Master of Science in Clinical Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

A dynamic master’s in clinical counseling degree with specializations in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Clinical counselors, especially those with specialized skills, play a crucial role in helping individuals facing mental health or disability-related problems reach their vocational, social, and personal goals. In Illinois Institute of Technology’s Clinical Counseling M.S. program, you’ll gain expertise in serving individuals with various needs in several clinical settings. Our program provides a comprehensive education in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling and encompasses multicultural factors such as culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. In addition to counseling theory and evidence-based practices, you’ll develop a strengths-based approach to clinical counseling, ultimately learning how to empower clients to reach their optimal mental health and personal wellness. The mission of the M.S. in Clinical Counseling program (CCP) at Illinois Tech is to offer a student-focused and evidence-based counseling curriculum that prepares students to become professional counselors trained to assist a diverse group of people who experience a mental illness, disability, andor a chronic illness across the lifespan. The CCP prepares prospective clinical rehabilitation and clinical mental health counselors for employment in numerous settings including mental health agencies, private counseling practice, publicprivate rehabilitation agencies, hospitals, correctional institutions, public schools, rehabilitation centers, social service agencies, and other organizations serving individuals with disabilities and mental health issues. It also provides advanced training for individuals presently employed in agencies and facilities offering professional counseling services. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intake interview, mental status evaluation, biopsychosocial history, mental health history, and psychological assessment for treatment planning and caseload management. Techniques and interventions for prevention and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues. Strategies for interfacing with the legal system regarding court-referred clients. Strategies for interfacing with integrated behavioral health care professionals. Strategies to advocate for persons with mental health issues. Ability to apply multicultural competencies to mental health counseling. Ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in counseling practice. Ability to utilize a variety of theoretical approaches (cognitive, behavioral, etc.) and treatment modalities in order to assist individuals with behavioral and mental health-related distress.

Applications are accepted for the fall and spring terms and are considered on a rolling basis. Minimum requirements for admission include:Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 18 credit hours in psychology or a closely related fieldMinimum GPA of 3.0Two letters of recommendation (academic and/or employer)Professional statementTranscripts from all post-secondary institutions (transcripts must be uploaded into the online application system)All applications are evaluated holistically based on GPA, recommendations, and the professional statement. GRE scores are not required. Finalists will be contacted for a virtual interview.