The Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare certified School Counselors to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC's). This 15-credit program serves as a bridge between certification as a School Counselor and licensure. LMHC's provide individual, group, and family therapy as well as health counseling, occupational and vocational counseling, career planning, crisis intervention, and outreach services. The program may also serve as a bridge for mental health professionals with a 48-credit degree to gain the 60 hours needed for licensure (as a Mental Health Counselor) in the State of New York.

Clinically competent and skilled candidates will be prepared to provide counseling services in a variety of settings, such as social services agencies, employment centers, mental health agencies, community counseling agencies, substance abuse programs, employee assistance programs, and health-related facilities. Our curriculum reflects a deep commitment to social justice, cultural sensitivity, and technological awareness in the ever-changing human services landscape.

Graduates of the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling program will be prepared to sit for the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) and practice with a limited permit under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor or a licensed clinician in the fields of medicine, nursing, psychology, or social work.

Upon completion of the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling program, students will be able to:

• Advocate for issues and concerns related to a culturally diverse society while functioning as a mental health counselor
• Perform all functions identified for the appropriate mental health counseling setting
• Provide individual and group counseling to a diverse client population
• Initiate, conduct, and evaluate clinical assessments, research, and outreach interventions
• Understand the role and functions of the licensed mental health counseling professional, including ethical and legal standards, credentialing and licensure, and the role of professional associations and organizations
• Identify and employ assessment instruments to effectively evaluate specific client problems or concerns
• Assign a diagnosis to a client based on the appropriate classification system being used in the field
• Develop a treatment plan for a client based on the client's diagnosis and theoretical models
• Use appropriate counseling techniques to engage the client in the interviewing process, to build and maintain rapport, and to establish a therapeutic alliance
• Apply for a limited permit and pass the NCMHCE required for licensure as an LMHC in the State of New York

This program provides a pathway to licensure for those already certified and working as School Counselors in New York and other states. The program will not only lead to eligibility for a limited permit and opportunity to apply for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor, it will also enhance knowledge and skills as practicing School Counselors.

Credits earned in the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling program may be applied to the M.S. in School Counseling or M.S. in Mental Health Counseling.

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Admissions Requirements

• B.S. degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
• Certification (or licensure) as a school counselor in any state or licensure as a professional counselor (including rehabilitation, drug/alcohol, and higher education/student affairs), mental health counselor, clinical mental health counselor or other mental health professional in any state.

As with our other counseling programs, the program admits for summer and fall semesters only with admissions taking place between February and August.

Students enrolling in this program should be current professionals who are already certified and/or licensed counselors. Students must have a previous certification or license in order to enter the program.

For additional information, contact: