Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook `
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Master of Science
In
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Student Handbook
1
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook INTRODUCTION
This handbook is designed to provide students in the UW-Stout M.S. Clinical
Mental Health Counseling Program with information about the program. The
handbook is meant as a guide to the entire program process from admission to
graduation. It is not a replacement for the University of Wisconsin-Stout
Graduate Bulletin (www.uwstout.edu/grbulletin/) or the university Student
Handbook (www.uwstout.edu/shb/), which presents information about
policies, procedures, resources, and services for students at UW-Stout.
Students are responsible for the information in this handbook, as well as the
Graduate Bulletin and university Student Handbook.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information……………………………………………………...……….5
Historical Background
Accreditation
Program Structure within the University
Mission, Goals, and Objectives of Program……………………………..………6
Mission Statements
Program Goals
Program Objectives
CACREP Standards
Professional Identity Standards
Program Specific Standards
Degree Candidate Admission Policy……………………………………..………10
Introduction
Admission Procedures
Student Retention and Dismissal Policies…………………………………..……12
Semester Review
Academic Review
One-Year Review
Unsatisfactory Progress
Satisfactory Progress
Concentration Change
Re-Entry Procedure
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Transfer Credits
Student Right to Appeal
Program of Study…………………………………………………………..…….17
Program Description
Curriculum
Core Courses
Program Requirements
Concentrations
Practicum and Internship Experiences……………………………………...….21
Practicum Requirements
Internship Requirements
Liability Insurance
Advisement…………………………………………………………...……..…….22
Program Advisement
Research Advisement
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Support Services………………………………………………………...….…….23
Student Services
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Financial Assistance
Graduate Assistantships
Student Involvement……………………………………………………………..24
Advisory Committees and Professional Organizations
The Mental Health Alliance
Program Faculty………………………………….………………………………26
Graduation and Beyond………………………………………………….………27
Comprehensive Exam
Master’s Thesis
Degree Candidacy
Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Counseling Licensure
Substance Abuse Counselor- In Training Licensure
Program Plans and Sequencing Sheets………………………………………….31
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Concentration
Career Counseling Concentration
Child and Adolescent Counseling Concentration
Eating Disorders Concentration
Gerontological Counseling Concentration
No concentration
Appendix……………………………….………………………………………….50
Student Retention and Dismissal Policies Signature Packet
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook GENERAL INFORMATION
Historical Background:
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of
Wisconsin-Stout, as it is currently comprised, began in 2002. Before this time it was a
concentration of UW-Stout’s Guidance and Counseling Program. It was developed in 1979 as the
Open Concentration and was meant for students in the program who wanted to work in settings
other than schools, primarily in community mental health settings. In 1991, the Open
Concentration expanded from 30 credits to 48 credits and became known as the Counseling
Concentration. In 1993, a program revision was done to add a more clinical emphasis to the
program. At the same time, the name was changed from the Counseling Concentration to the
Mental Health Counseling Concentration.
In 2002, the program separated from the Guidance and Counseling Program and became a stand
alone program. At this time, the program was developed to include a 48-credit program option and
a 60-credit program option. The 48-credit program option was inactivated in spring of 2008. The
60-credit program includes five concentrations a student can choose from if they desire; the
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Concentration, the Career Counseling Concentration, the
Child and Adolescent Counseling Concentration, the Eating Disorders Concentration, and the
Gerontological Counseling Concentration.
There are approximately 55 students in the Mental Health Counseling program at any one time.
Each spring and fall approximately 12 students are admitted into the program. A majority of the
classes for the program are housed in the Vocational Rehabilitation building on campus, where the
faculty/staff offices are also located. There are three main faculty members in the Mental Health
Counseling program who teach many of the main courses as well as elective courses for each
respective concentration.
Accreditation:
The Mental Health Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of
Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), an accrediting body which is
recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Program Structure within the University:
The University of Wisconsin-Stout consists of four colleges (College of Arts, Humanities, and
Social Sciences; College of Management; College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics; and College of Education, Health and Human Sciences) and two schools (School of
Education and Graduate School). The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is one of
twelve graduate programs residing within the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences.
The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences includes five academic departments (Food
and Nutrition, Human Development and Family Studies, Physical Education, Psychology, and
Rehabilitation and Counseling). Most required coursework for the Clinical Mental Health
Counseling Program is offered through the Department of Rehabilitation and Counseling.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook MISSION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAM
Mission Statement:
The faculty’s priority is to assure that graduates are competent and productive counseling
professionals, committed to lifelong personal and professional growth, who respect the race, sex,
age, religion, cultural heritage, and sexual orientation of all individuals. Differences are appreciated
and students are accepted as fellow human beings possessing unique backgrounds. The purpose of
the program is to provide students with the counseling skills necessary for helping with the
behavioral and emotional difficulties of clients from diverse backgrounds. Our objective is to
attract students who will make strong commitments to their academic achievement, professional
development, and personal self-awareness and growth.
Program Goals:
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program prepares students for careers as
professional counselors, assisting with the mental health needs of clientele in a variety of settings
including:
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Community mental health centers
Residential treatment facilities
Rehabilitation agencies
EAHP programs
Alcohol & drug abuse treatment centers
College counseling centers
In-home therapy
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Psychiatric hospitals
Outpatient mental health clinics
Social service agencies
Correctional institutions
Adolescent crisis centers
Private practice
Students in the program receive training and experience in assessment, diagnosis, treatment and
prevention skills that are necessary to provide comprehensive counseling services. Graduates are
prepared to conduct individual, group and family counseling to restore mental health and promote
human development and growth. Respect and consideration of human diversity is infused throughout
the program curriculum. Training in mental health counseling services includes the provision of
principles and theories of counseling and psychotherapy, group dynamics, family systems theories,
human and career development, and psychological assessment, as well as understanding and
remediation of the causes of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior. Mental health counselors
work with individuals, groups, couples, and families for the purpose of treating psychopathological
conditions and optimizing human growth and development. This master’s program also prepares
students who are interested in pursuing their doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision.
In some cases, coursework from this program will transfer toward a PhD in Counseling Psychology.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Program Objectives:
By completion of this program, students will:
1. develop and demonstrate identity as a professional counselor;
2. demonstrate an understanding of the roles and functions of professional counselors as
leaders, advocates, collaborators, and consultants;
3. articulate and comply with the counseling profession’s current code of ethics.
4. plan and implement counseling techniques, methods, and treatment approaches to assist the
client in attaining optimal development;
5. apply dynamics of group formation and processes in a variety of counseling settings;
6. synthesize psychometric theory and concepts into the utilization and interpretation of
appropriate assessment instruments;
7. demonstrate an understanding of the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a
multicultural society and how these constructs impact the counseling profession;
8. utilize the current diagnostic system to assess problems or symptom patterns, formulate
clinical diagnoses, and plan and implement treatment;
9. demonstrate an understanding of the major approaches and interventions utilized with clients
with substance abuse problems and addictions;
10. demonstrate an understanding of major theories and systems approaches used in couples,
marriage and family therapy;
11. articulate human development and career theories as they apply to the counseling profession;
12. demonstrate an understanding of research practices, principles, data collection techniques and
methodologies as they relate to the counseling profession; and
13. demonstrate an ability to use and access appropriate technology resources to enhance the
counseling process.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook CACREP Standards:
The program objectives were based on the eight core counseling standards and clinical mental health counseling
program specific standards found in the 2009 CACREP Standards. These both the core and the program specific
standards service a foundation for what is taught within the program. Furthermore, students are evaluated on
each of these standards throughout the course of the program. This evaluation process is outlined in the student
retention and dismissal policies section of this handbook. A PDF of the specific standards can be found here:
http://www.cacrep.org/doc/2009%20Standards%20with%20cover.pdf.
Professional Identity Standards:
1. Professional Identity and Ethical Practice- students will develop and demonstrate understanding of
all the following aspects of professionalism:
• History and philosophy of the counseling profession;
• Professional roles, functions and relationships with other human service providers, including strategies
for interagency/ inter-organization collaboration and communication;
• Counselors’ roles and responsibilities as members of an interdisciplinary emergency management
response team during a local, regional, or national crisis, disaster, or other trauma-causing event;
• Self-care strategies appropriate to the counselor role;
• Counseling supervision models, practices, and processes;
• Professional organizations, including membership benefits, activities, services to members, and current
issues;
• Professional credentialing, including certification, licensure, and accreditation practices and standards,
and the effects of public policy on these issues;
• The role and process of the professional counselor advocating on behalf of the profession;
• Advocacy processes needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and
success for clients; and
• Ethical standards of professional organizations and credentialing bodies, and applications of ethical and
legal considerations in professional counseling.
2. Social and Cultural Diversity- students develop and demonstrate understanding of the cultural
context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural society, including all of the following:
• Multicultural and pluralistic trends, including characteristics and concerns within and among diverse
groups nationally and internationally;
• Attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences, including specific experiential
learning activities designed to foster students’ understanding of self and culturally diverse clients;
• Theories of multicultural counseling, identity development, and social justice;
• Individual, couple, family, group, and community strategies for working with and advocating for
diverse populations, including multicultural competencies;
• Counselors’ roles in developing cultural self-awareness, promoting cultural social justice, advocacy and
conflict resolution, and other culturally supported behaviors that promote optimal wellness and growth
of the human spirit, mind, or body; and
• Counselors’ roles in eliminating biases, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional
oppression and discrimination.
3. Human Growth and Development- students develop and demonstrate understanding of the nature and
needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts, including all of the following:
• Theories of individual and family development and transitions across the life span;
• Theories of learning and personality development, including current understandings about
neurobiological behavior;
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook •
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Effects of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on persons of all ages;
Theories and models of individual, cultural, couple, family, and community resilience;
A general framework for understanding exceptional abilities and strategies for differentiated
interventions;
Human behavior, including an understanding of developmental crises, disability, psychopathology, and
situational and environmental factors that affects both normal and abnormal behavior;
Theories and etiology of addictions and addictive behaviors, including strategies for prevention,
intervention, and treatment; and
Theories for facilitating optimal development and wellness over the lifespan.
4. Career Development- students will develop and demonstrate an understanding of career development
and related life factors, including all of the following:
• Career development theories and decision-making models;
• Career, vocational, educational, occupational, and labor market information resources, and career
information systems;
• Career development program planning, organization, implementation, administration, and evaluation;
• Interrelationships among and between work, family, and other life roles and factors, including the role
of multicultural issues in career development;
• Career and educational planning, placement, follow-up, and evaluation;
• Assessment instruments and techniques relevant to career planning and decision making; and
• Career counseling processes, techniques, and resources, including those applicable to specific
populations in a global economy.
5. Helping Relationships- students will develop and demonstrate an understanding of the counseling
process in a multicultural society, including all of the following:
• An orientation to wellness and prevention as desired counseling goals;
• Counselor characteristics and behaviors that influence helping processes;
• Essential interviewing and counseling skills;
• Counseling theories that provide the student with models to conceptualize clients’ presentation and that
help the student select appropriate counseling interventions. Students will be exposed to models of
counseling that are consistent with current professional research and practice in the field so they begin
to develop a personal model of counseling;
• A systems perspective that provides an understanding of family and other systems theories and major
models of family and related interventions;
• A general framework for understanding and practicing consultation; and
• Crisis intervention and suicide prevention models, including the use of psychological first aid strategies.
6. Group Work- students will develop and demonstrate both theoretical and experiential
understandings of group purpose, development, dynamics, theories, methods, skills, and other
approaches in a multicultural society, including all of the following:
• Principles of group dynamics, including group process components, developmental stage theories,
group members’ roles and behaviors, and therapeutic factors of group work;
• Group leadership or facilitation styles and approaches, including characteristics of various types of
group leaders and leadership styles;
• Theories of group counseling, including commonalities, distinguishing characteristics, and pertinent
research and literature;
• Group counseling methods, including group counselor orientations and behaviors, appropriate selection
criteria and methods, and methods of evaluation of effectiveness; and
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook •
Direct experiences in which students participate as group members in a small group activity, approved
by the program, for a minimum of 10 clock hours, over the course of one academic term.
7. Assessment- students will develop and demonstrate an understanding of individual and group
approaches to assessment and evaluation in a multicultural society, including all of the following:
• Historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment;
• Basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized testing and other assessment techniques, including
norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment, environmental assessment, performance
assessment, individual and group test and inventory methods, psychological testing, and behavioral
observations;
• Statistical concepts, including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices of
variability, shapes and types of distributions, and correlations;
• Reliability (i.e., theory of measurement error, models of reliability, and the use of reliability
information);
• Validity (i.e., evidence of validity, types of validity, and the relationship between reliability and
validity);
• Social and cultural factors related to the assessment and evaluation of individuals, groups, and specific
populations; and
• Ethical strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment and evaluation instruments
and
techniques
in
counseling.
8. Research and Program Evaluation- students will develop and demonstrate an understanding of
research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation, including all of the
following:
• The importance of research in advancing the counseling profession;
• Research methods such as qualitative, quantitative, single-case designs, action research, and outcomebased research;
• Statistical methods used in conducting research and program evaluation;
• Principals, models, and applications of needs assessment, program valuation, and the use of findings to
effect program modifications;
• The use of research to inform evidence-based practice; and
• Ethical and culturally relevant strategies for interpreting and reporting the results of research and/or
program evaluation studies.
Program Specific Standards: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
FOUNDATIONS
A. Knowledge
1. Understands the history, philosophy, and trends in clinical mental health counseling
2. Understands ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of clinical mental
health counseling.
3. Understands the roles and functions of clinical mental health counselors in various practice settings
and the importance of relationships between counselors and other professionals, including
interdisciplinary treatment teams.
4. Knows the professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the
practice of clinical mental health counseling.
5. Understands a variety of models and theories related to clinical mental health counseling, including
the methods, models, and principles of clinical supervision.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook 6. Recognizes the potential for substance use disorders to mimic and coexist with a variety of medical
and psychological disorders.
7. Is aware of professional issues that affect clinical mental health counselors (e.g., core provider
status, expert witness status, access to and practice privileges within managed care systems).
8. Understands the management of mental health services and programs, including areas such as
administration, finance, and accountability.
9. Understands the impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on people.
10. Understands the operation of an emergency management system within clinical mental health
agencies and in the community.
B. Skills and Practices
1. Demonstrates the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in clinical mental health
counseling.
2. Applies knowledge of public mental health policy, financing, and regulatory processes to improve
service delivery opportunities in clinical mental health counseling.
COUNSELING, PREVENTION, AND INTERVENTION
C. Knowledge
1. Describes the principles of mental health, including prevention, intervention, consultation,
education, and advocacy, as well as the operation of programs and networks that promote mental
health in a multicultural society.
2. Knows the etiology, the diagnostic process and nomenclature, treatment, referral, and prevention of
mental and emotional disorders.
3. Knows the models, methods, and principles of program development and service delivery (e.g.,
support groups, peer facilitation training, parent education, selfhelp).
4. Knows the disease concept and etiology of addiction and co-occurring disorders.
5. Understands the range of mental health service delivery—such as inpatient, outpatient, partial
treatment and aftercare—and the clinical mental health counseling services network.
6. Understands the principles of crisis intervention for people during crises, disasters, and other
trauma-causing events.
7. Knows the principles, models, and documentation formats of biopsychosocial case
conceptualization and treatment planning.
8. Recognizes the importance of family, social networks, and community systems in the treatment of
mental and emotional disorders.
9. Understands professional issues relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling.
D. Skills and Practices
1. Uses the principles and practices of diagnosis, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and
emotional disorders to initiate, maintain, and terminate counseling.
2. Applies multicultural competencies to clinical mental health counseling involving case
conceptualization, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
3. Promotes optimal human development, wellness, and mental health through prevention, education,
and advocacy activities.
4. Applies effective strategies to promote client understanding of and access to a variety of
community resources.
5. Demonstrates appropriate use of culturally responsive individual, couple, family, group, and
systems modalities for initiating, maintaining, and terminating counseling.
6. Demonstrates the ability to use procedures for assessing and managing suicide risk.
7. Applies current record-keeping standards related to clinical mental health counseling.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook 8. Provides appropriate counseling strategies when working with clients with addiction and cooccurring disorders.
9. Demonstrates the ability to recognize his or her own limitations as a clinical mental health
counselor and to seek supervision or refer clients when appropriate.
DIVERSITY AND ADVOCACY
E. Knowledge
1. Understands how living in a multicultural society affects clients who are seeking clinical mental
health counseling services.
2. Understands the effects of racism, discrimination, sexism, power, privilege, and oppression on
one’s own life and career and those of the client.
3. Understands current literature that outlines theories, approaches, strategies, and techniques shown
to be effective when working with specific populations of
clients with mental and emotional disorders.
4. Understands effective strategies to support client advocacy and influence public policy and
government relations on local, state, and national levels to enhance equity, increase funding, and
promote programs that affect the practice of clinical mental health counseling.
5. Understands the implications of concepts such as internalized oppression and institutional racism,
as well as the historical and current political climate regarding immigration, poverty, and welfare.
6. Knows public policies on the local, state, and national levels that affect the quality and accessibility
of mental health services.
F. Skills and Practices
1. Maintains information regarding community resources to make appropriate referrals.
2. Advocates for policies, programs, and services that are equitable and responsive to the unique
needs of clients.
3. Demonstrates the ability to modify counseling systems, theories, techniques, and interventions to
make them culturally appropriate for diverse populations.
ASSESSMENT
G. Knowledge
1. Knows the principles and models of assessment, case conceptualization, theories of human
development, and concepts of normalcy and psychopathology leading to diagnoses and appropriate
counseling treatment plans.
2. Understands various models and approaches to clinical evaluation and their appropriate uses,
including diagnostic interviews, mental status examinations, symptom inventories, and psychoeducational and personality assessments.
3. Understands basic classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed
psychopharmacological medications so that appropriate referrals can be made for medication
evaluations and so that the side effects of such medications can be identified.
4. Identifies standard screening and assessment instruments for substance use disorders and process
addictions.
H. Skills and Practices
1. Selects appropriate comprehensive assessment interventions to assist in diagnosis and treatment
planning, with an awareness of cultural bias in the implementation and interpretation of assessment
protocols.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook 2. Demonstrates skill in conducting an intake interview, a mental status evaluation, a biopsychosocial
history, a mental health history, and a psychological assessment for treatment planning and caseload
management.
3. Screens for addiction, aggression, and danger to self and/or others, as well as co-occurring mental
disorders.
4. Applies the assessment of a client’s stage of dependence, change, or recovery to determine the
appropriate treatment modality and placement criteria within the continuum of care.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION
I. Knowledge
1. Understands how to critically evaluate research relevant to the practice of clinical mental health
counseling.
2. Knows models of program evaluation for clinical mental health programs.
3. Knows evidence-based treatments and basic strategies for evaluating counseling outcomes in
clinical mental health counseling.
J. Skills and Practices
1. Applies relevant research findings to inform the practice of clinical mental health counseling.
2. Develops measurable outcomes for clinical mental health counseling programs, interventions, and
treatments.
3. Analyzes and uses data to increase the effectiveness of clinical mental health counseling
interventions and programs.
DIAGNOSIS
K. Knowledge
1. Knows the principles of the diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis, and the use of
current diagnostic tools, such as the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (DSM).
2. Understands the established diagnostic criteria for mental and emotional disorders, and describes
treatment modalities and placement criteria within the continuum of care.
3. Knows the impact of co-occurring substance use disorders on medical and psychological disorders.
4. Understands the relevance and potential biases of commonly used diagnostic tools with
multicultural populations.
5. Understands appropriate use of diagnosis during a crisis, disaster, or other trauma causing event.
L. Skills and Practices
1. Demonstrates appropriate use of diagnostic tools, including the current edition of the DSM, to
describe the symptoms and clinical presentation of clients with mental and emotional impairments.
2. Is able to conceptualize an accurate multi-axial diagnosis of disorders presented by a client and
discuss the differential diagnosis with collaborating professionals.
3. Differentiates between diagnosis and developmentally appropriate reactions during crises,
disasters, and other trauma-causing events.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook DEGREE CANDIDATE ADMISSION POLICY
Introduction:
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling has unique professional degree requirements governed
in part by professional accreditation standards and State of Wisconsin licensure requirements. The
admission, retention, and dismissal policies reflect sensitivity to these standards and faculty
determination of the graduate student or degree candidate’s capability to meet the rigors of professional
practice. The procedures that follow apply to the Master of Science Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program. These policies are in addition to, and in no way supersede or mitigate, the policies contained
in the Graduate Bulletin, or Graduate School policy.
Admission Procedures
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program primarily services students from the west central area
of Wisconsin, although people from other regions of Wisconsin and other states are welcome to apply.
While the majority of students have had undergraduate majors in human services related programs, no
particular undergraduate degree is required. However, students are expected to develop a professional
identity consistent with the counseling profession.
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program exists within the UW-Stout Graduate School
and abides by all admission policies and procedures required by the Graduate School for admission to
graduate study and degree candidacy. Consistent with the Graduate School’s policy, candidates seeking
admission to this degree program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
and have an overall grade point average of at least 2.75. Applicants may be considered for
probationary status if their overall undergraduate grade point average is at least 2.50 but less than 2.75.
Graduate level credits and GPA earned by candidates will be evaluated by program faculty as well as the
Graduate School as part of the overall candidate review process.
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student admission procedures follow in
sequence:
1. The prospective candidate makes application to the Graduate School for admission into a
graduate level program. ( http://www3.uwstout.edu/grad/apply.cfm )
2. The prospective candidate simultaneously completes and submits to the program the specific
program application forms by the published application deadlines of October 1 for admission in
the Spring term and February 1 for the Fall term. The program application form requests
demographic information and responses to a series of questions about the candidate’s
qualifications for admission consideration in the candidate’s designated program. The form also
requires that the candidate forward a minimum of two written references from persons of the
candidate’s choice to best represent their candidacy for program admission.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook 3. Once admissions paperwork is received, the faculty evaluates each candidate’s admissions
portfolio and generates a priority selection list based on faculty determination of each
candidate’s ability to meet the rigors of the graduate degree program as well as their ability to
meet the professional standards and licensure requirements for professional practice. The
program director and faculty assigned with primary instructional responsibility in the Clinical
Mental Health Counseling Program make the final determination for acceptance into the
program.
4. Students whose applications are reviewed and accepted by faculty will then be invited to attend
the group interview process. Here, applicants are divided up into groups and will be asked to
evaluate and answer various counseling-related questions asked by the Mental Health
Counseling faculty and staff. Interview dates are offered in the month following the application
deadlines. Approximately 7-10 days after the interviews are over, applicants will be contacted
with regard to their admission status by the Program Director.
5. The Program Director will forward candidate selections to the Graduate School for candidate
notification approximately 30 days after the admission/selection process is complete.
6. A candidate who is denied admission may request a reconsideration of that decision only once in
the same academic year and only because he or she contends (1) that the decision was based on
erroneous factual information or (2) because he or she has new or additional information related
to the admissions evaluation that he or she did not have or was not available at the time of the
original admissions application and evaluation. No person may apply to the same program more
than two times without special review and permission by and from a committee of the faculty
convened for review of admissions exceptions.
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook STUDENT RETENTION AND DISMISSAL POLICIES
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling retention and dismissal policy is designed: 1) to provide
students and degree candidates with information related to their progress in acquiring skills and
competencies essential to professional practice; and, 2) to provide program faculty with the necessary
information to evaluate student and degree candidate progress toward achieving the skills and
competencies required for professional practice in the specified program.
Semester Reviews:
At the beginning of the fall and spring semester the core faculty in the Clinical Mental Health
Counseling program will meet and evaluate each student’s progress toward meeting the CACREP
professional identify and program specific standards. These standards are listed on pages four through
nine of this handbook and are tied to specific course objectives found in the syllabus in each core course.
This evaluation is completed in addition to the normal grading aspects of your courses. This evaluation
serves as a more specific measure of the developing knowledge and skills needed to be an effective and
ethical counselor.
For each course taken the preceding semester you will be rated on a 4 point Likert scale (1 =
unsatisfactory, 2 = need improvement, 3 = satisfactory, 4 =exceeds) for each CACREP standard meet in
those courses. In most cases students have a number of courses in which to meet each standard. Students
who fail to achieve a 3 on any specific standard will be required to meet with the program director to
determine the next course of action. In some cases students may be asked to retake the course or
complete additional outside assignments to indicate competency in that specific area. In some cases a
student’s progress in the program may be considered “unsatisfactory” and a remediation plan will be
developed by the program faculty.
Academic Review:
Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are required to achieve a “B” or better all
courses. Student earning a grade of a “B-“or less will be required to retake the course.
One-Year Review:
Student progress is formally evaluated upon completion of one academic year of coursework. Conducted
by the Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty, the one-year review process evaluates student’s
progress in the following areas:
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Full successful academic standing, which includes cumulative grade point average at or above
3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Demonstrated personal and social maturity necessary to work with vulnerable populations (e.g.
patience, empathy, compassion, as well as demonstrated appropriate interactions with peers,
faculty and staff)
Effective written and oral communication skills
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook •
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Professional and ethical conduct consistent with the American Counseling Association (ACA)
Code of Ethics
Adherence to UW-Stout’s policies on academic conduct (see Student Handbook)
Comprehensive Exam:
Completion of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program includes a comprehensive
examination which covers the program's core courses. The comprehensive exam is offered every
spring and fall semester and is usually completed near the end of the student's program. Students are
allowed to retake the comprehensive exam a maximum of two times. Students who fall below
minimum competency level (70%) the first time the exam is taken will be required to meet with their
program director to discuss the areas where further study is required. A student who fails to achieve
a passing score the second time will again be required to meet with the program director. At this
time the student will be required to achieve a passing grade on the National Counselor Examination
or complete a thesis (COUN-735 Problems in Counseling or COUN-770 Thesis).
Unsatisfactory Progress:
1.
Any faculty member, program committee member, or professional field supervisor, at any
time, can request faculty review of a student’s or degree candidate’s progress toward meeting
degree requirements, and acquiring and exhibiting competencies necessary for professional
practice. Such requests will be forwarded through the respective program director and will
be reviewed by the faculty in a formal faculty meeting. Students will be notified in writing
by their program director if progress toward completion of their program is unsatisfactory.
2.
Students receiving notice of unsatisfactory progress will consult with the program director
regarding their deficiencies and establish specific written and/or behavioral objectives to
remediate such deficiencies (Remediation Plan). The written objectives become a personal
record in the student’s file. Failure to remediate deficiencies by the next faculty review
period, or otherwise agreed upon time frame, will result in consideration for dismissal from
the program.
3.
If during the semester review, or by other faculty request, the faculty deems that the student’s
progress is unsatisfactory or his or her conduct constitutes a serious violation of professional
practice or ethics, as determined by the faculty, the program director will appoint a faculty
committee consisting of three program faculty members to investigate. The committee’s
findings are presented in a timely fashion to the faculty in closed session for recommended
action.
4.
Any action by the faculty is conveyed to the student in writing by the Program Director with
specific recommendations for remediation or notice of dismissal.
5.
The program faculty reserves the right to suspend or terminate a degree candidate’s
enrollment in a program at any time for academic or performance-related reasons as
determined by the faculty in the program. If a student’s enrollment is suspended or
13
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook terminated, he/she may request a review of the decision by the Dean of the College of
Education, Health and Human Sciences or his/her designee. The purposes of a review are to
permit a master’s degree student or degree candidate to challenge (1) the factual information
that formed the basis of the decision and/or (2) to challenge the sanction: suspension or
termination.
Such a request must be made in writing to the Dean, College of Education, Health and
Human Sciences or designee within 14 working days of notification of suspension or
termination and must identify the basis or bases for the review or challenge to the factual
basis and/or sanction. A review is not an adversarial proceeding. The student may appear
before the Dean or designee personally. A review shall be held within 10 working days of
the date the Dean or designee receives the request, except that it may be held at a later date
upon mutual agreement or upon order of the Dean or designee. Following the conclusion of
the review, the Dean or designee shall normally advise the student and the Graduate School
of his/her decision, in writing, within 5 working days. Students wishing to appeal the
decision of the Dean may follow the procedure for Positive Action. In the meantime, the
student is considered dismissed from the program.
Satisfactory Progress:
The following criteria are used as evidence of satisfactory progress toward a Master of Science in
Clinical Mental Health Counseling:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Meeting all of the UW-Stout Graduate School requirements including grade point average
and residency.
Maintaining progress toward degree completion as agreed upon in the student’s or degree
candidate’s program plan.
Achieve a 3 score or better on all CACREP core and program standards.
Maintaining an overall minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in all graduate courses taken as
part of a program completion plan.
Achievement of “B” or better all courses in the Counseling Department (those with the
acronym COUN).
Achieve a passing score (70%) on the Clinical Mental Health Comprehensive Exam.
Exhibiting adherence to professional ethical standards as defined by the American
Counseling Association and other professional accreditation and licensing bodies.
Demonstrating professional behaviors consistent with benchmarks established by
professional counseling organizations.
Program faculty meet for the purpose of professional review to determine the degree
candidate’s capability to successfully perform the professional duties and responsibilities as
required in professional practice.
Satisfactory student performance at the one-year review must be supported by two-thirds of the
Mental Health Counseling faculty for program continuation. If a student receives an unsatisfactory
review, the student will be notified in writing within ten working days of the decision. The graduate
faculty can terminate, suspend or allow one semester probationary continuation in the program. If
14
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook probationary continuation is allowed, the Mental Health Counseling faculty will provide specific
written and/or behavioral objectives (with timelines if appropriate) that must be met and/or
demonstrated by the end of the probationary period. At that time, the student’s progress will be reevaluated. At least two thirds of the Mental Health Counseling faculty must rate the student’s
probationary performance and completion of assigned objectives to be acceptable. After the one
semester probationary period, students who do not receive a satisfactory rating from two-thirds of
the faculty will be terminated from the Mental Health Counseling Program.
Concentration Change:
Any student in the program seeking to change their concentration must with the Program Director to
discuss the concentration change and fill out a new program plan sheet.
Re-Entry Procedure:
Any student who took a semester or longer break from Graduate School must fill out the Student
Records Update Form: (http://www3.uwstout.edu/grad/upload/graduate-students-update-form.pdf )
Non-Degree Seeking Students:
A student may apply to take courses for graduate credit as a Non-Program Student. To be eligible,
that individual must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students granted NonProgram Enrollment are subject to all Graduate School policies. Individuals who have been dropped
from a program are not eligible for Non-Program Enrollment. Students in good standing in a
program may request Non-Program Enrollment, in which case they would become a Non-Program
Student. While there shall be no limit on the number of total credits that can be taken as a nonprogram special student, the number of such credits that can be applied to a degree program shall be
limited to one-third of the minimum number of credits required for graduation in that program.
Transfer Credits:
Graduate credits earned at another graduate school may be considered toward the fulfillment of
program requirements, provided that:
•
•
•
•
•
The credit meets the Seven Year Limit Policy. (see graduate school policy manual online)
The institution is accredited at the graduate level.
The course is acceptable for graduate credit toward a graduate degree at the offering
institution.
The credit appears as a graduate course on the student’s graduate transcript from the offering
institution.
The grade received was a “B” (3.0) or higher.
To be applied to program requirements, transfer credits must be approved by the Program
Director, using the Request for Transfer Credit form.
15
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Student Right to Appeal:
Upon receipt of a decision letter, a student will have ten (10) calendar days from the date the letter is
received in which to submit an appeal. The student may choose to have the appeal heard by either a
Hearing Examiner or a Hearing Committee. The hearing for the appeal will be conducted within 45
days of receipt of the request, and a decision rendered within 10 days of the hearing. The decision
becomes final unless it is taken further under UWS Ch 17.07.
16
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook PROGRAM OF STUDY
Program Description:
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is an approved professional counseling program for
the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in the state of Wisconsin (and all other states
based on CACREP accreditation). The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is also designed
to prepare students for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). In addition, the program allows
the opportunity for students, if interested, to develop specialized areas of training through various
concentrations. These concentration areas include:

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
[Approved as a pre-certification education program for substance abuse counselors by the Wisconsin
Department of Regulation and Licensing]

Career Counseling

Child and Adolescent Counseling

Eating Disorders

Gerontological Counseling
The concentrations include advanced internship experiences in agencies which provide training
specific to the concentration area. Coursework from other programs at UW-Stout, including
Marriage and Family Therapy, Vocational Rehabilitation, Human Development/Family Studies,
School Psychology, and School Counseling can allow for the development of a variety of interests.
Full-time students in the Mental Health Counseling Program can finish in four semesters plus one or
two summer sessions (usually 2 summers). Part-time students will take longer, based on their
personal time frame for taking courses. However, Graduate School policies require that all credits
counted toward a degree be completed within seven years. A flexible program plan will be
developed between the Program Director and student, following his/her acceptance into the program.
Curriculum
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is an approved professional counseling program
through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The program prepares
students for Wisconsin state licensure standards, which include the National Board for Certified
Counselors exam (National Counselor Examination, NCE). In addition, the program prepares
students to obtain the Certification for Clinical Mental Health Counselors (CCMHC), which can
only be obtained by individuals graduating from a 60-credit counseling program. Counseling
professionals who hold the CCMHC credential have been recognized by numerous insurance carriers
as authorized providers of mental health services. The curriculum for the Clinical Mental Health
Counseling Program includes the Professional Core requirements, internship, practicum, and
electives.
17
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling concentration has been approved as a pre-certification
education program for the Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) and Clinical Substance Abuse
Counselor (CSAC) certifications by the Department of Regulations and Licensing. For graduates
with the AODA Counseling concentration, this accreditation allows for 2,000 hours of supervised
work experience toward obtaining the Substance Abuse Counselor credential and 4,000 hours of
supervised work experience toward obtaining the Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor credential.
Brief instructions for obtaining the Substance Abuse Counselor in Training certification can be
found on page 25 of this handbook. The AODA Counseling Concentration will also provide the
necessary preparation for the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential offered through NBCC.
Core Courses
COUN-788
Counseling Process Laboratory
3
COUN-675
Counseling Theories
3
COUN-752
Group Dynamics
3
SPSY-753
Psychometric Theories and Application
2
COUN-715
Orientation to Mental Health Counseling
3
COUN-725
Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
COUN-723
Psychopathology: Assessment and Treatment Planning
3
COUN-721
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
3
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family and Human Development
3
MFT-751
Contemporary Couples and Family Therapy
3
SCOUN-733
Lifespan Career Development
3
COUN-754
Assessment & Clinical Interviewing in Counseling
1
COUN-789
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
3
REHAB-715
Research in Rehabilitation and Counseling
3
39
18
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Program Requirements:
Meeting the Professional Core Requirements, completing 600 hours of Mental Health Counseling
Internship experience and 150 hours of Mental Health Practicum experience, and taking enough
electives to equal 60 credits allows the student to meet the curricular requirements for the program.
Electives may be chosen from graduate coursework throughout the university (generally within the
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences) that strengthens the student’s program (all
electives need to be preapproved by the program director). The major purpose of the electives is to
allow students to select additional courses which, based upon their previous professional and
educational experience, will add to their personal and professional development.
If they so choose, students can use their elective credits to develop a concentration area. However,
choosing a concentration is not required, and students can use the elective credits to develop their
own program. All electives need to be approved by the program director.
Professional Core Courses
39
COUN-793
Mental Health Counseling Practicum (150 hours)
3
COUN- 794
Mental Health Counseling Internship (600 hours)
6
Electives
12
60
Concentrations of the Mental Health Counseling Program:
Students will need 12 credit hours of electives to complete their program. Students will be able to
choose electives to supplement their individualized programs. In addition, five concentrations are
available. The concentrations are designed to allow students to use their electives to develop
increased expertise in specialized interest areas, thus allowing them to receive training as generalists
in the mental health counseling field, as well as specialists in their chosen area. Each concentration
provides course work related to issues and problem areas for that particular population, counseling
interventions and strategies, and applied experience. Students' internship experiences will be
completed at settings where they can receive increased exposure to clientele and issues related to
their chosen concentration.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Courses
COUN-722
Advanced Treatment in Compulsive Behavior Disorders
3
COUN-720
Psychopharmacology
2
MFT-745
Treating Drug Abuse, Intimate Violence & Self-Harm
3
REHAB-533
Adolescent Use and Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs
2
Electives
2
19
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Career Counseling Courses
REHAB-683
Vocational Counseling Issues
2
CTE-502
Principles of Career and Technical Information
2
REHAB-717
Occupational Analysis & Job Placement
3
Electives
5
d
Child and Adolescent Counseling Concentration Courses
SCOUN-705 Play Therapy
2
COUN-761
3
Counseling Children and Adolescents
SCOUN-647 Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Children and Adolescents
3
*choose one of the following two courses:
COUN-647
Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders
2
Adolescent Substance Use & Abuse
2
or
COUN-724
Electives
2
Eating Disorders Concentration Courses
COUN-647
Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders
2
COUN-722
Advanced Topics in Compulsive Behavior Disorders
3
MFT-754
Treating Drug Abuse, Intimate Violence, and Self-Harm
3
COUN-745
Treating Personality Disorders
1
Electives
3
Gerontological Counseling Concentration Courses
HDFS-540
Human Development: Late Adulthood
3
COUN-694
Counseling Older Persons
3
HDFS-642
Geriatric Functional Assessment
4
Electives
2
20
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook PRACTICUM AND INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES
Practicum Requirements
This course will assist counselors-in-training in developing their professional helping skills and effective
counseling style. Upon completion of this course, students will possess an enhanced comprehension of
their professional strengths and limitations related to the helping profession.
Students are responsible for acquiring practicum positions and obtaining approval of the Program
Director. Specific placements depend somewhat on the background, experience, maturity, and capability
of the student at the time of placement, as well as chosen concentration or interest area. No particular
kind of placement can be guaranteed prior to the student's entry into the program. Brochures listing
describing a variety of potential practicum sites are provided to students.
Students will attend a minimum of eight seminars/groups supervsions of three hours each. During these
seminars students will discuss cases and various topics pertinent to the practice of mental health
counseling in a variety of mental health settings. Students will also meet individually with a university
supervisor at least one hour per week. Students are required to be at their practicum site for a total of
150 hours during the semester of which 40 of those hours need to be direct client contact hours
(individual or group counseling) and students are required to record at least one client session each week
using the video equipment provided by their primary instructor. Students are required to complete
Counseling Process Lab (COUN 788) prior to taking the practicum course. Please see below for liability
insurance requirements.
Internship Requirements
Completion of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program requires an internship experience for
students. Two courses are pre-requisites for internship: Counseling Process Laboratory (COUN 788)
which provides initial development in core counseling skills, reflective listening, and establishing
counseling relationships and the Mental Health Counseling Practicum (COUN 793) which offers
continued development of professional helping skills and effective counseling style. Internship
experiences for students in the Mental Health Counseling Program are available through various
agencies. Similar to practicum, students are responsible for acquiring an internship site, but may choose
to continue in their practicum site for internship.
A total of 600 hours of on-site internship experience is required for the Mental Health Counseling
Program. This means students will be expected to spend the equivalent of about 20 hours per week in
the internship setting during the 16-week semester. The 600 total hours required for internship can be
divided up over two or three semesters with a minimum of two credits required per semester.
Supervision for all internships will be provided by professional staff in the setting and by faculty from
the university. Seminar classes will meet bi-monthly and individual supervision sessions are required as
part of the internship experience. Student and Site Supervisor Internship Manuals can be found at the
UW-Stout Mental Health Counseling web site (www.uwstout.edu/programs/msmhc/).
Liability Insurance
21
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Students are required to obtain liability insurance through the American Counseling Association (ACA)
prior to beginning the practicum or internship experience on-site and in the classroom. Students
automatically receive the liability insurance by becoming an ACA member (www.counseling.org).
ADVISEMENT
Program Advisement
Each student admitted to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program will receive advisement from
the program director regarding program requirements, appropriate credit load (based on the student’s
circumstances and timeline for completing the program), course sequencing, necessary prerequisites for
courses, timing of course offerings, etc. Upon receiving notification of acceptance into the program, the
student will need to schedule a meeting with the program director to discuss registration for first
semester courses. At this meeting, a Program Plan will be initiated, which begins to lay out which
courses will be appropriate for the student to take during which semester of their program. The Program
Plan will be added to each semester and becomes a guide for registration for subsequent semesters. As
such, it is imperative that the student consult with the program director whenever a decision is made to
add or drop a course or change the planning of their program in any way. The Program Plan needs to be
completed at the time the student files for Degree Candidacy.
Each semester, before the registration process begins, an Advisement Day is scheduled. There are no
classes on this day. Students are expected to meet with the program director at this time to discuss and
finalize plans for registration for courses for the upcoming semester.
Sequencing Sheets for the program and for the various concentrations are provided in this Student
Handbook. These sheets are offered as general guidelines for when to take courses in order to complete
the program in two years. Part-time students can use these guides, but will have to adapt them to their
particular circumstances. While there may be some room for flexibility in following the recommended
course sequences, these sheets can help with making decisions about which courses to take each
semester, and can help with planning the overall program.
Research Advisement/Thesis
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program offers the option of taking a comprehensive
examination or completing a master’s level research paper. Students who opt to do the research paper
can conduct a 2-credit (Problems in Counseling) or 6-credit (Thesis) research project. Each student
selects a research advisor who will offer advisement regarding the details of doing research and writing
the paper. The thesis requires a committee of at least three graduate faculty members, one who will
serve as the chair of the committee and the primary advisor. The advisor will provide expertise, set a
timetable and expectations for the project, and be responsible for the final grade.
The Program Director can act as a guide in selecting the research advisor. A list of potential research
advisors and a package of materials that further describe research expectations and necessary forms and
paperwork is available at the Graduate School office. On-line information can be found at
www.uwstout.edu/grad/research.html.
22
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Services
A variety of support services for students are offered at UW-Stout, including Aspire-Student Support
Services, Disability Services, Multicultural Student Services, Campus Computing Services, Career
Services, the Advisement Center, and the University Counseling Center. For a full list of services
along with web site addresses and more detailed information, visit the UW-Stout Student Services
website at http://www.uwstout.edu/stusrv/.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities or functional limitations who require accommodations must seek
assistance at the Disability Services Office in a timely manner. It is recommended that requests be
made a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the start of classes. Requests that are submitted late may result
in a delay of the accommodation. Students should contact the Disability Services Office, 206
Bowman Hall, (715) 232-2995. It is the student’s responsibility to make their needs known to the
instructor in each class they take. Because we respect the privacy of individuals, this information is
not shared with other faculty. Every effort will be made to accommodate student needs as
determined reasonable by the Disability Services Office. For more information, visit
www.uwstout.edu/disability/.
Financial Assistance
Several kinds of financial assistance are available to UW-Stout students enrolled in a graduate
program. As there are a limited number of awards for each type of assistance, students must apply
and compete for the assistance. Financial aid options include grants, scholarships, student loans,
student employment, tuition waivers, and graduate assistantships. For more information on financial
aid at UW-Stout, go to the Financial Aids office web site at www.uwstout.edu/finaid/ . The financial
aid office is found in Bowman Hall in room 210.
Graduate Assistantships
The Department of Rehabilitation and Counseling offers several assistantships to qualified students.
These positions involve helping with the Counseling Process Laboratory class (COUN 788) and the
undergraduate Introduction to Basic Counseling Skills (COUN 405) course.
The main
responsibilities include attending class periods during the week with faculty, observing and
supervising students during lab times, conducting one-on-one tape review sessions, as well as any
additional projects with which the faculty needs assistance. These are paid positions, requiring 13
hours of work per week, which also provides students with insurance benefits.
Graduate Assistants work for a one year term, generally starting the fall semester, and positions may
or may not include summer semesters. Faculty sends out an email the prior spring asking for
applications and selects new Graduate Assistants by the end of that semester. There are three
students selected to work through the graduate counseling skills class in the Mental Health
Counseling Program and one graduate assistant chosen to work with the undergraduate skills class in
the Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling Department.
23
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
Advisory Committees and Professional Organizations
MHC graduate students are encouraged to participate in various leadership and professional
organization opportunities at the program, college/university and national levels. Involvement in
professional organizations, for MHC graduate students, can include opportunities to serve as
program representatives in the MHC Program Advisory Committee, CEHHS Advisory Council,
Stout Student Organization, and Iota Sigma Chi (ISC). Interested students are encouraged to contact
faculty in the fall semester to express interest in leadership opportunities.
At the program level, Iota Sigma Chi is the UW-Stout chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the International
Counseling Honor Society. Membership in this prestigious organization is limited to MHC students
with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Leadership opportunities for students include serving on the ISC
council’s Executive Committee (i.e., President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), attending the
CSI Leadership Workshop at the ACA yearly conference, serving as a ISC representative at the
ACA conference during CSI day or applying for a CSI Intern position.
At the college and university level, one faculty appointed MHC graduate student representative is
invited to attend the MHC Program Advisory Committee which meets once yearly to review the
MHC program and discuss future planning. Additionally, student representatives attend the CEHHS
Advisory Council, a college program that promotes student input regarding University related issues.
Finally, MHC students can serve on the Stout Student Association (SSA) as appointed
representatives to assist in student governance.
At the national level, MHC graduate students are strongly encouraged to join the American
Counseling Association (ACA). MHC students who conduct research with faculty are also prompted
to join ACES (the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision), an ACA subdivision. The
ACA web site can be found at www.counseling.org. Students may also be encouraged to join the
Wisconsin Counseling Association (WCA) and the North Central Association for Counselor
Education and Supervision (NCACES). WCA and NCACES are regional chapters, of the larger
professional organizations, and promote networking, presentation and advocacy opportunities.
Iota Sigma Chi (ISC)
Iota Sigma Chi (ISC), the UW-Stout chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), the International Counseling
Honor Society, received approval from headquarters to begin a chapter in the Spring of 2011. The
mission of CSI is, “an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence
in counseling. We promote a strong professional identity through members (professional counselors,
counselor educators, and students) who contribute to the realization of a healthy society by fostering
wellness and human dignity. Our mission is to promote scholarship, research, professionalism,
leadership, advocacy, and excellence in counseling, and to recognize high attainment in the pursuit
of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling,” (www.csi-net.org). The
purpose of ISC is to assist counselors-in-training and new professionals in networking, advocacy,
research and service initiatives.
24
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Prior to ISC, from 2001-2010, the MHC Program’s student organization was the Mental Health
Alliance (MHA). The Mental Health Alliance was a graduate school organization for students in the
MHC Program. Members were involved in community service projects, assisted in bringing
speakers onto campus, formed study groups, and raised funds for members attending
the American Counseling Association National Conference. The organization offered an
opportunity to meet and learn from other students in the Mental Health Counseling Program. All
Mental Health Counseling students were encouraged to join.
25
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook PROGRAM FACULTY
Faculty members for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program reside in the Department of
Rehabilitation and Counseling. Included is a listing of all faculty members in the department.
*John Klem, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Director
Mental Health Counseling
231B Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
Debra Homa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Graduate Program Director
On-line Vocational Rehabilitation
231 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
Michelle Hamilton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Director
On-campus Vocational Rehabilitation
227 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
Kyle Kleist, M.S.
Senior Lecturer
Undergraduate Program Director
Vocational Rehabilitation
226 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
Kathleen Deery, Ph.D.
Professor
231 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
*Stephen Shumate, Ph.D., J.D.
Professor
226 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
Robert Peters, Ph.D.
Professor (Interim Dean, CEHHS)
232 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
David DeLambo, Rh.D.
Associate Professor
228 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
DeLeana Strohl, Ph.D.
Assistant professor
229 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
*Julie Bates, PhD
Assistant Professor
232 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
Susie Eberhard, Ph.D.
Professor
Chair, Department of Rehabilitation and Counseling
250 Vocational Rehabilitation Bldg
*Mental Health Counseling faculty
26
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook GRADUATION AND BEYOND
Comprehensive Exam:
Before completing the program, students are required to pass the program’s comprehensive exam or
complete a master’s research paper. The comprehensive exam is an objective test that covers all
core courses (see p. 14 for listing of courses). The exam provides an assessment of the student’s
comprehensive understanding of knowledge and skills deemed necessary for entering the mental
health counseling profession. The exam is offered twice per year, near the end of the Fall and Spring
semesters.
Master’s Thesis:
The thesis option is in place for students who are interested in research and/or planning on pursuing
further education beyond the master’s degree. A member of the Mental Health Counseling faculty
will work alongside the students who choose this option by aiding in finding a research topic,
conducting the research, and writing up the results in a professional manner. The thesis option also
fulfills two credits of the elective course requirements for each student.
Degree Candidacy:
The Application for Degree Candidacy form is filed with the program director when a student
completes residency requirements, and when the Program Plan has been approved by the program
director and college dean. The student needs to be on full academic standing at the time the Degree
Candidacy form is filed. In addition to the Application for Degree Candidacy, the approved Program
Plan and a copy of the UW-Stout unofficial graduate transcript need to be filed. The Application for
Degree Candidacy must be approved by the Graduate School before the student can file the Graduate
Application for Degree. This process should be completed at the beginning of the term in which the
student intends to graduate.
Graduation:
For information on graduation, the commencement ceremony, and necessary forms that will need to
be filed, please refer to www.uwstout.edu/grad/graduation.html. Specific questions can be addressed
to the Graduate School staff.
Counseling Licensure:
After completion of degree requirements and graduation from the program, to receive licensure as a
Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wisconsin, graduates will need to accrue 3,000 hours of
supervised counseling experience (at least 1,000 hours of face to face client contact) in no less than
two years. During this time, individuals must hold a Professional Counselor training license. In
addition, graduates need to take and pass the National Counselor Examination and the Wisconsin
Statutes and Rules examination. Information about the necessary criteria and application forms for
licensure can be found at the Department of Safety and Professional Services web site at
www.drl.wi.gov. For information about the licensing boards in other states as well as information
about the National Counseling Examination, please refer to the National Board for Certified
Counselors web site at www.nbcc.org. Brief instructions for obtaining the training license are
included on the next page.
27
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Professional Counselor in Training- Licensure:
A Professional Counselor training license allows a person to use the title “professional counselor”
and is required for individuals acquiring their supervised experience necessary for licensure. The
Wisconsin Statutes provide that the Professional Counselor Section will grant a Professional
Counselor Training license to any applicant who submits an application, pays the required fee,
satisfies the educational requirement, and submits evidence satisfactory to the Professional
Counselor Section that he or she is in a position or has an offer for a position as a Professional
Counselor in a supervised professional counseling practice, or in a position which the applicant will,
in the opinion of the Professional Counselor Section, receive training and supervision equivalent to
the training and supervision received in a supervised professional counseling practice. To satisfy this
requirement, an employer must complete the affidavit to verify that the applicant will be receiving
acceptable supervision by a qualified supervisor as specified in MPSW 12.02(2), Wisconsin
Administrative Code.
A Professional Counselor Training License is valid for 48 months and is required during a period of
supervised pre-licensed practice. The Training License may be renewed at the discretion of the
Professional Counselor Section. The holder of a Professional Counselor Training License may use
the title “Professional Counselor” and may practice professional counseling within the scope of his
or her training or supervision during the period in which the license is valid. When a change of
supervisor occurs you must resubmit the supervisor affidavit Form #2456. Supervision that does not
meet the qualifications of MPSW 12.02 Qualifications may be grounds for denial.
Requirements
1. Complete a Graduate degree in professional counseling or an equivalent degree approved by
Professional Counselor Section.
2. Complete appropriate application form(s) and payment of fees:
• Review the Application Process Information Form (Form#2070), the Information for
Professional Counselor Application Form (Form#1963), and Notices Form (Form#1988).
• Complete the Professional Counselor Licensing Application (Form#1962).
• Complete the Professional Counselor Certificate of Professional Education Form
(Form#1960).
• Complete the Convictions and Pending Charges Form (Form#2252) if applicable.
• Complete the Employer Form for Supervised Professional Counselor Practice (Form#2456).
• Complete the National Board for Certified Counselors Registration Form (NCE
Registration) and complete the exam. This form includes information regarding test dates.
3. Successful completion of the Wisconsin Statutes and Rules examination. The passing score for
Professional Counselor is 85%. This exam is on-line and open book. It can be accessed at
http://exam.drl.wi.gov.
Further information and instructions can be obtained by visiting the Department of Safety and
Professional Services website (http://drl.wi.gov).
28
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Substance Abuse Counselor- In Training Licensure:
As previously mentioned, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling concentration fulfills Wisconsin
state requirements to meet the SAC-IT licensure. ( http://drl.wi.gov/ )
Requirements
1. Complete education requirements. Applicants must have high school diploma, HSED or GED.
Substance abuse education must include at least 100 hours of specialized education in the
performance domains of assessment, counseling, case management, education and professional
responsibility and disabilities.
• Submit the Education & Training Form (Form#2832) at the time of application along with
proof of attendance, completion and course descriptions. Attach your transcripts to the
education forms as proof of meeting education requirements.
2. Obtain current employment, a written offer of employment or agreement authorizing volunteer
hours at an agency providing substance abuse disorder treatment.
• Obtain clinical supervisor's signature of confirming appropriateness of 100 hours of
education received. This can be your internship/practicum supervisor or Dr. Shumate can
sign for the education requirements.
• Must provide employment verification form from a qualified supervisor. (Form #2770)
This will most likely be your internship/practicum advisor. After June 1, 2008 a
credential holder acquiring supervised experience as a substance abuse counselor-intraining may not practice under the supervision of an individual holding a certificate as a
clinical supervisor-in-training.
3. Complete and submit application (Form #2743) including all required documentation and pay
required fee ($132.00).
4. Successfully complete the following examination.
• Online open-book examination on the Wisconsin Statutes and
Administrative Code, which can be found under the Requirements page on
the DRL website. The passing score for the Substance Abuse Professional
Statutes and Rules exam is 76%.
• Go to http://exam.drl.wi.gov to take the exam.
*Form #2752 on the Wisconsin DRL website listed about has the step-by-step instructions for
applying for your Substance Abuse Counselor-In Training Licensure.
29
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Employment Opportunities:
Graduates from the Mental Health Counseling Program at UW-Stout can gain employment in
community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, residential
treatment facilities, rehabilitation agencies, social service agencies, college counseling centers,
employee assistance programs, half-way houses, adolescent crisis centers, AODA treatment
facilities, correctional institutions, and shelter homes.
Surveys of recent graduates have indicated a 95 to 100 percent employment rate upon graduation.
Graduates of the program have received employment throughout the United States. Examples of job
titles of recent graduates of the program include:













Professional Counselor
Outpatient Therapist
Clinical Coordinator
AODA Counselor
AODA Corrections Counselor
Corrections Program Therapist
Program Supervisor
EAP Counselor
Resident Hall Director
Parent Involvement/Family Services Coordinator
Director of Social Services
Case Manager
Adolescent and Family Therapist
Students approaching graduation are encouraged to contact the UW-Stout Career Services Office at
103 Administration Building (www.uwstout.edu/careers/). The Career Services staff can be very
helpful with providing services to help with the job search, including resume writing, interview skill
development, and job searching. An updated jobs list is also available.
Program faculty members will endorse students only for the professional credential and/or
employment for which the student has been prepared. Preparation includes coursework and
internship experiences related to the credential or employment opportunity they are seeking.
Students wishing for recommendation from a faculty member for a credential or employment
opportunity will need to ask that faculty member directly.
30
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook PROGRAM PLANS
and
COURSE SEQUENCING SHEETS
31
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook University of Wisconsin-Stout
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
M.S. Mental Health Counseling Program
Program Plan Sheet
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Option
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Concentration
Name__________________________________ Phone #______________________ Date______________
Course #
Core Requirements (38 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-788
Counseling Process Laboratory
3
COUN-750
Counseling Theory
3
COUN-752
Group Dynamics
3
SPSY-753
Psychometric Theory and Application
2
COUN-715
Orientation to Mental Health Counseling
3
COUN-725
Social & Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
COUN-723
Psychopathology: Assessment & Tx. Planning
3
COUN-721
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
3
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family and Human Development
3
MFT-751
Contemporary Couples and Family Therapy
3
SCOUN-733
Lifespan Career Development
3
COUN-754
Assessment & Clinical Interviewing in Counseling
1
COUN-789
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy
3
Research in Rehabilitation and Counseling
3
REHAB-715
32
Semester
Notes
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Mental Health Counseling Program
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Concentration
Course #
Clinical Requirements (9 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-793
Mental Health Counseling Practicum (150 hours)
3
COUN-794
Mental Health Counseling Internship (600 hours)
6
Course #
Concentration Requirements (10 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-722
Advanced Topics in Compulsive Behavior Disorders
3
COUN-720
Psychopharmacology
2
MFT-745
Treating Drug Abuse, Intimate Violence& Self-Harm
3
COUN-724
Adolescent Substance Use & Abuse
2
Course #
Electives (2 Cr.)*
CR.
COUN-647
Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders
COUN-694
Counseling Older Persons
COUN-761
Counseling Children and Adolescents
3
COUN-745
Treating Personality Disorders
1
RC-571
Alcohol, Drugs, and Accident Prevention
3
REHAB-520
Rehabilitation and Chemical Dependency
3
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
2
2-3
* Electives are not limited to the courses listed. Any graduate-level course may be selected with the approval of the program director.
Comprehensive Exam passed________________________
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR PROGRAM OPTION (60) TOTAL _________________
Student’s Signature____________________________________________________Date____________________
Program Director’s Signature___________________________________________Date____________________
33
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM
(AODA COUNSELING CONCENTRATION)
COURSE SEQUENCING SHEET
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Fall Semester
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN -752
(3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
REHAB-533(2)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-722 (3)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (5)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-720 (2)
MFT-745(3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (14)
Total: (15)
Total: (7)
Total: (8)
Total: ( 5)
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
REHAB-533(2)
SPSY -753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (4)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-720 (2)
HDFS-742 (3)
MFT-666 (2)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-722 (3)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
Total: (15)
Total: (7)
Total: (14)
Total: (1)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (7)
Total: (1)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Spring Semester
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (7)
Total: (7)
Total: (5)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Summer Session
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
SPRING
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-720 (2)
MFT-666 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
REHAB-533(2)
COUN-722 (3)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
SPSY-753 (2)
Total: (7)
Total: (13)
Total: (1)
Total: (15)
Total: (8)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (7)
Total: (5)
The Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counseling Concentration of the Mental Health Counseling Program
requires 60 credit hours, of which 47 are core requirements, 9 are concentration requirements, and 4 are
elected. Electives may be spread around the different terms as desired courses are available. Maximum load
for a semester is 16 credits, and 10 credits per 10-week Summer Session. Two full semesters of course work
are required before entering the internship experience. Satisfactory performance (B or better) in the
Counseling Process Laboratory (COUN-788) is required before an internship placement is made. COUN-789
and COUN-752 are also required before beginning the internship.
The above listed course sequences are suggested as guides for full-time students wishing to complete their
program in two years. While there can be some flexibility in following a particular sequence, they do account
for such issues as course prerequisites and semesters when courses are offered. They do not, however, account
for potential time conflicts for courses that could potentially arise.
Courses listed in bold face are only offered once a year in the semester listed. If you deviate from the
suggested course sequence, it will be important to be aware of when these courses are offered, especially as
you approach your graduation date. Keep your program director informed of all coursework for which you
register, and any adding or dropping of classes. Failure to do so could delay your graduation.
34
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook University of Wisconsin-Stout
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
M.S. Mental Health Counseling Program
Program Plan Sheet
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Option
Career Counseling Concentration
Name_____________________________________ Phone #_________________________ Date______________
Course #
Core Requirements (39 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-788
Counseling Process Laboratory
3
COUN-750
Counseling Theory
3
COUN-752
Group Dynamics
3
SPSY-753
Psychometric Theory and Application
2
COUN-715
Orientation to Mental Health Counseling
3
COUN-725
Social & Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
COUN-723
Psychopathology: Assessment & Tx. Planning
3
COUN-721
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
3
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family and Human Development
3
MFT-751
Contemporary Couples and Family Therapy
3
SCOUN-733
Lifespan Career Development
3
COUN-754
Assessment & Clinical Interviewing in Counseling
1
COUN-789
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy
3
Research in Rehabilitation and Counseling
3
REHAB-715
Mental Health Counseling Program
35
Semester
Notes
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Career Counseling Concentration
Course #
Clinical Requirements (9 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-793
Mental Health Counseling Practicum (150 hours)
3
COUN-794
Mental Health Counseling Internship (600 hours)
6
Course #
Concentration Requirements (7 Cr.)
CR.
CTE-502
Principles of Career and Technical Information
Notes
Semester
Notes
2
REHAB-683 Vocational Counseling Issues
2
REHAB-717 Occupational Analysis & Job Placement
3
Course #
Electives (5 Cr.)*
PSYC-582
Human Resource Management
3
Occupational Analysis and Job Placement
3
REHAB-717
Semester
CR.
COUN-694
Counseling Older Persons
COUN-720
Psychopharmacology
2
COUN-745
Treating Personality Disorders
1
Semester
Notes
2-3
*Electives are not limited to the courses listed. Any graduate-level course may be selected with the approval of the program director.
Comprehensive Exam passed________________________
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR PROGRAM OPTION (60) TOTAL_______________
Student’s Signature_________________________________________________ Date______________________
Program Director’s Signature________________________________________ Date______________________
36
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM
(CAREER COUNSELING CONCENTRATION)
COURSE SEQUENCING SHEET
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Fall Semester
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN -752 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
REHAB-683(2)
SPSY-753 (2)
HDFS-742 (3)
COUN-794 (4)
CTE-502 (3)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (5)
MFT-765 (3)
EDUC-726 (3)
Total: (14)
Total: (15)
Total: (7)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (7)
Total: (1)
Total: (8)
Total: ( 3)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Spring Semester
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
SPSY -753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (4)
MFT-765 (3)
EDUC-726 (3)
REHAB-683(2)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
CTE-502 (3)
Total: (15)
Total: (8)
Total: (14)
Total: (1)
Total: (7)
Total: (5)
ELECTIVES
Total: (5)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Summer Session
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
SPRING
COUN-750 (3)
CTE-502 (3)
REHAB-683(2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
EDUC-726 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
SPSY-753 (2)
Total: (8)
Total: (13)
Total: (1)
Total: (15)
Total: (9)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (4)
Total: (5)
The Career Counseling Concentration of the Mental Health Counseling Program requires 60 credit hours, of
which 47 are core requirements, 8 are concentration requirements, and 5 are elected. Electives may be spread
around the different terms as desired courses are available. Maximum load for a semester is 16 credits, and 10
credits per 10-week Summer Session. Two full semesters of course work are required before entering the
internship experience. Satisfactory performance (B or better) in the Counseling Process Laboratory (COUN788) is required before an internship placement is made. COUN-789 and COUN-752 are also required before
beginning the internship.
The above listed course sequences are suggested as guides for full-time students wishing to complete their
program in two years. While there can be some flexibility in following a particular sequence, they do account
for such issues as course prerequisites and semesters when courses are offered. They do not, however, account
for potential time conflicts for courses that could potentially arise.
Courses listed in bold face are only offered once a year in the semester listed. If you deviate from the
suggested course sequence, it will be important to be aware of when these courses are offered, especially as
you approach your graduation date. Keep your program director informed of all coursework for which you
register, and any adding or dropping of classes. Failure to do so could delay your graduation.
37
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook University of Wisconsin-Stout
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
M.S. Mental Health Counseling Program
Program Plan Sheet
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Option
Child and Adolescent Counseling Concentration
Name_____________________________________ Phone #_________________________ Date______________
Course #
Core Requirements (39 Cr.)
COUN-788
Counseling Process Laboratory
3
COUN-750
Counseling Theory
3
COUN-752
Group Dynamics
3
SPSY-753
Psychometric Theory and Application
2
COUN-715
Orientation to Mental Health Counseling
3
COUN-725
Social & Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
COUN-723
Psychopathology: Assessment & Tx. Planning
3
COUN-721
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
3
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family & Human Development
3
MFT-751
Contemporary Couples and Family Therapy
3
SCOUN-733
Lifespan Career Development
3
COUN-754
Assessment & Clinical Interviewing in Counseling
1
COUN-789
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy
3
Research in Rehabilitation and Counseling
3
REHAB-715
CR.
38
Semester
Notes
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Mental Health Counseling Program
Child and Adolescent Counseling Concentration
Course #
Clinical Requirements (9 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-793
Mental Health Counseling Practicum (150 hours)
3
COUN-794
Mental Health Counseling Internship (600 hours)
6
Course #
Concentration Requirements (10 Cr.)
CR.
SCOUN-705
Play Therapy
2
SCOUN-647
Emotional/Behavioral Problems of Children & Adol.
3
COUN-761
Counseling Children and Adolescents
3
COUN-647
or
REHAB-533
Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders
or
Adolescent Substance Use & Abuse
2
Course #
Electives (2 Cr.)
COUN-720
Psychopharmacology
2
COUN-745
Treating Personality Disorders
1
MFT-745
Treating Drug Abuse, Intimate Violence and Self-Harm
3
HDFS-703
Child and Adolescent Development Seminar
3
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
2
CR.
* Electives are not limited to the courses listed. Any graduate-level course may be selected with the approval of the program director.
Comprehensive Exam passed________________________
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR PROGRAM OPTION (60) TOTAL ________________
Student’s Signature__________________________________________________ Date _____________________
Program Director’s Signature _________________________________________ Date _____________________
39
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM
(CHILD & ADOLESCENT COUNSELING CONCENTRATION)
COURSE SEQUENCING SHEET
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Fall Semester
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
HDFS-703 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-761 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
COUN -752 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
SCOUN-647(3)
COUN-794 (4)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (5)
MFT-765 (3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
SUMMER
SCOUN-733(3)
CONCENTRATION
ELECTIVE (2)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (14)
Total: (15)
Total: (9)
Total: (6)
Total: (1)
Total: (8)
Total: (5)
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-761 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
SCOUN-647(3)
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
HDFS-703 (3)
SPSY -753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (4)
MFT-765 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
HDFS-742 (3)
CONCENTRATION
ELECTIVE (2)
COUN-794 (5)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Spring Semester
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (15)
Total: (9)
Total: (13)
Total: (1)
Total: (7)
Total: (8)
Total: (5)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Summer Session
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
SPRING
SCOUN-733(3)
SCOUN-647(3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
COUN-761 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
CONCENTRATION
ELECTIVE (2)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-794 (5)
MFT-765 (3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
HDFS-703 (3)
Total: (8)
Total: (14)
Total: (1)
Total: (4)
Total: (8)
ELECTIVES
Total: (15)
Total: (8)
The Child and Adolescent Counseling Concentration of the Mental Health Counseling Program requires 60 credit hours,
of which 47 are core requirements, 11 are concentration requirements, and 2 are elected. Electives may be spread
around the different terms as desired courses are available. Maximum load for a semester is 16 credits, and 10 credits
per 10-week Summer Session. Two full semesters of course work are required before entering the internship experience.
Satisfactory performance (B or better) in the Counseling Process Laboratory (COUN-788) is required before an
internship placement is made. COUN-789 and COUN-752 are also required before beginning the internship.
The above listed course sequences are suggested as guides for full-time students wishing to complete their program in
two years. While there can be some flexibility in following a particular sequence, they do account for such issues as
course prerequisites and semesters when courses are offered. They do not, however, account for potential time conflicts
for courses that could potentially arise.
Courses listed in bold face are only offered once a year in the semester listed. If you deviate from the suggested course
sequence, it will be important to be aware of when these courses are offered, especially as you approach your graduation
date. Keep your program director informed of all coursework for which you register, and any adding or dropping of
classes. Failure to do so could delay your graduation.
40
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook University of Wisconsin-Stout
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
M.S. Mental Health Counseling Program
Program Plan Sheet
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Option
Eating Disorders Concentration
Name_____________________________________ Phone #_________________________ Date______________
Course #
Core Requirements (39 Cr.)
COUN-788
Counseling Process Laboratory
3
COUN-750
Counseling Theory
3
COUN-752
Group Dynamics
3
SPSY-753
Psychometric Theory and Application
2
COUN-715
Orientation to Mental Health Counseling
3
COUN-725
Social & Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
COUN-723
Psychopathology: Assessment & Tx. Planning
3
COUN-721
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
3
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family and Human Development
3
MFT-751
Contemporary Couples and Family Therapy
3
SCOUN-733
Lifespan Career Development
3
COUN-754
Assessment & Clinical Interviewing in Counseling
1
COUN-789
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy
3
Research in Rehabilitation and Counseling
3
REHAB-715
CR.
41
Semester
Notes
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Mental Health Counseling Program
Eating Disorders Concentration
Course #
Clinical Requirements (9 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-793
Mental Health Counseling Practicum (150 hours)
3
COUN-794
Mental Health Counseling Internship (600 hours)
6
Course #
Concentration Requirements (9 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-647
Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders
2
MFT-745
Treating Drug Abuse, Intimate Violence & Self-Harm
3
COUN-722
Advanced Topics in Compulsive Behavior Disorders
3
COUN-745
Treating Personality Disorders
1
Course #
CR.
Electives (3 Cr.)*
COUN-720
Psychopharmacology
2
COUN-761
Counseling Children and Adolescents
3
REHAB-533
Adolescent Substance Use and Abuse
2
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
* Electives are not limited to the courses listed. Any graduate-level course may be selected with the approval of the program director.
Comprehensive Exam passed________________________
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR PROGRAM OPTION (60) TOTAL _________________
Student’s Signature____________________________________________________Date_____________________
Program Director’s Signature___________________________________________Date_____________________
42
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM
(EATING DISORDERS CONCENTRATION)
COURSE SEQUENCING SHEET
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Fall Semester
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
MFT-745 (3)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-647 (2)
HDFS-742 (3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-722 (3)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (5)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-745 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (14)
Total: (15)
Total: (7)
Total: (8)
Total: (6)
ELECTIVES
SUMMER
ELECTIVES
Total: (7)
Total: (1)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Spring Semester
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-647 (2)
COUN-752 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (4)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-745 (1)
SCOUN-733(3)
COUN-722 (3)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-745 (3)
SPSY-753 (2)
Total: (15)
Total: (8)
Total: (13)
Total: (1)
Total: (7)
Total: (4)
Total: (8)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Summer Session
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
SPRING
COUN-647 (2)
HDFS-742 (3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-745 (1)
COUN-752 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
COUN-722 (3)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
MFT-745 (3)
Total: (7)
Total: (14)
Total: (1)
Total: (15)
Total: (7)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (7)
Total: (5)
The Eating Disorders Concentration of the Mental Health Counseling Program requires 60 credit hours, of
which 47 are core requirements, 9 are concentration requirements, and 4 are elected. Electives may be spread
around the different terms as desired courses are available. Maximum load for a semester is 16 credits, and 10
credits per 10-week Summer Session. Two full semesters of course work are required before entering the
internship experience. Satisfactory performance (B or better) in the Counseling Process Laboratory (COUN788) is required before an internship placement is made. COUN-789 and COUN-752 are also required before
beginning the internship.
The above listed course sequences are suggested as guides for full-time students wishing to complete their
program in two years. While there can be some flexibility in following a particular sequence, they do account
for such issues as course prerequisites and semesters when courses are offered. They do not, however, account
for potential time conflicts for courses that could potentially arise.
Courses listed in bold face are only offered once a year in the semester listed. If you deviate from the
suggested course sequence, it will be important to be aware of when these courses are offered, especially as
you approach your graduation date. Keep your program director informed of all coursework for which you
register, and any adding or dropping of classes. Failure to do so could delay your graduation.
43
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook University of Wisconsin-Stout
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
M.S. Mental Health Counseling Program
Program Plan Sheet
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Option
Gerontological Counseling Concentration
Name_____________________________________ Phone #_________________________ Date______________
Course #
Core Requirements (39 Cr.)
COUN-788
Counseling Process Laboratory
3
COUN-750
Counseling Theory
3
COUN-752
Group Dynamics
3
SPSY-753
Psychometric Theory and Application
2
COUN-715
Orientation to Mental Health Counseling
3
COUN-725
Social & Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
COUN-723
Psychopathology: Assessment & Tx. Planning
3
COUN-721
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
3
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family & Human Development
3
MFT-751
Contemporary Couples and Family Therapy
3
SCOUN-733
Lifespan Career Development
3
COUN-754
Assessment & Clinical Interviewing in Counseling
1
COUN-789
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy
3
Research in Rehabilitation and Counseling
3
REHAB-715
CR.
44
Semester
Notes
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Mental Health Counseling Program
Gerontological Counseling Concentration
Course #
Program Option Requirements (9 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-793
Mental Health Counseling Practicum (150 hours)
3
COUN-794
Mental Health Counseling Internship (600 hours)
6
Course #
Concentration Requirements (10 Cr.)
CR.
HDFS-540
Human Development: Late Adulthood
3
COUN-694
Counseling Older Persons
3
HDFS-642
Geriatric Functional Assessment
4
Course #
CR.
Electives (2 Cr.)*
COUN-720
Psychopharmacology
2
COUN-722
Advanced Topics in Compulsive Behavior Disorders
3
COUN-745
Treating Personality Disorders
1
HDFS-532
Death and Bereavement
3
HDFS-541
Family Caregiving to Dependent Elders
1
HDFS-545
Health Care Dilemmas & Decisions for Families
3
REHAB-555
Rehabilitation of the Older Disabled Worker
2
PSYC-771
Advanced Health Psychology
4
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
* Electives are not limited to the courses listed. Any graduate-level course may be selected with the approval of the program director.
Comprehensive Exam passed________________________
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR PROGRAM OPTION (60) TOTAL _________________
Student’s Signature____________________________________________________Date_____________________
Program Director’s Signature___________________________________________Date_____________________
45
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM
(GERONTOLOGICAL COUNSELING CONCENTRATION)
COURSE SEQUENCING SHEET
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Fall Semester
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
HDFS-540 (3)
COUN-694 (3)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-794 (4)
HDFS-642 (4)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (5)
MFT-765 (3)
ELECTIVES
HDFS-742 (3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (14)
Total: (15)
Total: (8)
Total: (8)
ELECTIVES
Total: (1)
Total: (8)
Total: ( 3 )
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Spring Semester
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
HDFS-540 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
HDFS-642 (4)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-694 (3)
COUN-794 (4)
MFT-765 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
COUN-794 (5)
Total: (15)
Total: (6)
Total: (14)
Total: (1)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (10)
Total: (6)
Total: (5)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Summer Session
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
SPRING
COUN-750 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
HDFS-540 (3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-694 (3)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
COUN-794 (4)
HDFS-642 (4)
COUN-794 (5)
MFT-765 (3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (13)
Total: (1)
Total: (15)
Total: (6)
Total: (8)
Total: (8)
ELECTIVES
Total: (6)
The Gerontological Counseling Concentration of the Mental Health Counseling Program requires 60 credit
hours, of which 47 are core requirements, 10 are concentration requirements, and 3 are elected. Electives may
be spread around the different terms as desired courses are available. Maximum load for a semester is 16
credits, and 10 credits per 10-week Summer Session. Two full semesters of course work are required before
entering the internship experience. Satisfactory performance (B or better) in the Counseling Process
Laboratory (COUN-788) is required before an internship placement is made. COUN-789 and COUN-752 are
also required before beginning the internship.
The above listed course sequences are suggested as guides for full-time students wishing to complete their
program in two years. While there can be some flexibility in following a particular sequence, they do account
for such issues as course prerequisites and semesters when courses are offered. They do not, however, account
for potential time conflicts for courses that could potentially arise.
Courses listed in bold face are only offered once a year in the semester listed. If you deviate from the
suggested course sequence, it will be important to be aware of when these courses are offered, especially as
you approach your graduation date. Keep your program director informed of all coursework for which you
register, and any adding or dropping of classes. Failure to do so could delay your graduation.
46
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook University of Wisconsin-Stout
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
M.S. Mental Health Counseling Program
Program Plan Sheet
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Option
(No Concentration)
Name_____________________________________ Phone #_________________________ Date_____________
Course #
Core Requirements (38 Cr.)
COUN-788
Counseling Process Laboratory
3
COUN-750
Counseling Theory
3
COUN-752
Group Dynamics
3
SPSY-753
Psychometric Theory and Application
2
COUN-715
Orientation to Mental Health Counseling
2
COUN-725
Social & Cultural Issues in Counseling
3
COUN-723
Psychopathology: Assessment & Tx Planning
3
COUN-721
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
3
HDFS-742
Lifespan Family & Human Development
3
MFT-751
Contemporary Couples and Family Therapy
3
SCOUN-733
Lifespan Career Development
3
COUN-754
Assessment & Clinical Interviewing in Counseling
1
COUN-789
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy
3
Research in Rehabilitation and Counseling
3
REHAB-715
CR.
47
Semester
Notes
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Mental Health Counseling Program
No Concentration
Course #
Clinical Requirements (9 Cr.)
CR.
COUN-793
Mental Health Counseling Practicum (150 hours)
3
COUN-794
Mental Health Counseling Internship (600 hours)
6
Course #
Electives (12 Cr.)*
CR.
COUN-720
Psychopharmacology
2
COUN-722
Advanced Topics in Compulsive Behavior Disorders
3
COUN-761
Counseling Children and Adolescents
3
COUN-694
Counseling Older Persons
COUN-647
Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders
2
COUN-745
Treating Personality Disorders
1
MFT-745
Treating Drug Abuse, Intimate Violence and Self-Harm
3
REHAB-533
Adolescent Substance Use & Abuse
2
PSYC-771
Advanced Health Psychology
4
Semester
Notes
Semester
Notes
2-3
* Electives are not limited to the courses listed. Any graduate-level course may be selected with the approval of the program director.
Comprehensive Exam passed________________________
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR PROGRAM OPTION (60) TOTAL_______________
Student’s Signature__________________________________________________ Date___________________
Program Director’s Signature__________________________________________Date___________________
48
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM
(NO CONCENTRATION)
COURSE SEQUENCING SHEET
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Fall Semester
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
SUMMER
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (5)
HDFS-742 (3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (13)
Total: (15)
Total: (6)
Total: (5)
Total: ( 3)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (4)
Total: (1)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Spring Semester
SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-750 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
COUN-752 (3)
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-794 (4)
MFT-765 (3)
Total: (15)
Total: (3)
Total: (13)
Total: (1)
ELECTIVES
SUMMER
FALL
HDFS-742 (3)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (3)
Total: (5)
ELECTIVES
Total: (7)
Sequence for Full-time Students Entering in Summer Session
SUMMER
FALL
WINTERM
SPRING
FALL
SPRING
COUN-750 (3)
HDFS-742 (3)
COUN-715 (2)
COUN-723 (3)
COUN-788 (3)
SCOUN-733(3)
SPSY-753 (2)
COUN-754 (1)
COUN-721 (3)
COUN-725 (3)
COUN-789 (3)
MFT-751 (3)
MFT-765 (3)
COUN-752(3)
COUN-794 (4)
COUN-794 (5)
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
ELECTIVES
Total: (13)
Total: (1)
Total: (15)
Total: (3)
Total: (4)
Total: (5)
ELECTIVES
Total: (6)
SUMMER
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Option of the Mental Health Counseling Program requires
60 credit hours, of which 47 are core requirements and 13 are elected. Electives may be spread around the
different terms as desired courses are available. Maximum load for a semester is 16 credits, and 10 credits per
10-week Summer Session. Two full semesters of course work are required before entering the internship
experience. Satisfactory performance (B or better) in the Counseling Process Laboratory (COUN-788) is
required before an internship placement is made. COUN-789 and COUN-752 are also required before
beginning the internship.
The above listed course sequences are suggested as guides for full-time students wishing to complete their
program in two years. While there can be some flexibility in following a particular sequence, they do account
for such issues as course prerequisites and semesters when courses are offered. They do not, however, account
for potential time conflicts for courses that could potentially arise.
Courses listed in bold face are only offered once a year in the semester listed. If you deviate from the
suggested course sequence, it will be important to be aware of when these courses are offered, especially as
you approach your graduation date. Keep your program director informed of all coursework for which you
register, and any adding or dropping of classes. Failure to do so could delay your graduation.
49
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Appendix:
Student retention and dismissal policy and signature page
50
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook STUDENT RETENTION AND DISMISSAL POLICIES
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling retention and dismissal policy is designed: 1) to provide
students and degree candidates with information related to their progress in acquiring skills and
competencies essential to professional practice; and, 2) to provide program faculty with the necessary
information to evaluate student and degree candidate progress toward achieving the skills and
competencies required for professional practice in the specified program.
Semester Reviews:
At the beginning of the fall and spring semester the core faculty in the Clinical Mental Health
Counseling program will meet and evaluate each student’s progress toward meeting the CACREP
professional identify and program specific standards. These standards are listed on pages four through
nine of this handbook and are tied to specific course objectives found in the syllabus in each core course.
This evaluation is completed in addition to the normal grading aspects of your courses. This evaluation
serves as a more specific measure of the developing knowledge and skills needed to be an effective and
ethical counselor.
For each course taken the preceding semester you will be rated on a 4 point Likert scale (1 =
unsatisfactory, 2 = need improvement, 3 = satisfactory, 4 =exceeds) for each CACREP standard meet in
those courses. In most cases students have a number of courses in which to meet each standard. Students
who fail to achieve a 3 on any specific standard will be required to meet with the program director to
determine the next course of action. In some cases students may be asked to retake the course or
complete additional outside assignments to indicate competency in that specific area. In some cases a
student’s progress in the program may be considered “unsatisfactory” and a remediation plan will be
developed by the program faculty.
Academic Review:
Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are required to achieve a “B” or better all
courses. Student earning a grade of a “B-“or less will be required to retake the course.
One-Year Review:
Student progress is formally evaluated upon completion of one academic year of coursework. Conducted
by the Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty, the one-year review process evaluates student’s
progress in the following areas:
•
•
•
•
•
Full successful academic standing, which includes cumulative grade point average at or above
3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Demonstrated personal and social maturity necessary to work with vulnerable populations (e.g.
patience, empathy, compassion, as well as demonstrated appropriate interactions with peers,
faculty and staff)
Effective written and oral communication skills
Professional and ethical conduct consistent with the American Counseling Association (ACA)
Code of Ethics
Adherence to UW-Stout’s policies on academic conduct (see Student Handbook)
51
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Comprehensive Exam:
Completion of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program includes a comprehensive
examination which covers the program's core courses. The comprehensive exam is offered every
spring and fall semester and is usually completed near the end of the student's program. Students are
allowed to retake the comprehensive exam a maximum of two times. Students who fall below
minimum competency level (70%) the first time the exam is taken will be required to meet with their
program director to discuss the areas where further study is required. A student who fails to achieve
a passing score the second time will again be required to meet with the program director. At this
time the student will be required to achieve a passing grade on the National Counselor Examination
or complete a thesis (COUN-735 Problems in Counseling or COUN-770 Thesis).
Unsatisfactory Progress:
• Any faculty member, program committee member, or professional field supervisor, at
any time, can request faculty review of a student’s or degree candidate’s progress toward
meeting degree requirements, and acquiring and exhibiting competencies necessary for
professional practice. Such requests will be forwarded through the respective program
director and will be reviewed by the faculty in a formal faculty meeting. Students will be
notified in writing by their program director if progress toward completion of their
program is unsatisfactory.
•
Students receiving notice of unsatisfactory progress will consult with the program
director regarding their deficiencies and establish specific written and/or behavioral
objectives to remediate such deficiencies (Remediation Plan). The written objectives
become a personal record in the student’s file. Failure to remediate deficiencies by the
next faculty review period, or otherwise agreed upon time frame, will result in
consideration for dismissal from the program.
•
If during the semester review, or by other faculty request, the faculty deems that the
student’s progress is unsatisfactory or his or her conduct constitutes a serious violation of
professional practice or ethics, as determined by the faculty, the program director will
appoint a faculty committee consisting of three program faculty members to investigate.
The committee’s findings are presented in a timely fashion to the faculty in closed
session for recommended action.
•
Any action by the faculty is conveyed to the student in writing by the Program Director
with specific recommendations for remediation or notice of dismissal.
•
The program faculty reserves the right to suspend or terminate a degree candidate’s
enrollment in a program at any time for academic or performance-related reasons as
determined by the faculty in the program. If a student’s enrollment is suspended or
terminated, he/she may request a review of the decision by the Dean of the College of
Education, Health and Human Sciences or his/her designee. The purposes of a review are
to permit a master’s degree student or degree candidate to challenge (1) the factual
information that formed the basis of the decision and/or (2) to challenge the sanction:
suspension or termination.
52
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook Such a request must be made in writing to the Dean, College of Education, Health and
Human Sciences or designee within 14 working days of notification of suspension or
termination and must identify the basis or bases for the review or challenge to the factual
basis and/or sanction. A review is not an adversarial proceeding. The student may appear
before the Dean or designee personally. A review shall be held within 10 working days of
the date the Dean or designee receives the request, except that it may be held at a later date
upon mutual agreement or upon order of the Dean or designee. Following the conclusion of
the review, the Dean or designee shall normally advise the student and the Graduate School
of his/her decision, in writing, within 5 working days. Students wishing to appeal the
decision of the Dean may follow the procedure for Positive Action. In the meantime, the
student is considered dismissed from the program.
Satisfactory Progress:
The following criteria are used as evidence of satisfactory progress toward a Master of Science in
Clinical Mental Health Counseling:
1. Meeting all of the UW-Stout Graduate School requirements including grade point average and
residency.
2. Maintaining progress toward degree completion as agreed upon in the student’s or degree
candidate’s program plan.
3. Achieve a satisfactory (3) score or better on all CACREP core and program standards.
4. Maintaining an overall minimum 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in all graduate courses taken as part
of a program completion plan.
5. Achievement of “B” or better all courses in the Counseling Department (those with the acronym
COUN).
6. Achieve a passing score (70%) on the Clinical Mental Health Comprehensive Exam.
7. Exhibiting adherence to professional ethical standards as defined by the American Counseling
Association and other professional accreditation and licensing bodies.
8. Demonstrating professional behaviors consistent with benchmarks established by professional
counseling organizations.
9. Program faculty meet for the purpose of professional review to determine the degree candidate’s
capability to successfully perform the professional duties and responsibilities as required in
professional practice.
Satisfactory student performance at the one-year review must be supported by two-thirds of the
Mental Health Counseling faculty for program continuation. If a student receives an unsatisfactory
review, the student will be notified in writing within ten working days of the decision. The graduate
faculty can terminate, suspend or allow one semester probationary continuation in the program. If
probationary continuation is allowed, the Mental Health Counseling faculty will provide specific
written and/or behavioral objectives (with timelines if appropriate) that must be met and/or
demonstrated by the end of the probationary period. At that time, the student’s progress will be reevaluated. At least two thirds of the Mental Health Counseling faculty must rate the student’s
probationary performance and completion of assigned objectives to be acceptable. After the one
53
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook semester probationary period, students who do not receive a satisfactory rating from two-thirds of
the faculty will be terminated from the Mental Health Counseling Program.
Concentration Change:
Any student in the program seeking to change their concentration must with the Program Director to
discuss the concentration change and fill out a new program plan sheet.
Re-Entry Procedure:
Any student who took a semester or longer break from Graduate School must fill out the Student
Records Update Form: (http://www3.uwstout.edu/grad/upload/graduate-students-update-form.pdf )
Non-Degree Seeking Students:
A student may apply to take courses for graduate credit as a Non-Program Student. To be eligible,
that individual must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students granted NonProgram Enrollment are subject to all Graduate School policies. Individuals who have been dropped
from a program are not eligible for Non-Program Enrollment. Students in good standing in a
program may request Non-Program Enrollment, in which case they would become a Non-Program
Student. While there shall be no limit on the number of total credits that can be taken as a nonprogram special student, the number of such credits that can be applied to a degree program shall be
limited to one-third of the minimum number of credits required for graduation in that program.
Transfer Credits:
Graduate credits earned at another graduate school may be considered toward the fulfillment of
program requirements, provided that:
•
•
•
•
•
The credit meets the Seven Year Limit Policy. (see graduate school policy manual online)
The institution is accredited at the graduate level.
The course is acceptable for graduate credit toward a graduate degree at the offering
institution.
The credit appears as a graduate course on the student’s graduate transcript from the offering
institution.
The grade received was a “B” (3.0) or higher.
To be applied to program requirements, transfer credits must be approved by the Program
Director, using the Request for Transfer Credit form.
Student Right to Appeal:
Upon receipt of a decision letter, a student will have ten (10) calendar days from the date the letter is
received in which to submit an appeal. The student may choose to have the appeal heard by either a
Hearing Examiner or a Hearing Committee. The hearing for the appeal will be conducted within 45
days of receipt of the request, and a decision rendered within 10 days of the hearing. The decision
becomes final unless it is taken further under UWS Ch 17.07.
54
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student Handbook ADMISSION, RETENTION AND DISMISSAL POLICY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I, _______________________________, hereby acknowledge that I have thoroughly reviewed,
understand and will abide by the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Admission, Retention and Dismissal procedures.
________________________________
Student Signature
______________________
Date
55