Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Overview
The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The timeline for accreditation will involve a year-long process beginning Fall ’26 and culminate in accreditation by Fall ’27. There are strict guidelines prescribed for such accredited programs, including the requirement of a minimum of 60 credits, three dedicated faculty members with degrees in counselor education from CACREP-accredited programs themselves, and significant supervised practicum and internship hours. The curriculum will intentionally prepare students for content areas of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).
Students will achieve competencies in eight CACREP core areas:
- Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Social and Cultural Diversity
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Development
- Helping Relationships
- Group Work
- Assessment
- Research and Program evalsuation
The program will also enable the integration of unique aspects of a Saint Peter’s education and its Jesuit values into select portions of the curriculum.
Required Courses
Please note: *RBP = Completion of these courses is Required Before Practicum and Internships
CP 501 Perspectives on Counselor Formation (3)
Focuses on the nature of personal formation and includes the relationship of Ignatian values to counseling. Emphasis given to integration of Jesuit values with self-understanding and educational endeavors.
CP 502 Theories and Foundations of Counseling (3) *RBP
An investigation of the major theories of counseling with an emphasis on integrative approaches to the helping profession. Course content is included in the CPCE ‘Helping Relations’ content area.
CP/PS 505 Research Methods & Design (3)
Various approaches and techniques for conducting behavioral and social research are covered with a strong emphasis on experimental methods. Course content is included in the CPCE “research and program evalsuation” content area.
CP 506 Psychopathology (3) *RBP
An overview of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data of psychopathology, including an introduction to the official diagnostic nomenclature. Note: an elementary (undergraduate) course in Abnormal Psychology is required prior to taking this course.
CP 522 Foundations of Mental Health Counseling (3) *RBP
This course provides an overview of the field of mental health counseling including its history and philosophy. Mandatory first year course. Course content is included in the CPCE “professional orientation and ethics’ content area.
CP 560 Residency year 1, 2, 3 (0 credits-Online only)
Student orientation course to build student and faculty connections, be introduced to the writing center, online technology, and library service.
CP 601 Principles and Methods of Counseling (3) *RBP
This course introduces a variety of methods used in counseling with an emphasis on integrative approaches to the helping profession. Emphasizes relational nature of counseling through in-class exercises. Course content is included in the CPCE “Helping Relations” content area. Prerequisite: CP 502
CP 602 Measurement and Assessment (3) *RBP
A survey of basic concepts and tests used in diagnosis and treatment of individual, marriage, and family problems with selective training in the use of several major instruments. Course content is included in the CPCE “Appraisal” content area.
CP 603 Counseling and Human Development (3) *RBP
An overview of the major theories, issues, and data of developmental psychology covering early childhood through late adulthood. Course content is included in the CPCE “Human Growth and Development” content area.
CP 604 Group Dynamics and Therapy (3) *RBP
An overview of the major theories, issues, and data of the psychology of small groups and group therapy. Topics considered include group communication, leadership, facilitation, decision making, conflict resolution, and focal group counseling. Participation in group therapy outside of class required at the student’s expense. Students need to be prepared to pay for their (12) group therapy sessions as part of the requirements for this class. Course content is included in the CPCE “group work” content area. Prerequisite: CP 702 and individual therapy requirement completed or in progress.
CP 605 Marriage and Family Counseling: Foundations (3)
Examination of marriage and family systems and dynamics, including the causes of conflict and dysfunctional relational patterns, and the understanding of counseling principles and processes designed to aid the counselor in resolving conflict and in the healing of relationships.
CP 610 Career Development (3)
An in-depth study of the theories, concepts, and issues regarding career counseling including an introduction to various career assessment inventories. This course fulfills the state residency requirement and therefore is only offered in-person on campus. Course content is included in the CPCE “Career and Lifestyle Development” content area.
CP 615 Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling (3)
This course is an overview of multicultural counseling focusing on the impact of societal expectations and cultural norms on the client. Course content is included in the CPCE “Social and Cultural Foundations” content area.
CP 616 Counseling Clients with Chemical Addictions (3)
This course is an in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues and data in the diagnosis and treatment of chemical addictions. Will explore evidence-based treatment approaches.
CP 617 Crisis Intervention Strategies for Trauma and Abuse (3)
This course considers an overview of the field of crisis counseling with an in-depth perspective of various crises, such as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also fulfills the NYC requirement of training for mandated reporters of child abuse.
CP 702 Ethics and Professional Issues (3) *RBP
An overview of the legal, ethical, and professional issues currently facing mental health counselors as addressed by the American Counseling Association (2014) Code of Ethics. Particular attention is given to matters involving confidentiality, informed consent, conflicts of interest, counselor values, transference and countertransference issues, advertising, and potential dual relationship conflicts. Variation in state mental health laws will also be discussed (predominately focused on NY, NJ and CT, but may include states that students are considering for future licensure). Course content is included in the CPCE “Professional Orientation and Ethics” content area.
CP 791 Counseling Practicum I (3)
This course serves as the Practicum clinical experience and is the prerequisite to CP 792. It focuses on essentials of the counseling process in a mental health setting. The student will complete a minimum of 100 hours in a mental health setting over the academic term. Of the 100 clinical hours, a minimum of 40 hours must be “direct service” to clients. Accumulated hours that exceed the minimum requirements noted above, are not transferable to the CP 792 Internship course requirements. There will be 1 supervisory hour by an on-site licensed mental health clinician for each 15 hours of practicum. Students will participate in a weekly seminar class where they will discuss ethical and professional issues. evalsuation by onsite supervisor and seminar faculty will determine student readiness to commence clinical instruction in an intern. Prerequisites: CP 501, 502, 522, 601, 602, 603, 604
CP 792 Counseling Internship II (1-3)
Student will complete a minimum of 600 hours in a mental health setting providing counseling services in a variety of modalities. The 600 hours must include 240 “direct service“ hours. Supervision will be provided by an onsite licensed mental health clinician. There will be 1 supervisory hour for each 15 hours of internship. The 600 hours are to be completed in a minimum of two full academic terms. Credit hours will be assigned in accordance with the number of academic terms needed to complete the required clinical hours. 1 credit = 100 total hours, including 40 direct hours. 2 credits = 200 hours, including 80 direct hours, 3 credits = 300 total hours, including 120 direct hours. Students may not enroll for more credits than correspond to hours achieved in the previous semester, unless there has been a change in circumstance enabling additional credits/hours to be accomplished. Prerequisites: CP 791
CP 793 Counseling Internship III (1-3)
Students will complete the remainder of the required 600 mental health counseling internship hours as a continuation of CP 791 and CP 792. Students will register for CP 793 for their final three credits, completing the total 9 credits, unless a student requires additional time to complete internship hours. In this case, the student will be advised to register for one or two credits and complete their requirements over two semesters. 1 credit = 100 total hours/40 face to face. 2 credits = 200 hours/80 face to face. 3 credits = 300 hours/120 face to face. Prerequisites: CP 791 & CP 792
Elective Courses
*Students must complete 6 credits of electives
CP 710 Counseling Issues & Human Sexuality (3)
An overview of physiological, psychological, and sociocultural variables associated with sexual identity and sexual behavior. An introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders.
CP 713 Gender Issues (3)
This course will address the major issues associated with gender in today’s social climate. Topics will include womanhood, manhood, the role of mentoring, crisis pregnancy counseling, the role of motherhood and fatherhood, infertility, and depression. Education toward biologically, psychologically, and spiritually healthy practices will be presented.
CP 714 Counseling for Survivors of Abuse (3)
A comprehensive study of treatment for survivors of family violence and sexual abuse. Integrated study of the impact of trauma and abuse, faith-based practice, and an overview of important issues and concerns. Students will participate in the counseling experience as part of the learning process.
CP 716 Disorders of Childhood & Adolescence (3)
An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues and data in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders usually first evident in children and adolescents. Prerequisite: CP 604
CP 717 Play Therapy (3)
An overview of a counseling approach called “play therapy” which is applicable within both school and clinical practice settings. While targeted for use with pre-school and school-aged children, play therapy can also be adapted to work with adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.
CP 720 Counseling Approaches to Life-Threatening Illnesses (3)
A course designed to help students gain theoretical and experiential understanding and beginning competence in working with patients, their families and caregivers who are dealing with life-threatening and life-debilitating illnesses. Includes approaches to integrating religious faith perspectives into life and death circumstances.
CP 722 Anxiety and Mood Disorders (3)
An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data in the diagnosis and treatment of the anxiety and mood disorders.
CP 723 Personality & Dissociative Disorders (3)
An in-depth study of the major theories, concepts, issues, and data in the diagnosis and treatment of personality and dissociative disorders. Prerequisite: CP 604
CP 724 Counseling & Divorce Recovery (3)
A clinical and practical study for counseling people going through a divorce. An integrated study of the impact of divorce upon the couple, their family and community. Students will participate in counseling experiences in the classroom.
CP 725 Psychopharmacology (3)
Course provides students with an appreciation and understanding of basic classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications so that appropriate referrals can be made for medication evalsuations and also that the side effects of such medications can be identified. This course emphasizes the key CACREP Clinical Mental Health Standard 2h: Classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation.
CP 730 Cognitive Behavior Therapy – CBT (3)
Introduction and discussion of the philosophy and theory underlying cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Includes training and practice in selected empirically supported CBT interventions including attention to integration issues of CBT and religious/faith perspectives.
CP 731 Brief Solution-Focused Cognitive Therapy (3)
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of Brief Solution-Focused Therapy. This course will involve learning how to apply brief counseling strategies in order to empower clients and facilitate solution development.
CP 732 Eating Disorders (3)
A course to help students gain theoretical and experiential understanding, and beginning competence in working with patients, their families and significant others who are dealing with eating disorders. The role of culture and societal norms as it impacts this issue will be explored. Various factors, as well as modes of treatment, will be discussed.
CP 739 Counseling & Life Coaching (3)
This course is an introduction to Life Coaching exploring the models, techniques and available resources for use in coaching and differentiates the principles and practices of coaching from counseling.
CP 742 Counseling for Grief and Loss (3)
This course will help students gain theoretical and experiential understanding, and beginning competence in working with patients, their families and caregivers who are dealing with bereavement, grief, and loss. These issues will be explored through both religious and non-religious perspectives.
GC 770 Counseling Seminars (1-3)
These courses cover topics of interest, ranging from PTSD and to sand tray therapy. Presentations will be made by prominent therapists/professors in the field of counseling.
CP 780 Study Abroad (3)
These courses cover topics of interest related to cross-cultural communication and counseling in other countries.
CP 799 Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (0)
The CPCE is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors and “is designed to assess counseling students’ knowledge of counseling information.” The results of the CPCE are utilized for program assessment as well as serve as a guide for students who plan to take the NCE. The NCE and the CPCE test the following 8 content areas:
- Human Growth and Development (CP 603)
- Helping Relations (CP 502 and GC 601)
- Social and Cultural Foundations (CP 615)
- Group Work (CP 604)
- Career and Lifestyle Development (CP 610)
- Appraisal (CP 602)
- Research and Program evalsuation (CP 703)
- Professional Orientation and Ethics (CP 522 & CP 702)
The CPCE will be administered during the student’s last semester in the program. Grade is Pass/Fail.
CP 700 Directed Study (1-6)
Independent study in counseling under faculty advisement. Topics and readings are determined mutually by the student and faculty member, usually resulting in a formal paper presenting research, analysis and conclusions.