COURSE CURRICULUM

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for professional counseling roles in diverse settings. Core coursework includes foundational classes such as Counseling Across the Life Span, Introduction to Professional and Ethical Issues, Counseling Theories, Appraisal of the Individual, and Counseling Techniques. These courses emphasize developmental theory, ethics, assessment, and foundational counseling skills. Students also complete coursework in career counseling, group counseling, multicultural counseling, and research methods, building a strong academic base. The program includes a 100-hour practicum where students engage in hands-on client work under supervision. Concentration courses cover essential topics such as substance abuse counseling, clinical assessment and diagnosis, and mental health counseling, and offer further depth in marriage and family counseling, legal and ethical issues, and leadership. Elective options allow students to tailor their education to specific interests such as counseling children and adolescents, adults, older adults, and members of the adoption triad. Other electives address emerging areas like ecotherapy and gender issues in counseling. Students complete a two-part, 600-hour internship in a specialized setting, engaging in both direct and indirect counseling work under supervision. Weekly class and site-based supervision ensures ongoing support and skill development. The program concludes with a required comprehensive examination to assess students’ mastery of essential counseling knowledge. Together, the curriculum and clinical experiences are designed to meet the academic and practical requirements for initial licensure as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in New Jersey, progressing toward independent licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This well-rounded program prepares students to work effectively with individuals, families, and groups across a range of developmental stages and mental health needs in community, clinical, educational, and private settings.