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Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Prepare for a Meaningful Career Supporting Mental Health and Wellness

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UT Permian Basin equips graduates with the comprehensive skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Students will gain expertise in ethical and legal counseling practices, cultural and social foundations, human development, and career counseling. The program also emphasizes developing strong helping relationships, group counseling techniques, assessment tools, and research-based program evaluation. Graduates will be well-prepared to serve diverse communities with sensitivity and competence, addressing the evolving needs of a multicultural society.

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Program Requirements
Learn about the Graduate Studies programs and requirements.

Grad Studies Admission and Deadlines
Find application requirements, deadlines, and everything you need to start your graduate journey at UTPB.
MA in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Requirements
Explore the full list of courses, credit hours, and research components needed to complete the MA in Counseling at UTPB.
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What You'll Learn in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Graduates of the UT Permian Basin counseling program will acquire knowledge in the areas of ethical, legal and professional issues in counseling, as well as social and cultural foundations, human growth and development, career development, helping relationships and skills, group work, appraisal (tests and measurements), research and program evaluation. Graduates will also obtain a strong understanding of diversity issues and be able to address the needs of a progressively growing diverse population.   

Students completing the program with a specialization is clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) will demonstrate knowledge of:
  • The roles, functions, credentialing and professional identity of professional counselors, including: professional standards and behaviors as described by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the American Counseling Association.
  • Policies, laws, legislation and other issues relevant to professional counselors in a culturally diverse society.
  • Roles of the counselor in various community settings, organizational and legal dimensions of those settings and evidence-based interventions, consultation, education and outreach.
  • Principles for assessment, diagnosis and the use of current diagnostic tools and case conceptualization in a culturally diverse society.
  • Competencies necessary to conduct research and use assessment in order to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive counseling program.
  • Program development and delivery to diverse populations, including prevention, support groups, psychoeducation, career/occupational counseling, and self-help.
  • Effective strategies for promoting client understanding of and access to community resources, and modalities for initiating, maintaining, and terminating counseling services with diverse populations.

 

What are Candidate Examinations?

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)

The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) is a national exam that is designed as a summative evaluation that measures the professional knowledge students have obtained during their counselor preparation at UT Permian Basin.

 

Graduate Admission for Counseling with Clinical Mental Health

Criteria Regular Admission Conditional Admission
Bachelor’s Degree Required from an accredited college or university Required from an accredited college or university
GPA Requirement 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework 2.5 – 2.99 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework
Personal Statement 600-word statement outlining your interest in the program, background, experience, and goals Same as Regular Admission
Letters of Recommendation Three letters (one may be replaced with honorable military discharge documentation) Same as Regular Admission
Additional Requirements None At least one of the following:
- Written explanation of low GPA and success strategies
- Personal interview (phone or in person)
Admission Approach Holistic review based on academic and personal qualifications Holistic review including academic, socioeconomic, and background factors as per Texas Education Code Section 51.842