Curriculum Requirements

Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Major Requirements

Foundations Credits:
MHCO 601 Human Development 3
Candidates will study human growth and development from birth through death. The course focuses on the physical, cognitive, social, personality, and emotional development as a series of progressive changes resulting from the interactions of biological, psychological and sociological forces within the environment. Special emphasis is placed upon the development characteristics of school aged youth within a multicultural and diverse society. The course also and takes an in depth look at theory, research and applications in the areas of learner development. Included in this course will be five hours of practicum experience and direct involvement with practicing counselors in a school site or community based organization.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 610 Theories of Psychopathology 3
This course provides particular attention to etiologies, dynamics and characteristics of the DSM-5 categories of psychopathologies, as understood from a variety of perspectives. Included are symptoms, diagnoses, assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, discussions on schizophrenia, major affective disorders, borderline, narcissistic and other personality disorders and anxiety disorders. In addition the exploration of the significance of individuals or groups cultural context and symptoms of their diagnoses.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 615 Foundations of Counseling 3
Candidates will examine the philosophical and theoretical foundations of counseling theory and practice, as well as how these are applied to prevention, development, empowerment, and change of individuals. In this course, candidates will explore the process, development, and acquisition of basic counseling knowledge and skills appropriate in the delivery of human services through the helping of relationships. Counseling approaches are examined within the respective fields of school and mental health with an emphasis on multicultural issues, future trends, and the integration and application of counseling theories. Counseling practices related to specific theoretical orientations will be presented and discussed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 630 Clinical Assessment 3
This course will expose students to the logic and process of assessment of individual and interpersonal dynamics, including such standard techniques as interview procedures, systematic observation, psychological testing, and case studies. Interaction of assessment data and theory will be considered. Standardized and non-standardized data information gathering and the concepts of validity, reliability, norms and factors influencing appraisal will be explored. Ethical, legal and cultural aspects of assessments and evaluations are also studies. This course is aligned with the standards and practices of the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 631 Addictions Counseling: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention 3
This course will focus on the prevention and education of substance abuse. The course will address primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention approaches for individuals. Candidates learning will focus on both risk and protective factors regarding substance use and abuse. This course is intended to explore the epidemiological perspectives, etiological theories, current interventions, research, individual, family and group treatment, prevention, ethical, legal and professional issues related to addictions counseling and practice. This course is aligned with the standards and practices of the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3
MHCO 703 Trauma and Crisis Counseling: Intervention, Practice, and Theory 3
This course examines the impact of crises, disasters, and other traumatic events on individuals of various developmental levels. An emphasis is placed on dealing with trauma in children and adolescents as it relates to their school, families, and community. Course participants will be introduced to strategies and interventions for working with a population in crisis and dealing with trauma as an aftermath. Topics include: the physiological effect of trauma on individuals and community, suicide and suicide prevention, PTSD in children, death and bereavement, divorce, children and sexual abuse, crisis intervention and trauma in schools, evidence based interventions and treatments for trauma recovery, and self assessment for vicarious trauma and self-care strategies for the counselor.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 775 Counseling and Psychopharmacology 3
This course will enable students to develop an understanding of how drugs impact the body and influence the individual user's experience with the drug. Familiarization with key concepts relating to pharmacological, biological, psychological, and social factors regarding drug and alcohol use will be a focus of learning. Concepts such as route of administration and drug distribution through the body to organs, tissues, and cells via body fluids, as well as site of action, drug metabolism, drug elimination, tolerance, psychological dependency, physical dependency, cross dependency, cross tolerance, drug combinations, and drug potentiality and the rebound effect regarding the ingestion of drugs and alcohol, will be highlighted throughout the course. Candidates will also learn to identify and drug use, abuse, and addiction. This course is aligned with the standards and practices of the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP)

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3
    Total: 21 Credits
 
Core Knowledge and Skills Credits:
MHCO 701 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: EDCO 605 or EDCO 610 or MHCO 605 or MHCO 610

Theory, application, and research findings related to both counseling and therapy will be examined, as well as specified therapeutic concepts and techniques that have evolved from these theoretical modes (i.e., psychoanalytic, interpersonal, gestalt, behavioral and existential). This course is aligned with the standards and practices of the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 704 Group Counseling and Psychotherapy 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MHCO 701.

An applied course in group dynamics, counseling, and psychotherapeutic principles and techniques that focus on student participation in various types of group experiences, student understanding of the objectives, rationale, and underlying theory of alternative group models. This course will also review group counseling and therapy issues related to addictive behaviors.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 705 Career Counseling and Lifestyles Development 3
Theories of occupational choice, career development, and social mobility will be reviewed within the context of national, state, or regional economic development. Occupational information will be considered from the point of view of the individual as well as from the standpoint of manpower needs for industrial and economic development. Students also will be exposed to some of the standard tests, procedures and principles of guidance followed in vocational counseling.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 710 Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Human Relations 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (EDCO 605 or MHCO 605), Group 2 (EDCO 610 or MHCO 610), and Group 3 (EDCO 701 or MHCO 701)

Counseling and Human Relations This course will present a survey of the theory and practice underlying the mental health practitioners delivery of clinical services to multicultural populations.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 715 Marital and Family Counseling 3
The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to theories and concepts of marital and family interaction patterns, (normal and pathological), develop skills in identifying the factors contributing to adaptive and maladaptive interaction in couples and families, and provide training in techniques of intervention and modification of maladaptive behavior in these contexts. This course is aligned with the standards and practices of the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 760 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling 3
This course provides a study of legal, professional, and ethical principles and standards as they relate to the mental health professionals' delivery of services, research, and conduct. This course will also review the ethical standards and dilemmas confronting alcohol and substance abuse counselors.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 18 Credits
 
Advanced Courses Credits:
MHCO 801 Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MHCO 701.

As an extension and continuation of MHCO 701, this course will focus on developing an appreciation of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques, particularly as they relate to pathology, theory, research, and developing an applied understanding through the use of case materials and verbatim transcriptions of actual therapeutic encounters.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 810 Research, Assessment, and Technology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MHCO 605, MHCO 610, (EDCO 615 or MHCO 615), MHCO 701, and MHCO 760.

This course has three major objectives. The first is to develop an awareness of the various research methodologies commonly employed in educational research and in the social sciences. Included in this are types of data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and corresponding generalization of findings. Second, the course is intended to help the student become a better consumer and critic of the research as reported in the literature. Third, the student will become familiar with the research and related literature in their particular specialization and technology. This is an introductory survey course with major emphasis on the types of empirical research methods, procedures, instrumentation, and other forms of data collection, as well as analysis associated with quantitative and qualitative research.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3
MHCO 870 Field Practicum 3
The field practicum experience provides candidates with direct experience in an agency or similar setting consistent with the candidate's area of specialization. Candidates will work with clients under supervision in both individual and group settings and demonstrate knowledge and application of counseling theories and techniques. This one semester course requires 100 hours of supervised counseling practice, weekly consultations with the field clinical supervisor and participation in a weekly seminar. This course is aligned with the standards and practices of the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 890 Internship I 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MHCO 870

This course is one half of a two part cumulative experience, which extends for a full school year. Included in the course will be application of knowledge, theories and concepts, skills and attitudes gained from previous courses (e.g. research, ethics/law, foundations). This internship experience is designed to provide the clinical mental health counseling candidates with direct experience in the mental health/psychiatric agency settings. Candidates will conduct individual and group counseling to develop their professional competences. They will also be provided with opportunities to learn firsthand about policies and procedures, paperwork and culture of their future profession. The mental health internship experience requires students to obtain a minimum of 300 hours (120 direct and 180 indirect hours) in the first semester and another 300 hours in the second semester (120 direct hours and 180 indirect hours). In addition to the 300 hours per semester, students are required to participate in a weekly structured seminar via zoom lead by their NYIT internship supervisor, weekly on site supervision with their site internship supervisor, and complete course assignments. This course is considered one of Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Professional Practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 891 Internship II 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MHCO 890

This course is one half of a two part cumulative experience, which extends for a full school year. Included in the course will be application of knowledge, theories and concepts, skills and attitudes gained from previous courses (e.g. research, ethics/law, foundations). This internship experience is designed to provide the clinical mental health counseling candidates with direct experience in the mental health/psychiatric agency settings. Candidates will conduct individual and group counseling to develop their professional competences. They will also be provided with opportunities to learn firsthand about policies and procedures, paperwork and culture of their future profession. The mental health internship experience requires students to obtain a minimum of 300 hours (120 direct and 180 indirect hours) in the first semester and another 300 hours in the second semester (120 direct hours and 180 indirect hours). In addition to the 300 hours per semester, students are required to participate in a weekly structured seminar via zoom lead by their NYIT internship supervisor, weekly on site supervision with their site internship supervisor, and complete course assignments. This course is considered one of Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) Professional Practice.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 15 Credits
 
Electives (choose two) Credits:
MHCO 605 Theories of Personality 3
This course includes systematic examination of the historical and theoretical accounts normal and abnormal personality syndromes, including research, and explores the factors underlying personality development and adjustment.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 620 Interpersonal Communication 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
MHCO 625 Community Psychology 3
This is an introductory course to a newly emerging area in psychology building on concepts from environmental, clinical, and social psychology, as well as sociology and anthropology. The course will cover the origins of community psychology, surveying its distinctive and substantive concepts. We will study the psychological concept of community focusing on the institutions and resources that facilitate or inhibit healthy psychological functioning. Such major topics as community mental health, the educational system, and the criminal justice system will be discussed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 647 Group Dynamics 3
A survey, study, and evaluation of the various methods and techniques of small group interaction. Emphasis will be placed on the application of group dynamics to such practical activities as psychotherapy, vocational adjustment, cooperative community action, business and industrial brain storming, and the alleviation of such problems as criminal recidivism, alcoholism and drug addiction, and social alienation.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 720 Behavior Modification 3
Critical review of various social learning theoretical approaches to the modification of diverse psychological phenomena. Particular attention will be given to the learning principles underlying each method along with experimental tests of efficacy and to the types of behavioral changes for which each procedure is best suited. Major topics include desensitization, contingency management, modeling, assertive training and cognitive learning procedures.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 749 Conflict Resolution 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
MHCO 750 Seminar 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
MHCO 758 Motivation Theory/Applications 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
MHCO 770 Etiology and Treatment of Alcohol and Substance Abuse I 3
This is the first of two courses that cover etiological and treatment issues and knowledge regarding substance abuse and addiction. It has two primary content areas. The first is to teach candidates the different models available to understand and treat substance abuse. Candidates will be assisted in integrating these models into a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and treating abuse and addiction. The second major content area is the beginning phase of treatment of individual with substance abuse problems. Primary learning foci will be on assessment and diagnosis of these disorders and on working with the denial that often accompanies these problems. Candidates will also develop knowledge about how to perform motivational interviewing, develop treatment plans, and differentiate among the different treatment modalities.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
MHCO 771 Etiology and Treatment of Alcohol and Substance Abuse II 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: EDCO 770 or MHCO 770

This is the second of two courses that cover etiological and treatment issues and knowledge regarding substance abuse and addiction. It builds on learning from MHCO 770 and continues the sequential study of the treatment process of abuse and addiction into the middle and termination phases. The major counseling themes in these phases, as well as integrating professional treatment with self help group participation, will be studied. Candidates will learn how to treat substance abusers who have other serious coexisting disorders. Counter transference and other personal/attitudinal issues triggered by working with abusers and addicts will be explored. Other contemporary practice issues in substance abuse treatment will be identified and discussed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3
MHCO 780 Counseling and Human Sexuality 3
This course defines and examines the current issues and theories of human sexuality across the lifespan. It includes the physiological, psychological, and sociocultural variables associated with sexual identity, behavior, wellness, and disorders. Students will also examine interventions, skills, treatments and selfawareness related to sexual relationship counseling, including understanding issues of counseling individuals with a history of sexual abuse, sexual addiction, and/or sexual offenses. This course is aligned with the 2016 standards and practices of the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 1-3-3
    Total: 6 Credits
 
Total Required Credits = 60