Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) MS/MA
Develop a deep understanding of the counselor as an important foundation for the counseling relationship and attain a broad theoretical and empirical understanding of counseling approaches.
Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Master of Science/Master of Art
Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), MS/MA
Offered as a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) prepares candidates to be competent, culturally aware, ethical counselors who will provide exceptional mental health services in both public and private settings to meet the needs of increasingly diverse communities.
The curriculum is designed to meet state and national standards, so that graduates can apply to become licensed counselors throughout the U.S. The CMHC program has attained national accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) also recognize the CMHC program as meeting the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
The CMHC program provides an academic environment with small classes where faculty members support students’ personal and professional growth. Students develop a deep understanding of the personhood of the counselor as an important foundation for the counseling relationship and attain a broad theoretical and empirical understanding of counseling approaches.
Students grow in counseling skills throughout their studies, beginning experiential training in the first term with close supervision and guidance. Students learn to think and act ethically, demonstrating professional accountability and acumen for the welfare of clients, agencies, communities, and the clinical mental health counseling profession. They develop strong professional identities as clinical mental health counselors.
Two important resources for students are the CMHC Graduate Handbook and the SOU Graduate Student Handbook. Both of these handbooks provide students with a variety of information regarding their educational career and institutional expectations while attending SOU.
Degree Fit
Program Preparation
Prerequisites for the program are Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. It is also essential for applicants to cultivate a sense of self-reflection and openness. Some experience in volunteer or professional care or service positions also provides a good foundation.
Degree Roadmap
CMHC students working toward a MA/MS degree will be instructed in the foundations of counseling theory and skills through a sequential track of coursework. Students will receive hands on experience in counseling conceptualization and skills and will receive constant supervision from a variety of professional supervisors.
Practica & Internship
Supervised experience as a counselor-in-training constitutes a substantial portion of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program curriculum. In the fall term of the first year of the program, CMHC students take COUN 502-Introduction to Helping Skills in which they are introduced to the field of mental health counseling and an array of counseling micro skills common to all therapeutic orientations. Completion of 100 hours of practicum is required, including 40-hours of direct client contact. Upon successful completion of the practicum series and other coursework related to ethical, sound counseling practice, students may begin an internship. Professional deportment is cultivated and assessed throughout all aspects of the program.
Guided Pathways
Contact: CMHC Coordinator – 541.552.6113 – cmhc@sou.edu
Associate Degree Paths
Rouge Community College: AA Oregon Transfer, Psychology Interest, Human Services/Social Science
Klamath Community College: Associate of General Studies in Psychology
Umpqua Community College: AA Oregon Transfer Psychology, Human Services
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Career Opportunities & Outlook
Contact the CMHC Program
SOU Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6113
– Questions About Clinical Mental Health Counseling? –