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2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
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Philosophy
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 thegrowth 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.
Program Description
The 60 credit M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program at Old Westbury prepares students to provide culturally competent counseling and assessment to a diverse population in compliance with guidelines described in NY State Article 163, Section 8402. Graduates are eligible to sit for the exam for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor after completion of 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.
It meets the credit requirements established by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, Section 52.32
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Sample Semester Table
NOTE: Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Workshop (0 Credits) will be offered and available every semester. Student Learning Outcomes
The American Psychological Association. The original competencies were adapted to more accurately reflect the expected competencies of a masters level clinician. The following 16 goals are designed to develop competent clinicians. These goals are measured at the end of a practicum experience, at the end of the first semester of the internship experience, and finally at the end of the second semester of the internship experience. These three measurements allow for program faculty to properly assess development and intervene as needed to provide appropriate support to ensure proper development and public safety.
- Professionalism
The MHC program seeks to develop counselors who demonstrate professionalism as defined by: integrity, deportment, accountability, concern for the welfare of others, and, professional identity.
- Individual and Cultural Diversity
The MHC program aims to develop counselors who are competent in individual and cultural diversity as demonstrated by: personal understanding of culture and context, consideration of culture and context of others, understanding cultural and contextual influences during interaction between self and others, and evidence of competencies with regards to multiculturalism.
- Ethical/Legal Standards and Policy
Students will present and conduct themselves with knowledge and awareness of ethical, legal, and professional standards.
- Reflective Practice/Self-Assessment/Self-Care
The Program expects students to engage in reflective practice, assess themselves with regards to competency, evidence self-care, and seek additional supervision as needed.
- Relationships
Maintenance of professional interpersonal relationships is expected with an emphasis on affective and expressive skills.
- Scientific Knowledge and Methods
Students will demonstrate scientific knowledge in their own thinking, the behavior of clients, and application toward clinical work.
- Evaluation
An understanding of evaluating practice and programs.
- Evidence-Based Practice
MHC students will be trained in evidence based practice and application.
- Assessment
The program will train students to properly assess, diagnose, and conceptualize client cases.
- Intervention
Students will be trained to plan and apply appropriate interventions with individuals and organizations.
- Consultation
The program will train all students to fulfill the role of a consultant and how to apply their expertise to a broad range of consultation questions.
- Teaching
Students will exhibit teaching skills in didactic formats.
- Supervision
Supervision will be demonstrated via guided peer supervision courses under direction of faculty.
- Interdisciplinary Systems
Students will show the ability to interact effectively and appropriately in interdisciplinary teams.
- Management-Administration
The ability to function within the mandates and direction of management teams will be evidenced and students will demonstrate participation in these environments.
- Advocacy
Students will be developed in a model that encourages recognition of multiple oppressing systems and work diligently to correct inequalities when possible.
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, 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.
College Email
Each student will receive a College email address. ALL official College 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, Professor
Marty Cooper, Asst Professor
Psychology Faculty
Meesuk Ahn, Lecturer
Erik Benau, Assistant Professor
Jeannine Naidoo Chester, Director of Field Placement
Svetlana Jović, Assistant Professor
Seojung Jung, Assistant Professor
Sarah R. Kamens, Assistant Professor
Melissa P. Kiner, Lecturer
Ashlee Lien, Associate Professor
Laurette T. Morris, Associate Professor
B. Runi Mukherji, Professor
Lorenz S. Neuwirth, Assistant Professor
Lillian H. Park, Chair, Associate Professor
Erin Toolis, Assistant Professor
Lisa A. Whitten, Associate Professor
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