Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is accredited under the 2016 standards. The course requirements for this degree is 60 Hours. It will take approximately seven semesters to complete the degree if the student remains full-time in year around enrollment.

Mission

The mission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is to prepare students for licensure and certification as knowledgeable and ethical professional counselors to meet the increasing demand for mental health services in a complex society with a diverse population by offering a curriculum that combines theory and concepts with skills development and meets the requirements as set forth by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Goals

• To equip students with the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and behaviors to become ethical, mental health counselors in a complex society with a diverse population.
• To prepare students to sit for licensure by meeting the academic requirements set forth by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) renders professional counseling services to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, corporations, institutions, government agencies, or the general public for compensation. He or she assists one or more clients through the therapeutic relationship, using a combination of mental health and human development principles, methods, and techniques, including the use of psychotherapy, to achieve the mental, emotional, physical, social, moral, educational, spiritual, or career-related development and adjustment of the client throughout the client’s life. The Licensed Professional Counselor is a trained and experienced expert who holds a valid license issued under the Texas Licensed Professional Counselor Act, Title 71, Art. 4512g.

A National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) is one who has advanced knowledge of mental health, psychological, or human development principles and can apply these through cognitive,
affective, behavioral or systemic intervention strategies to address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. This national certification requires that a person who has completed the 48-hour program and has met the requirements for the general practice of professional counseling take and pass a national certification examination.

In addition to completing all degree requirements, students who want to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Texas must, after graduation, complete a 3000 clock hour internship approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Before beginning this internship, graduates must apply to take the National Counselor Exam and apply to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for a temporary license. Graduates must also take and pass the Jurisprudence Exam administered by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.

Contact

Dr. Jude Austin serves as the Clinical and Mental Health track coordinator.