Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Now accepting applications for the FALL 2024 TERM.

PROGRAM MISSION

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Program is consistent with the mission and strategic plans of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Through the use of synchronous and asynchronous modalities, the CMHC Program follows the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) and promotes students’ educational, professional, and personal development by supporting their overall wellness and encouraging a lifelong journey of professional learning and self-reflection.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). In addition, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Program Overview

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is an online, CACREP accredited 60 credit degree program that is designed to be consistent with the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania (049 PA Code § 49.13). The program’s online, year-round (fall, spring, summer) web-based delivery enables working adults, as well as those with families, the flexibility to progress through the program on a part-time or full-time basis, at a reasonable pace, without interrupting their personal or professional responsibilities.

During the final semester of a student's program, they will be offered the opportunity to complete the National Counselor Examination.  If the student passes the exam, they will meet two of the requirements for licensure and be ready to fulfill the supervised hours required by the state of Pennsylvania to be a licensed professional counselor (LPC). The program is consistent with many other state licensure educational requirements; however, it is strongly recommended for applicants to review their state licensing board prior to applying.   In addition, upon successful completion of the program and passing the National Counselor Examination, you will be able to submit your final transcript to NBCC and receive your National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. The program is consistent with many other state licensure educational requirements; however, it is strongly recommended for applicants to review their state licensing board prior to applying. In addition, upon successful completion of the program and passing the National Counselor Examination, you will be able to submit your final transcript to NBCC and receive your National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.

DURATION

Students can complete the program in 2.5 to 3 years as a full-time student or 3.5 to 4 years as a part-time student. Students will have the option to complete their 600 hours of internship in 1 semester, thus allowing them the opportunity to complete the program a half of a year early (e.g. 2.5 years for full-time or 3.5 years for part-time).

100% online delivery

Distance instructional methods are designed to maintain a personal, one-to-one mentoring and supervisory relationship with degree candidates while making it possible to create active and engaged learning communities. No campus visits or on-campus residencies are required. The coursework is completed via a blended format of virtual synchronous technology and asynchronous instruction.   As part of this program, you will complete nine credits of practicum and internship experience. Practicum will consist of 100 hours onsite and internship will consist of 600 hours onsite.  These requirements will be completed in your local area with face-to-face supervision in a site approved by university. You will be responsible for identifying an approved site but the program does provide an on-going list of approved sites to help you in finding one that will meet your interests as well as the program requirements.  The practicum and internship coordinator, Dr. Weaver, also works with students to identify and solidify an approved site and site supervisor.  

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. Outcome 1:  Professional identity and ethical practice. Graduates will identify with the mental health counseling profession by understanding the roles and responsibilities of mental health counselors’ professional functioning as well as demonstrating ethical and legal practice and dispositions related to effective practice to include self-care, flexibility, insight, empathy, and integrity (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.1.b., 2.F.1.i., 2.F.1.l.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
2. Outcome 2: Diversity and advocacy. Graduates will identify and apply cultural considerations relevant to counseling clients (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.2.a, 2.F.2.c.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
3. Outcome 3: Human growth and development. Graduates will identify and apply considerations for human development to promote resilience and wellness across the lifespan (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.3.a., 2.F.3.i.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
4. Outcome 4: Career Development. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to assess the implications of a client’s work environment on their life experiences as well as use theories, models, and strategies to support a client’s career development (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.4.a., 2.F.b., 2.F.4.d.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
5. Outcome 5: Counseling and clinical practice. Graduates will apply theories and models of counseling through interviewing, counseling, and case conceptualization skills to develop effective treatment plans (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.a., 2.F.5.g., 2.F.5.h.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
6. Outcome 6: Group counseling and effective leadership. Graduates will incorporate theoretical frameworks and factors to become effective group leaders and facilitate group counseling (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.6.a., 2.F.6.c., 2.F.6.d.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
7. Outcome 7: Assessment and testing. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to assess client issues for diagnosis and treatment planning (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.7.b., 2.F.7.e.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
8. Outcome 8: Research and program evaluation. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to evaluate research in order to inform practice (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.8.a., 2.F.8.b.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
9. Outcome 9: Clinical mental health counseling. Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively conceptualize, assess, diagnose, and treat clients in various settings. (CACREP, 2016, 5.C.1.c., 5.C.1.e., 5.C.2.d., 5.C.3.b.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time. 

WHY CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING?

• Help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and other relationships
• Help clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives
• The need for mental health counselors is projected to grow 20 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.  (Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition)

WHY OUR PROGRAM?

• CACREP Accredited. We are the only public university in Pennsylvania to offer an online CMHC program that is CACREP accredited and has no residencies.  As of October 2022, we are one of 15 schools nationwide that offer the program that we do.  Of those 15 schools, we are one of 6 that are public institutions.  
• Our program has been 100% online since 2012.  
• No campus visits or residencies.
• Have the opportunity to be a national certified counselor (NCC) upon successful completion of the program and passing the National Counselor Examination
• Synchronous technology promotes the best of both worlds (flexibility for working professionals and/or families and real-time interactions and collaboration with faculty and peers)

This 60-credit CACREP Accredited, three year full-time (or four year part-time) graduate program is offered primarily online and consists of common core courses related to professional orientation, human development, counseling, assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and research. Students may choose from specializations such as counseling military/veterans and their families, counseling children and adolescents, or a general clinical mental health counseling. Within the common core curriculum is a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship requirement that is conducted in the student's local area with face-to-face supervision in a site approved by the university faculty.

Cohort Model 

The CMHC program uses a cohort model to help establish a learning community amongst the students. The CMHC program will accept a maximum of 25 students for each fall, spring, and summer semester. Students  can choose to enter the full-time (three courses each semester including summers) or part-time cohort (two courses each semester including summers).  

While students can change from  part-time to full-time status or vice versa, classes are not offered every semester; therefore, changing the status may impact the student’s program of study.  All students entering the program with a GPA below a 3.0 will automatically be placed in the part-time cohort.  If there is any doubt that the full-time cohort may be too much given a student’s additional personal and professional responsibilities, it is highly recommended that the student enters the part-time cohort in order to be successful in the program, maintain other personal and professional responsibilities, and attend to one’s own self-care needs.  

The program runs on semesters:  fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks and summer semesters are broken into 6 weeks or 12 weeks.

Minimum Program Requirements

Students must successfully complete and earn a minimum overall 3.0 GPA in 60 credits of coursework to include:  a 100 hour practicum and 600 hours of internship.  Students must meet clinical skill and disposition competencies as evaluated by program faculty throughout the curriculum.  Site supervisors must also provide positive feedback that students are meeting expectations in clinical skills and disposition competencies while in their practicum and internship.  Finally, all students will be required to take a comprehensive final exam during their practicum.

Coursework (Sample CMHC Course Sequencing)
Shared Core

For full descriptions of the courses listed below, visit our course descriptions website.
If you are interested in reviewing a recent syllabus, please contact the program director directly.

• CMHC505: Clinical Mental Health Counseling as a Profession 
• CMHC510: Counseling Theories
• CMHC515: Assessment in Mental Health Counseling 
• CMHC520: Lifespan Development Implications for Counseling 
• CMHC525: Skills and Techniques in Mental Health Counseling 
• CMHC530: Research and Evaluation in Counseling
• CMHC535: Multicultural Counseling
• CMHC540: Career Development in Counseling 
• CMHC545: Addiction Counseling 
• CMHC550: Psychopathology & Differential Diagnosis 
• CMHC555: Advanced Skills in Mental Health Counseling 
• CMHC560: Family and Couples Therapy 
• CMHC565: Group Skills in Mental Health Counseling 
• CMHC570: Trauma and Crisis Counseling
• CMHC585: Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling 
• CMHC590:  Practicum in Mental Health Counseling
• CMHC595:  Internship I in Mental Health Counseling
• CMHC596:  Internship II in Mental Health Counseling

Specialization Options:

Child and Adolescent Counseling

• CMHC562: Child and Adolescent Counseling (offered every summer )
• CMHC564: Creative Therapies for Children and Adolescents (offered every summer)

Military/Veteran

• CMHC575: Counseling Military Veterans (offered every summer)
• CMHC580: Reintegration and Recovery for Veterans and their Families (offered every summer)

Generalized Clinical Mental Health Counseling

• 1 course from the Military/ Veteran Specialization
• 1 course from the Children/Adolescent Specialization

Counseling Military/Veterans and their Families

Topics covered include:

• Counseling  Military Veterans
• Reintegration and Recovery for Veterans and their Families 

VIEW FULL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CURRICULUM

COUNSELING CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Topics covered include:

• Children and Adolescent Counseling
• Creative Therapies for Children and Adolescents

VIEW FULL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CURRICULUM

GENERAL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Topics covered include:

• One course from Military/Veteran Specialization
• One course from Children/Adolescent Specialization

VIEW FULL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CURRICULUM

CORE FACULTY
Dr. Kristin A. Vincenzes (Program Director / Associate Professor)	kav813@commonwealthu.edu
Dr. Stephen Gitonga (Associate Professor)	skg200@commonwealthu.edu
Dr. Ashley Pechek (Assistant Professor)	aap402@commonwealthu.edu
Dr. Leandrea Romero-Lucero (Assistant Professor)	lrr1029@commonwealthu.edu
Dr. Kellie Forziat Pytel (Assistant Professor)	kfp109@commonwealthu.edu
Dr. Elisabeth Tomlin (Assistant Professor)	ebt108@commonwealthu.edu
Dr. Steve Kuniak (Assistant Professor)	sfk801@commonwealthu.edu
Dr. Adriana de Raet (Assistant Professor)	aod139@commonwealthu.edu

 

CONTRIBUTING FACULTY
Dr. Lisa Weaver (Practicum and Internship Coordinator/ Professor)	lweaver@commonwealthu.edu
Mrs. Ashley Hershberger	amh258@commonwealthu.edu

 

office manager
Joleen Karichner	jck903@commonwealthu.edu

Online Digital Synchronous Learning Delivery

Program delivery will consist of asynchronous and synchronous learning. 

Asynchronous learning will require students to complete activities and assignments on their own time within pre-determined deadlines.  Asynchronous learning may include, but is not limited to, any of the following activities:  reading, watching pre-recorded mini-lectures and/or videos, threaded discussions, research papers, reflection papers, group activities outside of the classroom, quizzes, and/or exams. Asynchronous delivery utilizes the Desire2Learn Brightspace learning management system and the SonicFoundry Mediasite media delivery platform.

Synchronous learning will require students to meet simultaneously in real-time with the instructor and their peers.  Synchronous learning may include, but is not limited to, any of the following activities:  class discussions, skills practice, engage in a processing group, group supervision, and guest presentations.  Content courses meet every other week and skills courses meet weekly.  Synchronous classes are held between 5:00-6:30pm EST or 7:00-8:30pm EST on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.  Synchronous delivery utilizes the Zoom platform and may utilize either or both the Zoom desktop or mobile applications or purpose-built Zoom classrooms.  

This delivery model enables working adults the flexibility to progress through the program at a reasonable pace, without interrupting their career or other commitments. Lock Haven's delivery methods are designed to maintain a personal, one-to-one mentoring and supervision relationship with degree candidates and make it possible to create active and engaged learning communities.

No campus visits or on-campus residencies are required.

Some requirements to participate effectively in our online program through Desire2Learn include:

• Integrated Webcam and Audio System
• Updated version of Java Script
• Enable cookies

Test Drive Online Course Delivery

A interactive tutorial program has been built to allow interested students to Test Drive our On-line platform with an interactive guide through a variety of features of our course software.

Once you get to the server you will login using the information below:

Login: lhuguest
Password: lhuguest
(Login and Password are case sensitive)

Click on the Link that says:  LHU000 – Example LHU Desire2Learn Course

All the tabs at the top of the course are active and and you can view them to get a feel for the online environment.

Please log out after you are finished with the test drive.

To access the tutorial follow this link to our course web server: Test Drive Online Delivery

All graduate certificates are 100% online

*Note all courses must earn a 3.0 or higher to earn the certificate. Graduate Certificates in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are intended for individuals who have already completed a Master's degree in counseling (or related field) or need additional graduate course work in order to have the sixty credits required for state licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Candidates seeking licensure are advised to read the regulations and requirements of the state's board where they intend to practice.

TELEMENTAL HEALTH (3 credits)

The purpose of the Telemental Health Counseling Certificate program is to provide mental health practitioners the knowledge to competently and ethically provide services using technology.   The certificate is one graduate course and is offered in Summer 1 semesters.  

FOUNDATIONS OF TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE CERTIFICATE (6 CREDITS)

The foundations of trauma-informed care certificate is geared toward anyone in the human services field that may work with or around trauma. This includes, but is not limited to: ER personnel, doctors, nurses, first responders, police, case managers, child and youth workers, counselors, educators, individuals working in the criminal justice system, and many others. Students will comprehend the history of trauma theory to include various types of trauma that may impact an individual and the trauma-informed care model.  Furthermore, students will conceptualize trauma and crisis situations to include assessment procedures, crisis interventions, trauma-informed, and community-based strategies such as Psychological First Aid. 

Certificate Courses Include:

• CMHC571 Foundations of trauma-informed care
• CMHC572 Grief and Loss Counseling

TRAUMA-INFORMED COUNSELING CERTIFICATE (12 CREDITS)

The trauma-informed counseling certificate builds off the first certificate and includes two more courses specifically geared toward mental health therapists as it focuses specifically on therapeutic techniques.  The program will include:  a history on trauma informed care to include death and dying issues, assessments, diagnoses, evidence-based treatment strategies for trauma-informed care, crisis intervention and grief counseling, and self-care for mental health professionals working with trauma.   

Certificate Courses Include:

• CMHC570 Trauma and crisis counseling
• CMHC571 Foundations of trauma-informed care
• CMHC572 Grief and loss counseling
• CMHC573 Advanced interventions in trauma-informed counseling

MILITARY RESILIENCE AND TRAUMA COUNSELING CERTIFICATE (9 CREDITS)

The purpose of the Military Resilience and Trauma Certificate Program is to expand professionals’ knowledge and training to work with military clients and their families. This program will focus on both the resilience and trauma that military families may experience.

Certificate Courses Include:

• CMHC570 Trauma and crisis counseling
• CMHC575 Counseling Military Veterans
• CMHC580 Reintegration and Recovery for Veterans and their Families

ENROLL NOW

To complete the application process, students must submit:

1. Online application
2. Official college transcripts with a confirmed degree awarded (3.0 GPA or higher)* The CMHC program welcomes students with any undergraduate degree.     
3. Three letters of recommendation that include the following:
   (a) Letters must be professional and diverse (please include letters from individuals who can attest to your professional and educational experience)
   (b) Letters need to be personal to the candidate and our program.
   (c) Letters must discuss the applicant's inter and intra personal skills.
   (d) Letter must discuss the applicant's aptitude for success in an  online graduate program.
4. Statement of professional goals
   (a) Describe your preparation for online graduate school work (education, work and/or volunteer experience in the mental health field, skills that will be influential to your success in an online program)
   (b) Your professional career goals.
   (c) How this graduate program will help you meet your goals.
5. Successful completion of a faculty and group interview
   
   *Applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.75-2.99 will be offered an interview and considered for probational acceptance.  Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.75 may be considered for an interview following the submission of a letter to the program director, Dr. Vincenzes  (KAV813@commonwealthu.edu).
   
   This letter will be reviewed by the admissions committee to determine if an interview will be granted.  The letter must discuss all of the following:
   a. What happened in your undergraduate experience that led to the low GPA?
   b. What have you learned about yourself with regards to your needs as a student?
   c. What specific plan do you  have in place to make sure you will be successful in the online graduate program? (include specific supports) 
   d. What have you done in the mental health field since graduating from your undergraduate institution? 
   
   Matriculation Requirements: Students who successfully meet all of the application requirements with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will be fully matriculated into the program.  All students accepted with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0 will begin the program on probational acceptance.  This means that students will start part-time and must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their first 6 credits before they can be matriculated into the program.
   
• If admitted to the program, students have two (2) weeks from the date of the offer to accept their seat. 

During the application process, applicants will enter the name and email of their references.  References will receive an email from University of Commonwealth to upload a recommendation letter via a secure link.  

For additional information or questions, please contact Dr. Kristin Vincenzes at kav813@commonwealthu.edu

 THE RIGHT VALUE

We are an affordable, quality educational institution that offers low faculty to student ratios.  Being part of the Pennsylvania State System allows us to charge lower tuition than private schools, while still providing a quality educational experience.  

GRADUATE COST & TUITION

Financial Aid

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). In addition, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

• 100% Online Delivery: LHU’s distance instructional methods are designed to maintain a personal, one-to-one mentoring and supervisory relationship with degree candidates while making it possible to create active and engaged learning communities. No campus visits or on-campus residencies are required. The coursework is completed via a blended format of virtual synchronous technology and asynchronous instruction. 

• Professional Preparation: The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is an online, 60 credit degree program designed to be consistent with the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. In addition, students will have the opportunity to take the National Counselor Examination during their internship experience.  Once the student passes the NCE, they can apply for their National Certified Counselor credential.  If seeking licensure, additional supervised hours will be required post-graduation and is not connected to the program.  If you will be seeking licensure outside Pennsylvania, you will want to contact your state licensing board for requirements. Find your state requirements here.

• Practicum & Internships: As part of this program you will complete nine credits of practicum and internship experience. Practicum will consist of 100 hours onsite and internship will consist of 600 hours onsite.  These requirements will be completed in your local area with face-to-face supervision in a site approved by university faculty. You will be responsible for identifying an approved site but the program does provide an on-going list of approved sites to help you in finding one that will meet your interests as well as the program requirements.  The practicum and internship coordinator, Dr. Weaver, also works with students to identify and solidify an approved site and site supervisor.  

• Transfer Students: The CMHC program welcomes students interested in transferring.  Students can transfer up to 12 credits (4 courses) into the program. Transfer courses must have: 1. earned a B or higher; 2. core courses must be from a CACREP accredited program; and 3. taken within the past three years from beginning the program.  Eligible courses for transfer will be formally reviewed by faculty prior to approval.  

• Licensure Track:  The CMHC program welcomes individuals interested in taking additional courses to apply for their state license or for continuing education.  Individuals interested in doing this need to have successfully completed a Masters degree in counseling with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.   Those interested in the licensure track option are encouraged to apply to their state's licensing board and identify exactly what courses/requirements need to be met prior to taking additional courses.  The program cannot assess transcripts and guarantee any license requirements.  Practicum and internship cannot be taken within the CMHC program without students taking various courses that allow faculty to assess their clinical skills and preparation.    

• Certificates: The CMHC program now offers a certificate on Telemental Health for people who are interested in gaining more information on providing services via technology.  Additionally, we offer two certificates focusing on trauma and one certificate focusing on military resilience and trauma.  The first certificate, Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care, is geared towards anyone in the human services field (ie: first responders, healthcare personnel, educators, social services, etc.) who would like to be more trauma-informed as they work with children, adolescents, families, and communities.  The second certificate, Trauma-Informed Counseling, is for mental health therapists who have experience and knowledge working in the mental health field (to include masters level mental health counseling students in practicum and/or internship). This certificate builds off the first two courses in the foundations certificate. It includes two more courses on grief and loss counseling as well as advanced therapeutic interventions for working with survivors of trauma.  The fourth certificate, Military Resilience and Trauma Counseling, is for any individual who wishes to work with Military Veterans and their families.  This certificate includes three courses on crisis and trauma, issues facing military Veterans, and reintergration and recovery for Veterans and their families. 

• Scholarly Activity Mentoring:  Students are offered opportunities to be active in faculty research, presentations, and publications.

• Careers: As a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, you will be equipped to provide therapeutic interventions to a diverse population across the spectrum of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders. You will be able to work in a variety of settings such as:
  • Mental Health Agencies
  • Prisons
  • Private Practice
  • Veterans Outreach Sites
  • Hospitals
  • College Campuses
  • Substance Use Agencies

"As a second-year graduate student in Commonwealth University's CMHC program, I have been supported by faculty throughout every step of my education. Professors are approachable, provide constructive, strength-based feedback, and are truly invested in my success. Within a virtual environment, I have had opportunities to connect with peers, make friends, join student clubs, cultivate multicultural competencies, and participate in academic research. Since online synchronous classes take place in the evening, it is possible to balance work and school priorities. Time for self-care is not only encouraged, but also integrated into the curriculum. Resources are available to help identify and support practicum/internship opportunities. If you are looking for a virtual, CACREP-accredited program that prioritizes the student experience, diversity, and academic excellence, look no further than CU’s CMHC program!" - Rivka Dattlo, Current Student

 

“[The CMHC intern] is a wonderful student and has a passion for learning and empowering cognitive change for those who cannot do it on their own. I am beyond pleased with her placement at Synergy and I look forward to her returning next semester. She has truly become an integral part of the clinical team and is a joy to work with. When considering a student  representative for an academic program or institution of higher learning, [this student] definitely embodies the example of collegiate excellence. If the mental health program at Lock Haven is to be measured by the professional presentation of [this student], please give yourselves a round of applause; for harvesting a future change agent who will surely walk into her profession with compassion, ethics, and the desire to make a difference to those she serves.” — Dr. Margo Lewis-Jah (Site Supervisor), Synergy Consultants & Psychotherapy Practice, PC, Wilmington, DE.

 

“My experience having a LHU student under my supervision is positive. She has incredible knowledge of the helping profession, is responsible and dedicated, and consistently demonstrates preparedness as she enters the field. Her level of preparedness has opened doors to other students in the future. She represents the quality of training received at the Masters level counseling program at LHU. She entered practicum with knowledge of intake, assessment, and professional ethics; she has demonstrated the ability to apply theory and counseling modalities with real cases; skills that facilitated delivery of service. LHU has prepared students well on technology, which has facilitated a smooth transition to telehealth services.” — Dr. Sanchez (Site Supervisor), CONCERN Counseling Services, Bethlehem, PA

 

“Having Erin as our intern has been a great experience for our program, and my director said I can take as many LHU interns as I want after this experience! It was really nice to be able to earn CE's [free from LHU's CMHC program] prior to Erin starting, and the requirements and expectations were very clear and easy to understand and follow. Our student was motivated and willing to participate and gain experience in every aspect of the program and was great to work with, for both staff and clients. My staff actually forgot she was our intern at one point and said they just viewed her as part of our team. It was nice to have the bi-weekly check-ins from faculty (even though we never had anything but great things to report!) and all of the paperwork required from site supervisors was straightforward and easy to complete and submit. Our program has definitely had a very positive experience.” — Lauren Williams (Site Supervisor), Glade Run Lutheran Services, Zelienople, PA

 

“Lock Haven University's Clinical Mental Health Program is very unique, as it is web based only program, yet manages to be more personal than a face to face University. With the incorporation of regular time in the zoom classroom for each course, you will quickly get to know your Professors and they will get to know you. Teachers will learn your strengths and your areas with need of improvement, which aids your development and personal growth. Teachers are always available to help you succeed in the program and are always willing to meet via zoom to go over questions. The program is CACREP accredited and lays the groundwork for a successful career in the field of Mental Health. I am happy I choose LHU and am truly grateful for this amazing learning experience, for all the professional relationships I was able to develop, and for all the trust from fellow students and teachers. If you are looking into CMHC programs, join the Lock Haven CMHC family, don't be a nameless face or number, join this unique and personal program and enjoy your learning experience." — Stefanie Juten, Current Student

 “My name is Ian MacGregor and I’m a second-year student in the CMHC Program at Lock Haven University. There are a variety of reasons why this Masters in Counseling program ended up on the top of my list. First, this program is CACREP accredited. Next, this is one of the few programs in the United States that offers a specialty track focusing on military servicemembers and veterans. Finally, LHU offers something I was unwilling to negotiate on...a 100% completely online format. As of today, there are 788 CACREP accredited Masters in Counseling Programs in the U.S., of which, very few are wholly online. Lock Haven University has the only fully online Masters in Counseling Program in Pennsylvania. The online format of this program gives me the freedom and flexibility I desire to complete my graduate degree. With this fully online platform, I have submitted coursework from 5 different time zones, both domestically and abroad. During the COVID global health pandemic where every school in the U.S. closed or moved online, I incurred not a single setback, delay, or adjustment. I am fully in control of my learning experience and get my schoolwork done when and where I choose. Our program makes every effort to connect students with each other and with faculty through live video meetings, recorded video demonstrations, message boards, discussion posts, peer mentoring, and a CMHC club. Since being at LHU, I have collaborated with my professors on professional conference material, research papers, and publication opportunities. I am incredibly fortunate for this opportunity to study in the CMHC Program at LHU. I feel strongly that I have been given everything I need to succeed and thrive in this program and beyond.” — Ian MacGregor, Current Student

Jason Kuna, Current Student - Video Testimonial

"LHU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provided me with a unique and comprehensive graduate experience.  I was able to connect with peers both professionally and personally.  The program ensured that learning content not only met our academic needs but enriched our experience.  The hands on nature of instruction and use of innovative technology left me well prepared to support clients in any environment.  I use the skills I learned in the program on a daily basis in working towards supporting others in leading their best lives.  Having worked with other from different universities and programs, I would place this one among the best!" - Emily (Raymond) Burger (Class of 2018), NCC, Director of Behavior Supports at Skills of Central PA Inc.

 

"I loved being in the CMHC program at LHU! It was easy to be a student, single mom, and keep a job. Professors were (and still are) supportive and kind and have helped me grow in personal and professional ways. I am thankful to have been part of the program and still have the ability to feel comfortable reaching out with questions. I recommend the program to anyone interested in working in mental health counseling; the classes are informative and are imperative while beginning to work in the professional field."  -Katelyn Traxler (Class of 2017) 

"Invaluable, supportive, and flexible are three words that immediately come to mind when I reflect upon my time in the CMHC program at Lock Haven University as well as my journey moving forward. The program granted me the opportunity to receive a quality education while also working full-time and supporting my family. As a student, the professors of the program created an influential experience by displaying, modeling, and relating to me with the exact qualities that I also needed to become a successful counselor; compassion, support, encouragement, and genuine observance of individualized value in others. The CMHC program also assisted in setting up essential practicum and internships that allowed for identification of my niche and paved the way for a fulfilling and successful career." - Breann Cummings (Class of 2016), LPC, Anchored In Hope Counseling Services, LLC  (Class of 2016)

 2021-2022 CACREP Counseling Program/Student Outcomes

1. As of July 2022, there were 185 students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (CACREP accredited).
2. During the 2021-2022 Academic Year, there were 34 students who graduated from the program.
3. 100% of our graduates who were actively looking, gained employment within 6 months of graduation. 
4. Our students consistently score well on the National Counseling Exam (NCE) with a pass rate of 100% for the 2021-2022 year.    
5. Of the admitted students, 66% graduated from the program in the expected time period.

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