Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to seek licensure as a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. It gives students the expertise needed to work in a variety of settings, including agencies, group practices, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and employee assistance programs. The 60-credit hour program can be completed in as little as two and a half years.
This program is accreditated by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Program Requirements
| Course | Credit Hours |
| Core Courses | |
| COUN 200 - Introduction to the Counseling Profession | 3 |
| COUN 201 - Counseling Research | 3 |
| COUN 215 - Theoretical Foundations of Individual and Family Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 220 - Career Development and Occupational Information | 3 |
| COUN 221 - Methods and Procedures of Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 224 - Assessment of Families and Individuals | 3 |
| COUN 225 - Human Development and Life Issues | 3 |
| COUN 228 - Psychopathology and Psychiatric Disorders | 3 |
| COUN 236 - Group Procedures | 3 |
| COUN 240 - Theoretical Foundations of Family Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 245 - Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| COUN 260 - Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| COUN 270 - Advanced Practicum | 3 |
| Clinical Mental Health Specialization Courses | |
| COUN 291 - Mental Health Counseling Internship | 1-9 |
|
COUN 298 - Ethics in Counseling |
1-3 |
|
Electives |
12 |
Admission
- Applications for this program are accepted for fall and spring start terms, with the following deadlines. All materials must be postmarked by the identified dates:
- Spring start-term: September 1
- Fall start-term: February 15
- Upon the receipt of transcripts, an advisor will complete a transcript evaluation in order to determine any credit or course substitutions/transfers.
- Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.
Counseling Admission Requirements
This program has indicated specific essay requirements. This essay replaces the general admission essay required for other programs.
The paper should be a 5-page, double spaced statement of interest in the counseling profession. It should include the following information:
- Educational and professional background
- Career aspirations with a counseling degree
- Experience working with people who are different from you
- Personal characteristics that will allow you to be a successful graduate student
