School of Education

Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Department web site


Program Overview

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to seek licensure as a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa.  It gives students the expertise needed to work in a variety of settings, including agencies, group practices, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and employee assistance programs.  The 60-credit hour program can be completed in as little as two and a half years.

This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).


Program Requirements

Course Credits
Core Courses  
COUN 200 - Introduction to the Counseling Profession 3
COUN 201 - Counseling Research 3
COUN 220 - Career Counseling 3
COUN 221 - Methods and Procedures of Counseling 3
COUN 224 - Assessment of Families and Individuals 3
COUN 225 - Human Development and Life Issues 3
COUN 228 - Psychopathology and Psychiatric Disorders 3
COUN 236 - Group Procedures 3
COUN 245 - Counseling Diverse Populations 3
COUN 250 - Trauma & Crisis 3
COUN 260 - Counseling Practicum 3
Clinical Mental Health Specialization Courses  
COUN 216 - Theory & Techniques of Counseling 3
COUN 244 - Diagnosis & Treatment Planning 3

COUN 246 - Medical Aspects of Disability

3
COUN 2XX - Counseling Electives 9
COUN 291 - Mental Health Counseling Internship 1-9
COUN 298 - Ethics in Counseling 1-3
Electives  

Admission

  • Applications for this program are accepted for fall and spring start terms, with the following deadlines. All materials must be postmarked by the identified dates: 
    • Spring start-term: September 1
    • Summer and Fall start-term: February 15
  • Upon the receipt of transcripts, an advisor will complete a transcript evaluation in order to determine any credit or course substitutions/transfers. 
  • Questions regarding the application process can be forwarded to the Coordinator of Graduate Admission at soegradadmission@drake.edu or 515-271-2552.
Counseling Admission Requirements

This program has indicated specific statement of interest requirements. This statement of interest replaces the general admission statement of interest required for other programs.

The paper should be a 5-page, double spaced statement of interest in the counseling profession.  It should include the following information:

  • Educational and professional background
  • Career aspirations with a counseling degree
  • Experience working with people who are different from you
  • What do you think is one of the more prominent or pressing issues in the area of counseling? (school/clinical mental health/rehabilitation)

The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.