the psychotherapeutic/philosophical orientation that best fits them and to integrate and use treatment techniques derived from all models of psychotherapy. The M.S. Program in Mental Health Counseling operates on a cohort model. Students enter as a class and go through the curriculum together, fostering a sense of cohesion and trust that will facilitate introspection, discussion and constructive feedback and, ultimately, growth. Cohort sizes are kept small so that we can monitor the progress of each student’s academic, clinical and personal experience.

Our training curriculum is based on the belief that the best therapists are those who have achieved a greater degree of self-awareness and insight. We promote introspection and personal growth as a path to facilitating the growth and development of others. Psychosocial and cultural factors, including class, race, gender, religion and sexual orientation, represent direct and powerful influences on the development of health and pathology. These factors are inherent in both the training and psychotherapeutic process and must be understood and integrated.

Our clinically experienced faculty exposes students to the major treatment models and trains them to develop treatments based upon the needs of the client and the strengths and weaknesses of various treatment models. Students are trained in an integrated model that considers both science and practice. A systematic selection of eclectic techniques is taught based upon a broad and unified theoretical approach. The program expects and models the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice as defined, in part, by American Psychological Association (APA) and American Counseling Association (ACA). Furthermore, the program assists in promoting student development of these qualities. The faculty provide support throughout the program in the form of academic advisement, psychological support, and career guidance. Students can pursue research opportunities with undergraduate and graduate faculty. Students should meet with their advisors to refine their research interests and explore opportuntiies to work with potential faculty.

Program Description

The 60 credit M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program at Old Westbury prepares students to provide culturally humble counseling and assessment to a diverse population in compliance with guidelines described in NY State Article 163, Section 8402 and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, Section 52.32. Graduates are eligible for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor after attaining a passing score on the licensure exam and completing the necessary post-masters experience. The license will allow its holder to work in professional settings in community agencies, practice independently, open a private practice and receive third party payments. New York State Education Department (NYSED) Section 8402 defines the practice of mental health counseling as: (a) the evaluation, assessment, amelioration, treatment, modification, or adjustment to a disability, problem or disorder of behavior, character, development, emotion, personality or relationships by the use of verbal or behavioral methods with individuals, couples, families or groups in private practice, group, or organized settings; and (b) the use of assessment instruments and mental health counseling and psychotherapy to identify, evaluate and treat dysfunctions and disorders for purposes of providing appropriate mental health counseling services.

As required by licensing law, students will be instructed in and demonstrate competence in the following areas:

human growth and development (MH 6500 );
social and cultural foundations of counseling (MH 6130 ; MH 6520 ; MH 7120 );
counseling theory and practice (MH 6110 ; MH 7100 ; MH 7500 );
psychopathology (MH 6120 );
group dynamics (MH 7110 );
lifestyle and career development (MH 7510 );
assessment and appraisal of individuals, couples, families and groups (MH 6510 );
research and program evaluation (MH 7520 );
professional orientation and ethics (MH 6100 );
foundations of mental health counseling and consultation (MH 6530 );
clinical instruction (MH 6140 ; MH 6540 );
completion of a one year, 600 hour supervised practicum or internship in mental health counseling (MH 7130 ; MH 7530 ).

The program is designed to be completed in two years of full-time attendance. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of private, public and not-for-profit community social service agencies, hospitals, and mental health clinics or in private independent practice.

Sample Semester Table

NOTE: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Workshop (0 Credits) will be offered and available every semester.

Year 1

Fall

Total Credits: 15

Spring

Total Credits: 15

Year 2

Fall

Total Credits: 15

Spring

Total Credits: 15

Student Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes were established to be consistent with accreditation standards.

Students will demonstrate:

the development of their professional identity and display knowledge and application in ethical and professional standards
knowledge and application in evidence-based theories and the practice of counseling and psychotherapy
knowledge, awareness, and skills related to multiculturalism and diversity
knowledge and skills with theories of psychopathology and relevant classification systems
knowledge and skills with tests, measurements, and other assessments of behavior
knowledge and skills with research methods and program evaluation
knowledge and skills with career development and/or the role of work in peoples’ lives
knowledge of the relationship between biological factors and human functioning
knowledge and understanding of human development, wellness, and learned bases of behavior across the lifespan.
knowledge and understanding of human social/organizational/community basis of behavior
knowledge and skills regarding understanding and use of supervision during applied experiences

Admissions

Baccalaureate degree in Psychology or other relevant field from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate work, with at least a 3.0 average in psychology courses, or strong evidence of recent academic achievement. Applicants holding graduate degrees in a related field will be evaluated using their graduate grade point average, which must be a minimum of 3.0.
Successful completion of 15 credits of undergraduate coursework in Psychology is required. Credits in General Psychology, Statistics (Psychology Statistics or Statistics for the Social Sciences), Experimental Methods or Research Methods in Social Science, Abnormal Psychology and Personality Theory are recommended.
Completed application for admission to the MS in Mental Health Counseling Program Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers
Completion of personal statement
Admission interview with MHC faculty

International students must meet additional criteria, including the following TOEFL scores: paper exam = 550; computer exam= 213; Internet exam= 80. Students taking the IELTS English (Cambridge) exams must pass with a broad band score of 6.5. Students must also have their overseas documents evaluated by AACRAO International or WES (World Education Services).

Preference is given to applicants who have work or volunteer experience in activities related to counseling

Program Policies and Procedures

Academic Retention Policy

Any student who receives a grade of “F” in any course or any student whose cumulative GPA is less than 3.0 will automatically have a hearing scheduled with the Graduate Mental Health Counseling Program’s Retention and Review Committee.

Professional Competence Review Policy

As part of their development, all MHC students must have knowledge of the relevant professional ethical codes and adhere to the high level of ethical conduct therein. Students in the MHC program are expected to practice self-care and demonstrate self-awareness regarding any personal or psychological issues which might interfere with their ability to function ethically. Please refer to the MHC Student Handbook for the detailed policy and review process.

University Email

Each student will receive a University email address. All official University communications will be sent to the student’s Old Westbury email address. Students should be able to access this email and check it regularly.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend class regularly and arrive punctually. Class attendance and participation are crucial for acquisition of information and professional development and socialization into the field. Students are allowed one absence and are expected to notify relevant faculty of the absence. Reasons for any further missed classes will be discussed with the professor and will negatively impact the student’s grade. Excessive absences will lead to a Retention and Review Committee hearing and could result in dismissal from the program.

Program Faculty

Core Faculty

Fred Millán, Director, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor

Marty Cooper, Associate Professor

Lanaya Wade, Assistant Professor

Psychology Faculty

Meesuk Ahn, Lecturer
Erik Benau, Assistant Professor
Desiree Hamilton, Director of Field Placement
Svetlana Jović, Assistant Professor
Seojung Jung, Associate Professor
Melissa P. Kiner, Lecturer
Ashlee Lien, Chair, Associate Professor
B. Runi Mukherji, Professor
Lorenz S. Neuwirth, Professor
Lillian H. Park, Associate Professor