Emory & Henry College School of Health Sciences is launching a new Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with the first class starting in the fall of 2021.
The program is a 60-credit, 24-month program, consisting of six consecutive semesters and is one of the most affordable programs in the region.
The master’s degree program prepares clinical mental health counselors for a rewarding profession which emphasizes prevention of emotional and mental health concerns, early intervention when problems are identified, and client empowerment.
“From the first semester, students will be engaged in experiential learning and you can see that come to life when you visit the classrooms and training spaces,” says Dr. Stephanie Hall, founding department chair and program director. “This program will include local clinical work in addiction counseling, grief and trauma and family counseling with an emphasis on evidence based practice.”
Hall has extensive experience in counselor education and program accreditation. She has been a site visitor for the Council of Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs for 12 years and previously chaired a counselor education department with a large graduate program in New Jersey.
Additionally, two new faculty members have been hired and will begin work this summer. A licensed professional counselor in New Jersey, Dr. Jessica Burkholder’s research interests focus on the ethical development and multicultural training of counselors. Clinically, she has specialized in the treatment of adolescent sexual behavior problems, trauma, and mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. David Burkholder has a specialization in mental health counseling with children and adolescents, family and couples counseling.
Skylar Hill of Meadowview graduated from Emory & Henry with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and will continue her education by being part of the first cohort of the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program this fall.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping people and knowing that I could make a positive impact in someone’s life is such a rewarding feeling,” says Hill. Hill chose this program because of her positive experience as an undergraduate at Emory & Henry. “I know I’ll be getting a quality education in this program.”
The mission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is to graduate competent entry level clinical mental health counselors who play an active role in enhancing community wellness. Graduates will be prepared to apply to become a resident in counseling, which will provide graduates with a full range of career opportunities in a variety of settings including community mental health agencies, substance abuse treatment programs, schools, colleges, universities, rehabilitation agencies, hospitals, residential treatment programs, employee assistance programs, and social service agencies. The program at Emory & Henry is ideally suited to meet the needs of this region by providing excellent training for qualified mental health counselors.
On Tuesday, March 30, Emory & Henry will hold an online information session about the program at 6 p.m. The information session will include an overview of the program and a discussion of career options. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with program faculty, ask questions about the program and receive an application fee waiver for attending the session.
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2021 and Fall 2022. For more information on the program and to RSVP for the event, visitwww.ehc.edu/CMHC.
