Do you want to pursue professional counselor licensure in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia or another state?
Our Master of Arts (M.A.) graduate program in clinical mental health counseling provides for comprehensive study as well as supervised field training dedicated to preparing you for entry into the counseling profession.
You will be prepared to take the examination to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.), which would authorize you to work in schools, communities and private practices. At Trinity, you will receive individual attention to your interests and goals and will encounter learning experiences that emphasize an integration of theory, research and ethical practice in counseling children, adolescents and families of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Like all of our graduates, you will be qualified to provide individual and group counseling, to implement assessment and consultation services, and to develop, direct and evaluate comprehensive counseling services.
COUN 540 Principles and Theories of CounselingExamines the history, philosophy, practices, and principles of the counseling profession, including the professional roles and functions and the application to various settings, populations, and problems. Topics include current issues and trends, advocacy, ethical and legal standards, professional organizations, credentialing, and technological advances in counseling. The course reviews the major affective, cognitive, and behavioral theories of counseling and psychotherapy, including historical foundations and applications. Current models of counseling are reviewed and students begin to develop a personal model of counseling. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 creditsCOUN 550 Multicultural CounselingExplores practical and theoretical issues of counseling individuals, couples, groups, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Emphasis is on development of attitudes, values, and skills which promote effective interpersonal relations and counseling across cultures. Consideration is given to the impact of historical, social, and political forces on the behavior of the individual.
3 creditsCOUN 555 Counseling Children and AdolescentsExamines the theories and methods of counseling interventions with children and adolescents, with emphasis on systems theories and the impact of family, school, and community. Topics include analyzing and remediating classroom-related problems, recognizing serious disorders in early stages, consulting with professional staff and families, play therapy, parent education strategies, and community referral.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560COUN 561 Principles and Practices of School CounselingExamines the philosophy, history, principles, practices, and current trends of school counseling and educational systems. Topics include the role and functions of school counselors; organizing, administering, and evaluating data-driven programs; advocacy; outreach; prevention and intervention; guidance approaches; consultation; technological competence; and and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets and Behaviors Standards for Student Success.
3 credits
Prerequisite: COUN 540 and COUN 560COUN 570 Diagnosis and Treatment in CounselingExamines theoretical and cultural perspectives, research, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, referral process and presentation of types of maladjustments, and mental health disorders. Topics include assessment using current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic categories, implementation of appropriate therapeutic strategies, psychopharmacological medications, strategies for promotion of optimal mental health, and situational and systemic factors affecting behavior.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560COUN 604 Expressive Arts in CounselingThis course examines the theoretical foundation of expressive therapies and their application in the counseling of individuals and groups. Students will be introduced to the study and practice of working with art, dreams, journaling, music, movement, poetry, psychodrama, and play as counseling approaches. This course provides both didactic and experimental learning.
3 credits
Prerequisites: COUN 540 and COUN 560COUN 606 Trauma & Crisis Intervention in CounselingThis course is designed to introduce candidates to the impact of crises, disasters and other trauma causing events on individuals, families, and communities. Candidates will have opportunities for both theory and skill development by examining crisis and trauma counseling, including crisis theory; multidisciplinary responses to crises, emergencies, or disasters; cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurological effects associated with trauma; brief, intermediate and long-term approaches; assessment strategies for clients in crisis and principles of intervention for individuals with mental or emotional disorders during times of crisis, emergency, or natural, man-made, and technological disasters. Topics such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Trauma-informed, and Trauma-responsive will be addressed in the course. Finally, candidates will review issues affecting counselors working with trauma populations and self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue.
Formerly titled as Loss and Bereavement Counseling
Our clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.).
The School of Education’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and meets state certification requirements of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia..
Connect with Trinity: Interested in attending Trinity? Please visit our Office of Admissions.
Do you want to pursue professional counselor licensure in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia or another state?
