Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Columbia, Richmond, Savannah and Virginia Beach)

The basic theory, principles, and techniques of counseling and its application to professional counseling settings are explained. Also considered are the various theories of counseling and issues (e.g., counselor self-evaluation (moral), ethical, and legal) in the practice of professional counseling.

This course will provide an introduction to the field of clinical mental health counseling according to clinical and professional issues. Specifically, students will examine treatment delivery systems and gain an understanding of the dynamic interplay of professionals within these systems. The course will also focus on program analysis via theory and empirical methods.

This course involves an introduction to the study of abnormal behaviors in children, adolescents, and adults. The etiology, definition, prevalence rate, and morbidity of disorders in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are reviewed. The course will focus on an introduction to the science and art of clinical assessment as the foundation of practice in mental health settings and the use of assessment techniques in a professional and ethical manner. In part, adjustment disorders, V codes, and the ICD system will be studied. Students will primarily concentrate on serious mental disorders in the context of normal lifecycle transitions and review various methods of treatment related to the disorders covered. The course will make a concerted effort to apply the above to the "real world" of mental health professionals by examining treatment and assessment considerations.

A fundamental study of the helping relationship is provided. The course provides a broad understanding of philosophical bases of helping processes: counseling theories and their application: basic and advanced helping skills; consultation theories and their application: client and helper self-understanding and self-development; and facilitation of client change.

This course includes studies that provide a broad understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all levels of development: normal and abnormal behavior; personality theory; lifespan theory; and learning theory within cultural contexts. Appropriate strategies for facilitating development over the lifespan are also integrated into the course.

This course provides advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of serious psychopathology as depicted in the standard nomenclature of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and subsequent revisions/editions. Students will focus on the descriptions, etiology, and major diagnostic categories in order to effectively diagnose and develop appropriate treatment options. In addition, students will learn how to utilize the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Clinical Modification System according to the latest version. Upon completing the course, students will have an understanding of the techniques practitioners use in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology.

This course will provide an in-depth review of the multifaceted aspects (historical, philosophical, societal, cultural, economic, political), professional identity (e.g., roles, functions), and practice issues (e.g., managed care, reimbursement, expert witness status) specific to Clinical Mental Health Counselors. The course also examines ethical and legal standards (ACA and AMHCA Code of Ethics), risk management, and professional credentialing according to the Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

This course includes studies of multicultural and pluralistic trends including characteristics and concerns of diverse groups; attitudes and behavior based on factors such as age, race, religious preference, physical disability, social class, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture, family patterns, and gender. This course is meant to sensitize students to the impact of culture on the counselor's understanding of individuals from diverse backgrounds, counselor self-evaluation (e.g., moral), ethical, and legal considerations in the context of professional counseling.

A broad understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories is explored. Group leadership styles are discussed in addition to basic and advanced group counseling methods and skills. Different approaches to conducting group counseling are reviewed in addition to the appropriate counselor self-evaluation (e.g., moral), ethical, and legal considerations in the field of professional counseling.

In this pre-practicum experience, the student is required to receive 15 hours of faculty instruction that will focus on writing a resume and cover letter, identifying possible clinical placement sites, interviewing at potential clinical sites, securing a site and signing a field agreement, purchasing liability insurance, clinical skills practice, and reviewing necessary paperwork for practicum and internship.

Studies that provide a basic understanding of types of research are presented: basic statistics; research report development; and research implementation. Other areas studied include program evaluation; needs assessment; publication of research information; parametric and non-parametric statistics; quantitative and qualitative research designs; the use of computers for data management and analysis; including ethical and legal considerations pertinent to the professional counselor.

A broad understanding of group and individual educational and psychometric theories, ethical, and legal approaches to appraisal is the goal of this course; also examined are data and information gathering methods; validity and reliability; psychometric statistics; factors influencing appraisals; and use of appraisal results in helping processes. Also, the specific ability to select, administer and interpret tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and identify career options is considered.

This course includes studies that provide an understanding of career development theories and decision-making models; occupational and educational information sources and systems; assessment instruments and techniques relevant to career planning and decision-making; career, lifestyle, and leisure counseling, guidance and education; and career development program planning, resources, and effectiveness evaluation. Students also focus on counseling techniques involving special populations, the role of technology, counselor self-evaluation (e.g., moral), ethical, and legal considerations.

The course is designed to expose students to the taxonomy, side effects, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications. It is intended that students will gain an understanding of the contributions of medication regarding mental illness and an awareness of the collaborative relationship with medical personnel in the field of mental health counseling.

In this second course, supervised field placement experience, the student is required to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 40 direct contact (counseling) hours with clients, receive 10 hours of individual supervision, and receive 15 hours of group supervision during the academic term. During the practicum, the student will apply knowledge and skills learned throughout the curriculum in work with actual clients. This course is taken by students pursuing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track and students pursuing the advanced training required to assess and treat serious problems as categorized in the standard diagnostic nomenclature in the state of South Carolina.

During this internship experience, the student is expected to perform activities a regularly employed staff member would perform. Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 90 direct service hours (minimum of 9 hours/ week) with clients, receive a minimum of 25 hours of supervision during the academic term of which 10 hours must be individual supervision and 15 hours group supervision.

This course involves an in-depth analysis of abnormal behaviors in children and adolescents. The etiology, definition, prevalence rate, and morbidity of disorders in the DSM-IV-TR are reviewed. The course will focus on an introduction to the science and art of clinical assessment as the foundation of practice in mental health settings and the use of assessment techniques in a professional and ethical manner, toward the implementation of treatment. In part, adjustment disorders, V codes, and the ICD system will be studied. Students will primarily concentrate on serious mental disorders in the context of normal lifecycle transitions and review various methods of treatment related to the disorders covered. The course will make a concerted effort to apply the above to the "real world" of mental health professionals by examining treatment and assessment considerations.

This experience is designed to serve as the formal examination of the knowledge and skills obtained/achieved by a student, to date, in the program. The bodies of knowledge include (yet are not limited to) Human Growth and Development, Social and Cultural Foundations, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Career and Lifestyle Development, Appraisal, Research and Program Evaluation, Professional Orientation and Ethics, Fundamentals of Counseling, Assessment and Career Counseling, and Group Counseling. The examination is comprised of a multiple-choice exam. Students must pass all portions of the exam in order to advance in the program. Those desiring to take the examination must have student status (as defined by South University) in order to enroll and sit for the exam.

This course will introduce students to the history, philosophy, and trends in addictions counseling. Students will examine prevalence rates, etiology, course, duration, and the diagnostic features of disorders within a biopsychosocial context and through use of the DSM. Additionally, multiple treatment modalities will be explored with regard to inpatient, outpatient, residential, and self-help strategies.

During this internship experience, the student is expected to perform activities a regularly employed staff member would perform. Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 90 direct service hours (minimum of 9 hours/ week) with clients, receive a minimum of 25 hours of supervision during the academic term of which 10 hours must be individual supervision and 15 hours group supervision.

This course will provide an understanding of biopsychosocial factors involved with the presentation of mental illness. In particular, students will learn the advanced skills necessary for conducting intake interviews, mental status examinations, and treatment planning for mental illnesses for the purpose of assessing, diagnosing, planning treatment intervention, and managing caseloads in a clinical mental health setting.

A broad theoretical and practical foundation for counseling couples and families is emphasized. It provides a survey of current approaches in family, couples and marital counseling with an emphasis on various systemic models of family functioning and therapeutic intervention. This course provides an analysis of the importance of family, social and community systems in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

A study of mental health services and program management involving administration, finance, and budgeting in the private and public sectors, in addition to both individual and group private practice models. Students will be exposed to the foundations and practices of clinical supervision in the context of professional development. The course will also provide knowledge concerning community consultation and strategies for engaging in advocacy for the profession, including public policy and governmental relations.

During this internship experience, the student is expected to perform activities a regularly employed staff member would perform. Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 90 direct service hours (minimum of 9 hours/ week) with clients, receive a minimum of 25 hours of supervision during the academic term of which 10 hours must be individual supervision and 15 hours group supervision.

The basic theory, principles, and techniques of counseling and its application to professional counseling settings are explained. Also considered are the various theories of counseling and issues (e.g., counselor self-evaluation (moral), ethical, and legal) in the practice of professional counseling.

This course includes studies that provide a broad understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all levels of development: normal and abnormal behavior; personality theory; lifespan theory; and learning theory within cultural contexts. Appropriate strategies for facilitating development over the lifespan are also integrated into the course.

This course will provide an introduction to the field of clinical mental health counseling according to clinical and professional issues. Specifically, students will examine treatment delivery systems and gain an understanding of the dynamic interplay of professionals within these systems. The course will also focus on program analysis via theory and empirical methods.

This course involves an introduction to the study of abnormal behaviors in children, adolescents, and adults. The etiology, definition, prevalence rate, and morbidity of disorders in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are reviewed. The course will focus on an introduction to the science and art of clinical assessment as the foundation of practice in mental health settings and the use of assessment techniques in a professional and ethical manner. In part, adjustment disorders, V codes, and the ICD system will be studied. Students will primarily concentrate on serious mental disorders in the context of normal lifecycle transitions and review various methods of treatment related to the disorders covered. The course will make a concerted effort to apply the above to the "real world" of mental health professionals by examining treatment and assessment considerations.

A fundamental study of the helping relationship is provided. The course provides a broad understanding of philosophical bases of helping processes: counseling theories and their application: basic and advanced helping skills; consultation theories and their application: client and helper self-understanding and self-development; and facilitation of client change.

This course includes studies of multicultural and pluralistic trends including characteristics and concerns of diverse groups; attitudes and behavior based on factors such as age, race, religious preference, physical disability, social class, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture, family patterns, and gender. This course is meant to sensitize students to the impact of culture on the counselor's understanding of individuals from diverse backgrounds, counselor self-evaluation (e.g., moral), ethical, and legal considerations in the context of professional counseling.

This course provides advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of serious psychopathology as depicted in the standard nomenclature of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and subsequent revisions/editions. Students will focus on the descriptions, etiology, and major diagnostic categories in order to effectively diagnose and develop appropriate treatment options. In addition, students will learn how to utilize the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Clinical Modification System according to the latest version. Upon completing the course, students will have an understanding of the techniques practitioners use in the diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology.

This course will provide an in-depth review of the multifaceted aspects (historical, philosophical, societal, cultural, economic, political), professional identity (e.g., roles, functions), and practice issues (e.g., managed care, reimbursement, expert witness status) specific to Clinical Mental Health Counselors. The course also examines ethical and legal standards (ACA and AMHCA Code of Ethics), risk management, and professional credentialing according to the Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

In this pre-practicum experience, the student is required to receive 15 hours of faculty instruction that will focus on writing a resume and cover letter, identifying possible clinical placement sites, interviewing at potential clinical sites, securing a site and signing a field agreement, purchasing liability insurance, clinical skills practice, and reviewing necessary paperwork for practicum and internship.

A broad understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories is explored. Group leadership styles are discussed in addition to basic and advanced group counseling methods and skills. Different approaches to conducting group counseling are reviewed in addition to the appropriate counselor self-evaluation (e.g., moral), ethical, and legal considerations in the field of professional counseling.

Studies that provide a basic understanding of types of research are presented: basic statistics; research report development; and research implementation. Other areas studied include program evaluation; needs assessment; publication of research information; parametric and non-parametric statistics; quantitative and qualitative research designs; the use of computers for data management and analysis; including ethical and legal considerations pertinent to the professional counselor.

A broad understanding of group and individual educational and psychometric theories, ethical, and legal approaches to appraisal is the goal of this course; also examined are data and information gathering methods; validity and reliability; psychometric statistics; factors influencing appraisals; and use of appraisal results in helping processes. Also, the specific ability to select, administer and interpret tests and inventories to assess abilities, interests, and identify career options is considered.

This course includes studies that provide an understanding of career development theories and decision-making models; occupational and educational information sources and systems; assessment instruments and techniques relevant to career planning and decision-making; career, lifestyle, and leisure counseling, guidance and education; and career development program planning, resources, and effectiveness evaluation. Students also focus on counseling techniques involving special populations, the role of technology, counselor self-evaluation (e.g., moral), ethical, and legal considerations.

This course will introduce students to the history, philosophy, and trends in addictions counseling. Students will examine prevalence rates, etiology, course, duration, and the diagnostic features of disorders within a biopsychosocial context and through use of the DSM. Additionally, multiple treatment modalities will be explored with regard to inpatient, outpatient, residential, and self-help strategies.

In this second course, supervised field placement experience, the student is required to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 40 direct contact (counseling) hours with clients, receive 10 hours of individual supervision, and receive 15 hours of group supervision during the academic term. During the practicum, the student will apply knowledge and skills learned throughout the curriculum in work with actual clients. This course is taken by students pursuing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track and students pursuing the advanced training required to assess and treat serious problems as categorized in the standard diagnostic nomenclature in the state of South Carolina.

During this internship experience, the student is expected to perform activities a regularly employed staff member would perform. Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 90 direct service hours (minimum of 9 hours/ week) with clients, receive a minimum of 25 hours of supervision during the academic term of which 10 hours must be individual supervision and 15 hours group supervision.

This course involves an in-depth analysis of abnormal behaviors in children and adolescents. The etiology, definition, prevalence rate, and morbidity of disorders in the DSM-IV-TR are reviewed. The course will focus on an introduction to the science and art of clinical assessment as the foundation of practice in mental health settings and the use of assessment techniques in a professional and ethical manner, toward the implementation of treatment. In part, adjustment disorders, V codes, and the ICD system will be studied. Students will primarily concentrate on serious mental disorders in the context of normal lifecycle transitions and review various methods of treatment related to the disorders covered. The course will make a concerted effort to apply the above to the "real world" of mental health professionals by examining treatment and assessment considerations.

This experience is designed to serve as the formal examination of the knowledge and skills obtained/achieved by a student, to date, in the program. The bodies of knowledge include (yet are not limited to) Human Growth and Development, Social and Cultural Foundations, Helping Relationships, Group Work, Career and Lifestyle Development, Appraisal, Research and Program Evaluation, Professional Orientation and Ethics, Fundamentals of Counseling, Assessment and Career Counseling, and Group Counseling. The examination is comprised of a multiple-choice exam. Students must pass all portions of the exam in order to advance in the program. Those desiring to take the examination must have student status (as defined by South University) in order to enroll and sit for the exam.

The course is designed to expose students to the taxonomy, side effects, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications. It is intended that students will gain an understanding of the contributions of medication regarding mental illness and an awareness of the collaborative relationship with medical personnel in the field of mental health counseling.

During this internship experience, the student is expected to perform activities a regularly employed staff member would perform. Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 90 direct service hours (minimum of 9 hours/ week) with clients, receive a minimum of 25 hours of supervision during the academic term of which 10 hours must be individual supervision and 15 hours group supervision.

This course will provide an understanding of biopsychosocial factors involved with the presentation of mental illness. In particular, students will learn the advanced skills necessary for conducting intake interviews, mental status examinations, and treatment planning for mental illnesses for the purpose of assessing, diagnosing, planning treatment intervention, and managing caseloads in a clinical mental health setting.

A broad theoretical and practical foundation for counseling couples and families is emphasized. It provides a survey of current approaches in family, couples and marital counseling with an emphasis on various systemic models of family functioning and therapeutic intervention. This course provides an analysis of the importance of family, social and community systems in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders.

A study of mental health services and program management involving administration, finance, and budgeting in the private and public sectors, in addition to both individual and group private practice models. Students will be exposed to the foundations and practices of clinical supervision in the context of professional development. The course will also provide knowledge concerning community consultation and strategies for engaging in advocacy for the profession, including public policy and governmental relations.

During this internship experience, the student is expected to perform activities a regularly employed staff member would perform. Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week at the field placement site and to have a minimum of 90 direct service hours (minimum of 9 hours/ week) with clients, receive a minimum of 25 hours of supervision during the academic term of which 10 hours must be individual supervision and 15 hours group supervision.