Admission
Please refer to “The Graduate Admissions Process” section for general graduate admission information. Applicants for admission to the Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) should request a CMHC admissions application packet from the Wilmington University Graduate Admissions Office. Applicants should apply for admission to begin studies in the summer term by submitting a fully completed application that includes all requested supporting documentation. All applicants must submit the following:
- A graduate application for admission to Wilmington University and a non-refundable application processing fee.
- Official transcripts sent directly to the Wilmington University Graduate Admissions Office from all accredited colleges, universities, or other degree-granting institutions attended at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Official verification of completion of a bachelor’s degree is required prior to matriculation.
- Typed written responses to the two required CMHC thought questions included in the CMHC admissions application packet following the guidelines specified therein.
- Two Recommendation Forms for Graduate Admission included in the CMHC admissions application packet completed by individual references who can attest to an applicant’s aptitude for graduate-level study, openness to self-reflection, and personal and professional self-development. Letters of recommendation may supplement the forms but are not acceptable in lieu of the forms.
- A current resume.
- A signed copy of the CMHC Program Retention and Review Policy statement included in the CMHC admissions application packet.
The CMHC program has a two-stage admissions process. The first stage consists of an in-depth evaluation of the completed application materials by the CMHC admissions committee. Applicants who have met the CMHC program standards on all of the admissions application packet materials will then be invited to continue the second stage of the admissions application process by attending on-campus interviews (group and individual) with the admissions committee. Decisions regarding final acceptance are made by the CMHC admissions committee following these interviews. Successful applicants typically have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better, documented work or volunteer experience in a “helping endeavor”, excellent references, very good interpersonal awareness and communication skills, and have articulated a compelling interest in the profession of mental health counseling. The CMHC program adheres to the competitive enrollment standards required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Before entering the CMHC program, an applicant must complete all steps of the admissions process, receive formal notification of acceptance into the program, submit a signed copy of the CMHC program admissions policies and procedures agreement, and attend a required orientation meeting.
Program Purpose
Wilmington University’s CMHC program seeks to prepare students to be effective counselors in a diverse world and profession. Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Consistent with the values of the counseling profession, the CMHC program seeks to infuse multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills throughout the curriculum. The program is structured to ensure that students will develop a professional identity as a mental health counselor and will master the knowledge and counseling skills needed to practice effectively. Students are trained for careers in community mental health and human service agencies, educational institutions, private practices, as well as government, business and industrial settings. Two field experiences (practicum [100 hours] and internship [600 hours]) are required. Students are prepared to sit for the National Counseling Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) which awards the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. Following 3200 hours of post-master’s supervised experience by licensed, professional, individuals who have NCC status may apply for state licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in the state of Delaware.
CMHC Program Goals, Objectives and Competencies
The CMHC Program Goals, Objectives and Competencies are based on the standards set forth by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Goal # 1 Knowledge in Core Counseling Subject Areas
Objectives for Goal #1:
Become knowledgeable about the counseling profession and ethical practice in counseling
Become knowledgeable about social and cultural diversity
Become knowledgeable about human growth and development
Become knowledgeable about career development
Become knowledgeable about helping relationships, counseling theories and the counseling process from individual and family system perspectives
Become knowledgeable about group work
Become knowledgeable about assessment
Become knowledgeable about research and program evaluation
Competencies Expected for these Objectives:
Proficient knowledge base in each subject area
Proficiency in the application of subject area knowledge
Proficiency in oral and written communication related to subject area knowledge
Goal #2 Knowledge, Development and Demonstration of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Skills and Practices
Objectives for Goal #2:
Demonstrate foundational knowledge regarding the provision of mental health treatment services including treatment models, agency operations, and clinical supervision
Develop and demonstrate skills in mental health counseling, prevention and intervention
Develop and demonstrate skills in addressing issues of diversity and providing advocacy
Develop and demonstrate skills in assessment and clinical evaluation
Develop and demonstrate skills in research and evaluation of counseling programs and outcomes
Develop and demonstrate skills in clinical diagnosis
Competencies Expected for these Objectives:
Proficiency in developing counseling relationships, performing culturally competent counseling interventions, and advocating
Proficiency in performing intake interviews, assessing clinical information, and writing professional clinical case notes and reports
Proficiency in conceptualizing cases, developing treatment plans, and evaluating treatment outcomes
Proficiency in applying evidenced based practices in counseling
Course Requirements
Required Core Course Curriculum (44 credits)
| MHC 6401 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| MHC 6402 | Human Development | 3 |
| MHC 6501 | Tools, Techniques, and Strategies of Counseling I | 3 |
| MHC 6502 | Tools, Techniques, and Strategies of Counseling | 3 |
| MHC 6505 | Ethics and Practices of Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| MHC 6901 | Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology | 3 |
| MHC 7202 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| MHC 7203 | Counseling for Career Development | 3 |
| MHC 7501 | Family Counseling | 3 |
| MHC 7605 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| MHC 7805 | Appraisal Techniques | 3 |
| MHC 7806 | Methods of Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| MHC 8020 | Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| MHC 8092 | Seminar: Consultation for Counselors | 2 |
| MHC 8093 | Seminar: Supervision for Counselors | 2 |
| MHC 8094 | Psychopharmacology for Counselors | 1 |
Required Field Experiences (12 credits)
MHC 7905, MHC 9001, MHC 9002: Community Site
The practicum and internship field experiences are supervised by experienced professionals at the field sites in conjunction with the CMHC program faculty.
Electives (4 credits based on practicum/internship setting)
| MHC 8011 | Advanced Seminar: Counseling Children & Adolescents | 2 |
| MHC 8012 | Advanced Seminar: Evidence Based Family Treatment | 2 |
| MHC 8062 | Advanced Seminar: Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling | 2 |
| MHC 8064 | Motivational Interviewing | 3 |
The total number of credits required for the Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is 60 in the required and elective courses identified above. Upon admission to the program, each student is assigned an academic advisor who guides and assists the student with the varied demands of the program, including curricular decisions.
To qualify for the Master of Science degree, a student must complete the prescribed 60 credit hours (including practicum and internship) with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). The program is designed such that all course work, practicum, and internship can be completed within three years of starting the program, but must be completed within five years. Re-application to the program is required if the program is not completed within a five-year period. Students are expected to demonstrate competencies in the eight core areas required by CACREP and the NBCC. The CMHC program requires completion of a comprehensive examination as part of the graduation requirements. Students are evaluated throughout the program in three major areas:
a. Effectiveness in close interpersonal relationships.
c. Flexibility and openness to feedback and learning.
d. Amenability to clinical supervision during the Practicum and Internship process;
e. Self-awareness, openness to self-examination, and commitment to personal growth.
f. Appropriate attitudes.
a. In the classroom, as evidenced by ethical conduct in issues concerning peer relationships and works scholarship; and
b. In the community, as evidenced by ethical conduct at Practicum and Internship agency placements, including adherence to the employment policies of said agencies.