Online Master's in Counseling

This course presents students with theoretical frameworks to foster an understanding of the various dimensions of human development. Emphasis is placed on biological, cognitive, and psychosocial development within the context of gender, family systems, social roles, and culture. Students evaluate clinical situations and assess potential therapeutic interventions in context.

This course presents the student with the primary theoretical models of personality theory used in counseling practice, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, humanistic, integrative, multicultural, and systems theory. A focus on evidence-based practices that incorporate diversity issues is a significant feature of this course. Students have opportunities to establish a strong theoretical foundation as the basis of clinical practice.

This course covers the legal and ethical responsibilities of the counseling professional with an emphasis on California law. Students learn to interpret and act upon situations appropriately and effectively. Content includes issues such as client rights, confidentiality, duty to warn and protect, dual relationships, supervision and consulting, ethics with special populations, and ethical decision-making models.

This course is designed to be a foundation for understanding diversity among clients in a pluralistic society. Special focus is given to populations in the state of California. Emphasis will be on integrating awareness, knowledge, and skills related to counseling differences and similarities based on age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliations, gender identification, sexual orientation, physical/mental limitations, social class, etc.

This residency course is 2 weeks in length, with the last 3 days of the second week involving face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers at a ground campus. The 3-day in-person residency is the last requirement for formal admission into the counseling program and provides an opportunity for students to observe, practice, and demonstrate competency in basic counseling skills. Students are evaluated on professional dispositions and their readiness to matriculate in the program.

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of research and evaluation in the counseling profession. Topics include critical analysis of research literature, statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research methods, needs assessment, and program evaluation. Emphasis is placed on understanding connections between research design, theories, and the utilization of results in the professional practice of counseling.

The focus of this course is on tests used in counseling and test reports, with an emphasis on learning how to integrate testing as an additional tool in counseling. Tests most commonly encountered in the counseling field are identified and reviewed, and the following components are discussed: psychometric properties of tests, test selection criteria, administration, interpretation, and reporting of test results.

This course introduces students to models and tools of assessment and diagnosis for the purpose of developing competency in evaluation and treatment planning for professional counseling practice. Students learn about and practice intake assessment techniques, mental status examinations, case conceptualization, and the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Emphasis is placed on writing clear, accurate, and useful assessments.

Students build on the skills gained in previous courses, focusing on the more complex or problematic disorders. Students enhance their skills by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders® for report-writing and treatment plan development. Emphasis is on accepted treatment approaches and outcome-based assessments; the development of critical-thinking skills; and on multicultural, legal, and ethical issues.

This course focuses on intensive skill building in individual counseling. The relationship between assessment, theory, application of strategy and intervention, setting goals with clients, closure, and referral are emphasized as essential to the counseling environment. Emphasis is also placed on treatment plans, ethics, and cultural diversity.

This course provides students with an in-depth evaluation of crisis and trauma counseling, including emergency and disaster situations. Students examine crisis theory, methods of crisis response, psychological effects associated with trauma, assessment strategies, and intervention models. Students analyze theoretical approaches as they relate to crisis management and trauma counseling.

This residency course is 2 weeks in length, with significant synchronous interactions with faculty and peers. The final 3-days of the residency provides an opportunity for students to observe, practice, and demonstrate competency integrating counseling skills with cognitive-behavioral theory. Students explore couples counseling concepts and strategies. Other topics include professional and personal development; application of theory to practice; and sensitivity to diversity issues. Students will demonstrate intake, assessment and treatment planning abilities. In addition to counseling skills, students are evaluated on professional dispositions and their readiness to progress in the program.

The goal of this course is to learn about the many facets of human sexuality and the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in a safe and respectful environment. Topics include the physiology, psychology, and sociology of sexuality, including the effects of sexual attitudes and functioning on individuals and families. Clinical applications, including the treatment of sexual difficulty and dysfunction will also be explored. Students will develop familiarity with the language and terms of sexology and demonstrate an ability to apply this knowledge to clinical situations.

The course examines the history, biochemistry, main effects and side effects of prescription psychotropic medication and biological bases of human behavior in relation to cognition, emotions and mental health. Topics include an overview of neuroanatomy and biochemistry, biological concepts of mental distress, and principles of drug action and metabolism. Ethics, methods of working with medical personnel, and the effects of psychotropic medications on the family system are included.

This course provides the student with a comprehensive overview of vocational theory and career counseling. It includes the historical foundations of vocational theory and the relationship of these to skills and techniques utilized in career counseling and vocational development practices. Vocational and career counseling is examined as an integral component of the overall assessment and treatment of clients representing diverse populations found within the scope of community, mental health, and marriage and family counseling. Emphasis is placed on the examination of adults in transition and the nature of work in a changing world. Students develop competencies necessary to provide career and vocational counseling to clients across the lifespan.

This course addresses addiction concepts and counseling practices. Topics include an overview of dependency theories, major substances of abuse, assessment, diagnosis, treatment modalities, special topics, and working with diverse populations.

This course is an overview of models in the intervention and treatment of children, adolescents, and families. Students contrast fundamental assumptions of systems theory with intrapsychic theories, address integrative approaches to assessment and diagnosis in family therapy, and explore systemic approaches for the treatment of issues common to families and children in clinical settings.

This course provides students with intensive knowledge, awareness, and skill-building in group counseling. Content emphasizes such areas as different types of groups, dynamics, norms and boundaries, leadership styles, leading and co-leading, and treatment plans. Confidentiality, selection procedures, ethics, and diversity are included as key components of effective group counseling practice.

This residency is 2-weeks in length, with the last 3 days of the second week involving face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers at a ground campus. The final 3-day in person residency focuses on the practical application of group theory and concepts through a structured group leadership experience. Topics of discussion include stages of group development, therapeutic factors, and core mechanisms of group leadership. Students are evaluated on group skills and professional dispositions.

This course focuses on the assessment and continuing development of student counseling skills. Students have a variety of opportunities to integrate theory into practice through intake, assessment, and treatment with clients seeking mental health services. This course includes a special topic on Grief and Loss counseling. Students develop their styles and strengths as professional counseling practitioners, as well as identify areas needing further development.

Counseling Internship is a 600-hour clinical experience required of all MSC students, with each 15-week course requiring 300 hours. Students provide clinical mental health counseling services to clients under the direction of an approved licensed site supervisor at an approved community counseling agency of their choice. In CCMH/597A, students focus on applying therapeutic skills related to clinical mental health, further developing and integrating professional identity, and delivering mental health services throughout the continuum of care.

Counseling Internship is a 600-hour clinical experience required of all MSC students, with each 15-week course requiring 300 hours. Students provide clinical mental health counseling services to clients under the direction of an approved licensed site supervisor at an approved community counseling agency of their choice. In CCMH/597B, students focus on furthering their skills related to applying theory in client case conceptualization, analyzing their professional growth and identifying opportunities for further development, and applying advocacy strategies throughout the counseling process.