Education and Degree Requirements

(1) Eligible applicants must have a minimum of 60 semester credit hours or 80 quarter credit hours (each semester credit equals 1.33 quarter credits) from an integrated, planned and comprehensive program from a Recognized Educational Institution, which degree/certificates includes a and Internship as defined in 262 CMR 2.02 and the Required Course Areas as defined by 262 CMR 2.05(2). Eligible applicants must obtain the required education through the following degree programs: (a) a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling or a Relevant Field of at least 60 semester credits (80 quarter credits); (b) a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling or a Relevant Field of at least 48 semester credits (64 quarter credits) with completion of at least 12 semester credits (16 quarter credits) of additional qualifying courses listed in 262 CMR 2.05(2)(a) and (b); or (c) a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling or a Relevant Field with a certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS); or (d) two Master's degrees in Mental Health Counseling or a Relevant Field; or (e) a Doctoral degree in Mental Health Counseling or a Relevant Field. Eligible applicants who hold degrees listed in 262 CMR 2.05(1)(a) through (e), but are missing credits or required courses, may supplement their degree program by taking additional qualifying courses or credits listed in 262 CMR 2.05(2)(a) and (b). No applicant shall earn credit for any supervised experience that occurs prior to the applicant's completion of all education listed in 262 CMR 2.05. (2) As components of the degrees and certificates listed in 262 CMR 2.05(1), candidates must meet the following requirements: (a) Required Course Areas. The successful completion of a minimum of ten Graduate Level Courses in each of the ten content areas listed in 262 CMR 2.05(2)(a) and each course may be used to fill only one requirement. All courses must focus specifically on Mental Health Counseling. The ten content areas are as follows: 1. Counseling Theory. Examination of the major theories, principles and techniques of Mental Health Counseling and their application to professional counseling settings. Understanding and applying theoretical perspectives with clients. Human Growth and Development. Understanding the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental stages of life. Understanding major theories of physical, cognitive, affective and social development and their application to Mental Health Counseling practice. 3. Psychopathology. Identification and diagnosis and mental health treatment planning for abnormal, deviant, or psychopathological behavior, includes assessments and treatment procedures. 4. Social and Cultural Foundations. Theories of multicultural counseling, issues and trends of a multicultural and diverse society. Foundational knowledge and skills needed to provide Mental Health Counseling services to diverse populations in a culturally competent manner. 5. Clinical Skills. Understanding of the theoretical bases of the counseling processes, Mental Health Counseling techniques, and their therapeutic applications. Understanding and practice of counseling skills necessary for the mental health counselor. 6. Group Work. Theoretical and experiential understandings of group development, purpose, dynamics, group counseling methods and skills, as well as leadership styles. Understanding of the dynamics and processes of Mental Health (therapeutic, psychosocial, psycho-educational) groups. Special Treatment Issues. Areas relevant to the practice of Mental Health Counseling, i.e. psychopharmacology, substance abuse, school or career issues, marriage and family treatment, sexuality and lifestyle choices, treating special populations. Appraisal. Individual and group educational and psychometric theories and approaches to appraisal. Examination of the various instruments and methods of psychological appraisal and assessment including, but not limited to, cognitive, affective, and personality assessment utilized by the mental health counselor. The function of measurement and evaluation, purposes of testing, reliability and validity. Research and Evaluation. Understanding social science research, evaluative methodologies and strategies, types of research, program evaluation, needs assessments, ethical and legal considerations. 10. Professional Orientation. Understanding of professional roles and functions of Mental Health Counselors, with particular emphasis on legal and ethical standards. Ethical case conceptualization, analysis and decision making as it relates to clinical practice. Knowledge and understanding of the standards set by the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Understanding of licensure and regulatory practices. (b) Electives Areas. Graduate Level Courses other than required Graduate Level Courses must be elective Graduate Level Courses which include knowledge and skills in the practice of Mental Health Counseling. Appropriate Graduate Level Courses may include, but are not limited to, any of the content areas listed under 262 CMR 2.05(2)(a) as well as: 1. best practices for maintaining and terminating counseling and psychotherapy; 2. consultation skills; 3. outreach and prevention strategies; 4. diagnosis and treatment issues; 5. working with special populations; 6. professional identity and practice issues, including historical perspectives; 7. mental health regulations and policy; 8. management of community mental health programs. (c) a ; and (d) an Internship.