Mental Health Counseling (MHC)
This course covers the basic theory, principles and techniques of mental health counseling and its application to professional counseling settings. It also considers various theories of counseling and issues in the practice of professional counseling and supervision. This course summarizes the history and explores the primary concepts of the major approaches to counseling. This course will consider the key concepts of each theory, and application practices. Strengths and limitations of each approach are also explored as well as the impact of these theories on clients diagnosed with mental health disorders. This course will examine strategies to support and advocate for clients.
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of group development, process and dynamics. Students will learn theoretical and practical concepts related to the practice of group psychotherapy. It is based on the assumption that experiential learning is the most effective way to get acquainted with a new and challenging topic. It prepares students to work with groups in various settings. Using a clinical model, students develop an understanding of relevant group practice, roles and responsibilities of facilitators, and the relevance and purpose of group work.
This course is described to provide students with an introduction to substance use related disorders, assessment tools and treatment options. The course examines the complicated etiology of substance related disorders and the social, psychological and biological bases of addiction. There will also be a focus on stages of change and motivational interviewing as components of working with clients with a substance use disorder.
This course will provide an in-depth review of a broad spectrum of psychopathological conditions as defined in the DSM-V. The focus of this review will include the etiology, prevalence and incidence, signs and symptoms, and criteria for differential diagnosis. The emphasis of this review will be on comparing and contrasting different theoretical perspectives on each disorder, as well as reviewing empirically supported best practices in treatment plans. This course will also cover the basic etiology of substance addiction and co-occurring disorders as well as subsequent treatment plans.
This course will provide an in-depth review of a broad spectrum of psychopathological conditions as defined in the DSM-V. The focus of this review will include the etiology, prevalence and incidence, signs and symptoms, and criteria for differential diagnosis. The emphasis of this review will be on comparing and contrasting different theoretical perspectives on each disorder, as well as reviewing empirically supported best practices in treatment plans. This course will also cover the basic etiology of substance addiction and co-occurring disorders as well as subsequent treatment plans.
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the major principles of assessment, assessment instruments and assessment skills relevant for mental health counselors. Emphasis will be placed on the statistical properties, use and interpretation of assessment and appraisal techniques commonly used in clinical, educational, and organizational fields. It includes an analysis of psychometric properties used to develop and evaluate these instruments. The course also addresses ethical, legal, and diversity issues including cultural bias and fairness in assessments. An extensive review of the clinical interview assessment for future clinicians will be covered.
This course surveys the descriptive and causal aspects of individual differences in personality. Students will examine theories and explanations of the development of normal and abnormal personalities. Major models of personality theory include biological, cognitive social, behavioral, and psychodynamic models. *Note: This course may be needed for Canadian Licensure. Please check with the licensing body in Canada where obtaining a licensure is planned.
This course will focus on the ethical principles and professional standards of counseling practice and survey the ethical and legal issues facing the professional counselor in today’s society. Students will review professional goals, objectives, roles and functions. This course also examines ethical and legal standards, risk management, professional credentialing and standards for professional counselors. This course covers significant clinical challenges for the mental health professional. The counseling profession’s ethical standards are also addressed with an emphasis on the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and counselor ethical decision-making processes. New York State Office of the Professions Practice guidelines for Licensed Mental Health Counselors will be used to examine legal issues. Through various methods, students have the opportunity to develop their understanding and commitment to professional standards and ethical guidelines for practice as a mental health counselor.
This course will focus on the ethical principles and professional standards of counseling practice and survey the ethical and legal issues facing the professional counselor in today’s society. Students will review professional goals, objectives, roles and functions. This course also examines ethical and legal standards, risk management, professional credentialing and standards for professional counselors. This course covers significant clinical challenges for the mental health professional. The counseling profession’s ethical standards are also addressed with an emphasis on the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics and counselor ethical decision-making processes. New York State Office of the Professions Practice guidelines for Licensed Mental Health Counselors will be used to examine legal issues. Through various methods, students have the opportunity to develop their understanding and commitment to professional standards and ethical guidelines for practice as a mental health counselor.
This course introduces students to the major theories that have shaped counselors’ understanding of human growth and development from conception, childhood and adolescence, to early, middle, and late adulthood. Aspects of development discussed include biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial changes. Expected developmental milestones during each of these phases of development are addressed. This course reviews significant research findings and theories about human development. Building a multidimensional framework for understanding development process and dynamics and for predicting challenges associated with life transitions is emphasized.
This course introduces students to the major theories that have shaped counselors’ understanding of human growth and development from conception, childhood and adolescence, to early, middle, and late adulthood. Aspects of development discussed include biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial changes. Expected developmental milestones during each of these phases of development are addressed. This course reviews significant research findings and theories about human development. Building a multidimensional framework for understanding development process and dynamics and for predicting challenges associated with life transitions is emphasized.
This course is designed to help students understand both the normal and complicated grieving process with individuals across the life span. This course examines various therapeutic interventions that are useful on helping the bereaved. The impact of culture and how it is related to differences in the grief process are explored. An extensive analysis of the difference between grief counseling and grief therapy will be explored. Students will study historical and current theories in grief and loss. This leads into an in-depth presentation of abnormal grief reactions, complicated mourning processes, and when to use more advanced interventions of counseling. Students will study grief therapies and learn when to refer clients for such. Issues of the counselor's own grief and burnout syndromes are also addressed. In addition, techniques associated with trauma and crisis counseling are introduced and explored.
This course is designed to help students understand both the normal and complicated grieving process with individuals across the life span. This course examines various therapeutic interventions that are useful on helping the bereaved. The impact of culture and how it is related to differences in the grief process are explored. An extensive analysis of the difference between grief counseling and grief therapy will be explored. Students will study historical and current theories in grief and loss. This leads into an in-depth presentation of abnormal grief reactions, complicated mourning processes, and when to use more advanced interventions of counseling. Students will study grief therapies and learn when to refer clients for such. Issues of the counselor's own grief and burnout syndromes are also addressed. In addition, techniques associated with trauma and crisis counseling are introduced and explored.
This course is designed to provide students with a general framework for understanding issues related to mental health services delivered to people from diverse populations. The influence of socio-identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religious preferences) on individuals' functioning, concerns, and the counseling process will be explored. This course is designed to increase students’ awareness and knowledge of, as well as skills related to, multicultural counseling and the delivery of counseling services. Students explore diversity and identity issues and discuss their impact on the therapeutic relationship.
This course is designed to provide students with a general framework for understanding issues related to mental health services delivered to people from diverse populations. The influence of socio-identities (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religious preferences) on individuals' functioning, concerns, and the counseling process will be explored. This course is designed to increase students’ awareness and knowledge of, as well as skills related to, multicultural counseling and the delivery of counseling services. Students explore diversity and identity issues and discuss their impact on the therapeutic relationship.
This workshop prepares students who are required by law to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the New York State Central Register. This workshop is designed to help students understand the risk factors associated with child abuse, as well as, to recognize child emotional, physical and sexual abuse of children. Students will learn their roles and responsibilities as mandated child abuse reporters. This workshop is presented in accordance with the New York State Office of Child and Family Services, Mandated Reporters Guide (Publication #1159) and online training.
This workshop prepares students who are required by law to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the New York State Central Register. This workshop is designed to help students understand the risk factors associated with child abuse, as well as, to recognize child emotional, physical and sexual abuse of children. Students will learn their roles and responsibilities as mandated child abuse reporters. This workshop is presented in accordance with the New York State Office of Child and Family Services, Mandated Reporters Guide (Publication #1159) and online training.
This course focuses on the practical and personal side of counseling. The course provides students with the opportunity to learn about oneself personally and professionally and accomplish the basic attitudes and techniques of counseling. The course includes class discussion, observation, practice of counseling skills and attitudes, role-plays of counseling, group and individual supervision, observation of a counseling case with supervision, and critical reflection on the student experience in these learning and practice exercises. This course focuses on principles and skills related to interviewing and observation, as well as related legal, ethical, and cultural issues. Students gain practice in conducting interviews, making behavioral observations, collecting and interpreting data during an interview, and developing written reports of findings.
This course focuses on the practical and personal side of counseling. The course provides students with the opportunity to learn about oneself personally and professionally and accomplish the basic attitudes and techniques of counseling. The course includes class discussion, observation, practice of counseling skills and attitudes, role-plays of counseling, group and individual supervision, observation of a counseling case with supervision, and critical reflection on the student experience in these learning and practice exercises. This course focuses on principles and skills related to interviewing and observation, as well as related legal, ethical, and cultural issues. Students gain practice in conducting interviews, making behavioral observations, collecting and interpreting data during an interview, and developing written reports of findings.
This course surveys the major methodologies for conducting psychological research, and focuses on research report development, publication of psychological data, and ethical considerations in conducting research. Students will also be introduced to the statistics necessary for describing and analyzing psychological data. This course also introduces students to the principles and practices of program evaluation and systems research, including quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. This course introduces students to design of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches to counseling research and evaluation. Students learn the strengths and limitations of each method and under what circumstances each approach would be the most appropriate research design. Students are exposed to legal and ethical issues associated with human subjects’ protection.
This course surveys the major methodologies for conducting psychological research, and focuses on research report development, publication of psychological data, and ethical considerations in conducting research. Students will also be introduced to the statistics necessary for describing and analyzing psychological data. This course also introduces students to the principles and practices of program evaluation and systems research, including quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. This course introduces students to design of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches to counseling research and evaluation. Students learn the strengths and limitations of each method and under what circumstances each approach would be the most appropriate research design. Students are exposed to legal and ethical issues associated with human subjects’ protection.
This course is designed to provide students with the theoretical framework and basic counseling skills necessary for the career counseling process and for planning programs for educational and career counseling. The course includes a review of theories of career development, individual and programmed techniques for diagnosis, assessment, decision-making and career search/advancement. Attention is given to assessment of how people make career choices, which are suitable to the individual and are viable in society. Emphasis is on developing a broad view of career as lifestyle and on practical application of theory and information in a professional counseling context.
This course is designed to provide students with the theoretical framework and basic counseling skills necessary for the career counseling process and for planning programs for educational and career counseling. The course includes a review of theories of career development, individual and programmed techniques for diagnosis, assessment, decision-making and career search/advancement. Attention is given to assessment of how people make career choices, which are suitable to the individual and are viable in society. Emphasis is on developing a broad view of career as lifestyle and on practical application of theory and information in a professional counseling context.
This course will introduce students to basic skills that initiate counseling relationships and follow with the four principal approaches to counseling: cognitive, affective, behavioral, and family/systemic. These approaches will provide the context for assessment, goal setting, and the integration of skills into interventions. In addition, this course also provides an introduction to the understanding of the basic neurobiology of psychopathology and the different types of psychotropic medications to treat these conditions. As such, this aspect of the course emphasizes the counselor’s role as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team in facilitating treatment compliance, monitoring the efficacy as well as side effects of the psychotropic medication prescribed, and the counselor’s role in integrating pharmacologic treatments with other non-pharmacological modalities.
This course will introduce students to basic skills that initiate counseling relationships and follow with the four principal approaches to counseling: cognitive, affective, behavioral, and family/systemic. These approaches will provide the context for assessment, goal setting, and the integration of skills into interventions. In addition, this course also provides an introduction to the understanding of the basic neurobiology of psychopathology and the different types of psychotropic medications to treat these conditions. As such, this aspect of the course emphasizes the counselor’s role as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team in facilitating treatment compliance, monitoring the efficacy as well as side effects of the psychotropic medication prescribed, and the counselor’s role in integrating pharmacologic treatments with other non-pharmacological modalities.
This course focuses on the practical and personal side of counseling and provides students with the opportunity to learn about oneself personally and professionally, as well as learn and practice the basic attitudes and techniques of counseling. The course includes class discussion, observation, practice of counseling skills and attitudes, counseling role-plays, group and individual supervision, observation of a counseling case with supervision, and critical reflection on the student experience in these learning and practice exercises. MHC 670 focuses on the principles and skills related to interviewing and observation, as well as related legal, ethical, and cultural issues. Students gain practice in conducting interviews, making behavioral observations, collecting and interpreting data during an interview, and developing written reports of findings.
This course focuses on the practical and personal side of counseling and provides students with the opportunity to learn about oneself personally and professionally, as well as learn and practice the basic attitudes and techniques of counseling. The course includes class discussion, observation, practice of counseling skills and attitudes, counseling role-plays, group and individual supervision, observation of a counseling case with supervision, and critical reflection on the student experience in these learning and practice exercises. MHC 670 focuses on the principles and skills related to interviewing and observation, as well as related legal, ethical, and cultural issues. Students gain practice in conducting interviews, making behavioral observations, collecting and interpreting data during an interview, and developing written reports of findings.
This course will emphasize utilizing developmentally appropriate counseling and therapy techniques for children and adolescents who are experiencing social, behavioral or affective problems. The course is designed to help graduate students to focus on the knowledge base, skills, theories, research, models, and critical issues of contemporary Children and Adolescent counseling and therapy. Future clinicians will learn to help children and adolescents in a variety of ways by receiving emotional support, resolving conflicts with people, understanding feelings and problems, and trying out new solutions to old problems. Intervention goals for therapy may be specific (change in behavior, improved relations with friends or family), or more general (less anxiety, better self-esteem) will be explored. Current issues facing youth in the contemporary world will also be explored.
This course will emphasize utilizing developmentally appropriate counseling and therapy techniques for children and adolescents who are experiencing social, behavioral or affective problems. The course is designed to help graduate students to focus on the knowledge base, skills, theories, research, models, and critical issues of contemporary Children and Adolescent counseling and therapy. Future clinicians will learn to help children and adolescents in a variety of ways by receiving emotional support, resolving conflicts with people, understanding feelings and problems, and trying out new solutions to old problems. Intervention goals for therapy may be specific (change in behavior, improved relations with friends or family), or more general (less anxiety, better self-esteem) will be explored. Current issues facing youth in the contemporary world will also be explored.
A 10-week supervised practicum in a mental health/psychiatric agency provides the experiences for the student-intern to increase professional competence for a minimum of 100 hours (40 hours of which are direct face to face). Through the practicum experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of counseling practice, and to build on previous life and work experience, as well as to develop new areas of professional competence. This process allows the student to bring together and to integrate for professional use cognitive learning, professional competence, values and ethics, life experiences, and activities, which will enhance skill and critical analysis of counseling practice. There is a weekly supervision requirement and a biweekly group supervision requirement for this course in addition to other assignments.
A 10-week supervised practicum in a mental health/psychiatric agency provides the experiences for the student-intern to increase professional competence for a minimum of 100 hours (40 hours of which are direct face to face). Through the practicum experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of counseling practice, and to build on previous life and work experience, as well as to develop new areas of professional competence. This process allows the student to bring together and to integrate for professional use cognitive learning, professional competence, values and ethics, life experiences, and activities, which will enhance skill and critical analysis of counseling practice. There is a weekly supervision requirement and a biweekly group supervision requirement for this course in addition to other assignments.
Syllabus: An 8-month supervised internship in a mental health/psychiatric agency provides the experiences for the student-intern to increase professional competence for a minimum of 600 hours (240 hours of which are direct face-to-face individual and group counseling). When a student finishes internship 1 and 2, they will have completed 600 hours with 240 face to face in individual and group counseling. Through the internship experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of counseling practice, and to build on previous life and work experience, as well as to develop new areas of professional competence. This process allows the student to bring together and to integrate for professional use cognitive learning, professional competence, values and ethics, life experiences, and activities, which will enhance skill and critical analysis of counseling practice. There is a weekly supervision requirement and a biweekly group supervision requirement for this course in addition to other assignments.
Syllabus: An 8-month supervised internship in a mental health/psychiatric agency provides the experiences for the student-intern to increase professional competence for a minimum of 600 hours (240 hours of which are direct face-to-face individual and group counseling). When a student finishes internship 1 and 2, they will have completed 600 hours with 240 face to face in individual and group counseling. Through the internship experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of counseling practice, and to build on previous life and work experience, as well as to develop new areas of professional competence. This process allows the student to bring together and to integrate for professional use cognitive learning, professional competence, values and ethics, life experiences, and activities, which will enhance skill and critical analysis of counseling practice. There is a weekly supervision requirement and a biweekly group supervision requirement for this course in addition to other assignments.
Syllabus: An 8-month supervised internship in a mental health/psychiatric agency provides the experiences for the student-intern to increase professional competence for a minimum of 600 hours (240 hours of which are direct face-to-face individual and group counseling). When a student finishes Internship I and II, they will have completed 600 hours with 240 face-to-face in individual and group counseling. Through the internship experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of counseling practice, and to build on previous life and work experience, as well as to develop new areas of professional competence. This process allows the student to bring together and to integrate for professional use cognitive learning, professional competence, values and ethics, life experiences, and activities, which will enhance skill and critical analysis of counseling practice. There is a weekly supervision requirement and a biweekly group supervision requirement for this course in addition to other assignments.
Syllabus: An 8-month supervised internship in a mental health/psychiatric agency provides the experiences for the student-intern to increase professional competence for a minimum of 600 hours (240 hours of which are direct face-to-face individual and group counseling). When a student finishes Internship I and II, they will have completed 600 hours with 240 face-to-face in individual and group counseling. Through the internship experience, the student is challenged to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories and concepts of counseling practice, and to build on previous life and work experience, as well as to develop new areas of professional competence. This process allows the student to bring together and to integrate for professional use cognitive learning, professional competence, values and ethics, life experiences, and activities, which will enhance skill and critical analysis of counseling practice. There is a weekly supervision requirement and a biweekly group supervision requirement for this course in addition to other assignments.
This course is an introduction to the history, development, and systemic foundations of marriage and family therapy. This course will survey the various models and theories of family therapy with particular attention paid to the different conceptions of healthy and dysfunctional dynamics, goals in family therapy treatment, and associated therapeutic approaches and techniques. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the major schools of marriage and family therapy, the integration of various approaches in family therapy and the research outcomes of each.
This course is an introduction to the history, development, and systemic foundations of marriage and family therapy. This course will survey the various models and theories of family therapy with particular attention paid to the different conceptions of healthy and dysfunctional dynamics, goals in family therapy treatment, and associated therapeutic approaches and techniques. Particular attention will be paid to the development of the major schools of marriage and family therapy, the integration of various approaches in family therapy and the research outcomes of each.
Syllabus: This course will provide students with an understanding of the purpose and process of clinical supervision, as well as, the importance of professional growth. This course will also present a review of currently accepted supervision models. This will course will assist students in developing knowledge and skills related to the supervisory role and relationship. Issues related to the ethical dilemmas, cultural diversity, power and boundary issues will also be addressed. This course will provide students with an understanding of the purpose and process of clinical supervision, as well as, the importance of professional growth. This course will also present a review of currently accepted supervision models. This will course will assist students in developing knowledge and skills related to the supervisory role and relationship. Issues related to the ethical dilemmas, cultural diversity, power and boundary issues will also be addressed.
Syllabus: This course will provide students with an understanding of the purpose and process of clinical supervision, as well as, the importance of professional growth. This course will also present a review of currently accepted supervision models. This will course will assist students in developing knowledge and skills related to the supervisory role and relationship. Issues related to the ethical dilemmas, cultural diversity, power and boundary issues will also be addressed.
This exam prepares students to analyze, diagnose and provide treatment plans for cases similar to real world experience. This exam is designed to help students understand the need to accurately define presenting problems, account for any underlying problems and provide relief to ameliorate coping mechanisms and reduce mental health symptoms through an appropriate treatment plan. Passing the comprehensive examination satisfies one of the requirements for a degree in clinical mental health counseling.
This exam prepares students to analyze, diagnose and provide treatment plans for cases similar to real world experience. This exam is designed to help students understand the need to accurately define presenting problems, account for any underlying problems and provide relief to ameliorate coping mechanisms and reduce mental health symptoms through an appropriate treatment plan. Passing the comprehensive examination satisfies one of the requirements for a degree in clinical mental health counseling.