Graduate/Professional Program Overview
Master of Mental Health Counseling
Overview
The Indiana University master's degree in mental health counseling at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) is 60-credit hour program that prepares students for careers as licensed mental health providers who assist individuals, groups, and families in maximizing their human potential and dealing effectively with behavioral problems and everyday life challenges.
Graduates of the program will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to provide expert service guided by the values of ethical practice and respect for all people. The curriculum is consistent with accreditation body guidelines and meets the criteria for preparing graduates for licensure as a mental health counselor in the State of Indiana.
Courses are sequenced so that students complete the degree in two to three years. In addition to course work, the program includes the following field experiences:
- 100-hour practicum
- 600-hour internship
- 300-hour advanced internship with 100 hours of personal supervision
Careers and employment
Demand for graduates of IUPUC's mental health counseling program is expected to be strong. Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including behavioral healthcare centers, private practice, psychiatric hospitals, social service agencies, managed care, correctional facilities, group homes, religious organizations, state and county agencies, health maintenance organizations, and public and private school systems.
Program objectives
Our goal is to educate students who establish professional identities as well-trained, fully licensed mental health counselors who are active participants in their profession. As a student in this program, you can expect to:
- Develop a broad background in foundational fields such as personality theory, development, interpersonal relationships, psychopathology, and psychopharmacology.
- Gain expertise in clinical assessment, treatment, coordination, collaboration, referral, and prevention related to behavioral health issues in individuals, groups, and families.
- Engage in research to understand and critique the research literature and to employ and evaluate empirically-based practices.
- Practice a systemic, strengths-based approach to achieving behavior change.
- Complete coursework and field experience, integrate theory and practice, and link assessment to treatment within the context of various theoretical perspectives.
- Understand the role of mental health counseling within the contexts of the community, individual and cultural/ethnic diversity, and relevant ethical and legal issues.
- Employ solid business practices associated with delivery of behavioral health services.
What to expect
Pursuing the Indiana University Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling degree at IUPUC requires motivation and dedication. The program is rigorous in academic challenge and students must have ample time for class preparation and completing the practicum and internship requirements.
Students admitted to the program will work closely with faculty during both their academic preparation and practicum training. Students will be encouraged to work collaboratively with their cohort group as a pathway to increased learning opportunities and develop skills in collegial professional practice.