Description
Masters
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MCH MA)
60 Credits
MASTER OF ARTS IN MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING • 60 CREDITS • MCH MA
The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program provides the specialized knowledge, skills and experience required for students to perform effectively as mental health counselors. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have gained the experience and skills needed to begin work as professionals in the field of mental health. This includes the required knowledge of counseling techniques, ethical standards, ability to work with diverse populations, and the need to promote equity and inclusion within the field of mental health. Completion of this program provides a pathway for an individual to ultimately become a licensed professional counselor.
Which class should I take? When should I take it?
See our Recommended Program Sequences:
- Mental Health Counseling, MA - Fall Start (web)
- Mental Health Counseling, MA - Fall Start (PDF)
- Mental Health Counseling, MA - Winter Start (web)
- Mental Health Counseling, MA - Winter Start (pdf)
Courses |
60 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MHLC610 | In this course, students are introduced to the history, philosophy and theoretical foundations of the counseling profession and its specialty areas and begin to form a professional identity as a mental health counselor. Topics covered in the course include the professional standards of the field of counseling, the traits and skills of a professional counselor, the role of the professional counselor, and the requirements to become a mental health counselor, as well as current issues faced by the profession. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC616 | This course explores theories and research related to sociocultural diversity in the field of mental health counseling. Students learn how implicit bias, racial profiling, overt and covert discrimination and privilege pertain to the counseling profession and are challenged to examine their own biases and preconceptions as they consider the impact of these phenomenon on mental health and therapeutic intervention. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC620 | In this course, students are introduced to the theoretical and philosophical foundations of counseling and learn how to consider varying individual sociocultural factors to inform counseling technique. Students develop a theoretical basis and identify techniques to inform the development of their own counseling practice. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC628 | This course focuses on the role human development plays in mental health over the lifespan while taking into consideration a variety of sociocultural factors. Students learn counseling theories related to mental health and human development over the lifespan including, but not limited to those related to learning, personality, and abnormality. Contextual factors affecting development from a biological and environmental perspective are also considered. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC632 | This course provides students with the foundational frameworks to legal and ethical principles in the field of mental health counseling and explores ethical decision making in the context of the counselor role. Critical thinking and analysis of these subjects will be applied through case analysis. The current standards of various professional and credentialing bodies are also explored. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC644 | This course examines the use of assessment and testing in counseling. Students learn how to select, administer and interpret the findings from various assessment instruments to ensure utility given the intended use with the population being served. Statistical concepts explored include, but are not limited to, scales of measurement, central tendency, and correlation. The history of the misuse of formal assessment is also discussed. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC653 | This course focuses on evidence-based trauma and crisis intervention strategies and how trauma affects individuals and families. Students develop skills to assess, diagnose and treat individuals in crisis or suffering from trauma. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 | |
| MHLC674 | In this course, students will identify and diagnose mental and emotional disorders. The current classification systems and historical basis for determining mental health disorders are studied in detail. Students analyze major areas of concern including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, disorders of childhood, addictive disorders and cognitive impairments. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC688 | In this course, students learn methods to assess clients’ interests, skills, personality and abilities and how to support the development of career goals which are achievable and marketable in today’s workplace. Major career development and counseling theories which inform professional practice will be examined. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. | |
| MHLC727 | This course explores the theoretical foundations and practical aspects of group counseling and group work. The dynamics associated with group process and development, as well as the characteristics of being an effective group leader in diverse contexts, are emphasized. Students will gain hands-on experience in group counseling and group work. Fees: Additional Course Fee(s) apply. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610 MHLC 616 and MHLC 620 | |
| MHLC748 | In this course students examine research and evaluation approaches used in the field of mental health counseling. Students practice critical reading and interpretation of existing research, including professional journal articles, and also learn basic skills needed to conduct research. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, hypothesis development and testing, sampling strategies, statistical analysis, and how to write a summary of findings, using APA format. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620 | |
| MHLC755 | This course explores human sexuality and the issues which may impact client functioning on a day-to-day basis. Students learn about the wide range of sexual identities, sexual dysfunction, issues related to human intimacy, and developmental issues related to sexuality. All topics are explored through a variety of sociocultural lenses. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620 | |
| MHLC763 | In this course students learn about theories and forms of addiction and the impact of addiction on individuals, families, and the greater community. Assessment procedures, planning, and treatment strategies related to mental health counseling for individuals facing addiction are covered in depth. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620 | |
| MHLC772 | This course examines various approaches to coordinating clinical care in collaboration with community groups and organizations to improve mental health outcomes for individuals. Students learn theoretical models, best practices, and strategies for consulting and working with professionals to enhance client care. Legal and ethical implications for this work are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620 | |
| MHLC779 | Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Students are strongly encouraged to attend a practicum workshop at least two semesters prior to the desired practicum course semester. The practicum course provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills, learned in previous coursework, by working in a supervised mental health setting. Weekly supervision is provided on an individual and/or small group basis. Students complete a total of 100 hours in their practicum, 40 of which must consist of direct client contact. Prior to starting the practicum course, students must complete all 600 level courses. Practicum sites need to be approved by an administrator from the Mental Health Counseling program. Student performance will be evaluated by a practicum supervisor and a Davenport faculty member. Students will be supported to identify site possibilities; however, responsibility for selection by the practicum site rests with the student. The practicum may be either paid or unpaid. A cr | |
| MHLC784 | This course focuses on the professional standards, evidenced based strategies and applied skills needed to be a successful clinician in the field of mental health. Students learn how to conduct intake interviews, conceptualize cases, develop and document treatment plans and build therapeutic relationships. Technology commonly used when conducting treatment is also introduced. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620 | |
| MHLC790A | Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Students are strongly encouraged to attend an Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to starting an internship. Information related to the internship workshop can be found at: https://my. davenport.edu/internships. The internship is a field-based experience which provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their coursework in an approved mental health setting. Through the internship experience, students will further develop their identity and skills as professional mental health counselors. In order to meet the internship requirement for the Mental Health Counseling program and various state licensing boards, students are required to complete two 300-hour internships. Each 300-hour internship (MHLC 790A and 790B) will be taken as a 3-credit course with a combination of direct service with clients via the internship site and other supervised professional activities. Internship sites need | |
| MHLC790B | Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Students are strongly encouraged to attend an Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to starting an internship. Information related to the internship workshop can be found at: https://my.davenport.edu/internships. The internship is a field-based experience which provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their coursework in an approved mental health setting. Through the internship experience, students will further develop their identity and skills as professional mental health counselors. In order to meet the internship requirement for the Mental Health Counseling program and various state licensing boards, students are required to complete two 300-hour internships. Each 300-hour internship (MHLC 790A and 790B) will be taken as a 3-credit course with a combination of direct service with clients via the internship site and other supervised professional activities. Internship sites need t | |
| MHLC799 | This course helps prepare students to take state required exams needed for licensure as a mental health counselor. Fees: Additional Course Fee(s) apply. Co-requisite(s): MHLC 790A MHLC 790B |