Counseling
Degree Type: MA
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, offered through The Family Institute at Northwestern University, prepares students to become clinical mental health counselors and future leaders in the counseling profession. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with immersive clinical training and close mentorship from nationally recognized counselor educators, supervisors, and practitioners. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional identity needed to provide ethical, evidence-based care to diverse populations across the lifespan.
Grounded in psychodynamic theory and evidence-based practice, the program emphasizes reflective practice, strong therapeutic relationships, and a commitment to client well-being. Through extensive supervised clinical experiences and engagement in a collaborative learning environment, students are prepared to apply counseling theories and interventions in real-world settings and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Vision, Mission and Learning Objectives
Vision: We are leaders in creating an enriching educational community that prepares clinically competent, professionally engaged, and ethically driven counselors who promote the mental health and wellness of all people.
Mission: Our mission is to deliver innovative clinical mental health counselor training grounded in contemporary psychodynamic theory and holistic best practices, preparing skilled counselors to serve clients and communities from all walks of life.
Learning Objectives:
- Possess an in-depth understanding of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Understand strategies to integrate psychodynamic thought and emerging best practices into clinical work
- Demonstrate self-reflective, counseling skills honed through extensive and closely supervised clinical work
- Recognize and integrate the impact of personal and client values on the counseling relationship within a pluralistic society
- Embody a professional counselor's identity
- Showcase a scientific mindset, interest in scholarship, and profession-centered activities.
Accreditation and Licensure Preparation
Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a licensed profession in the United States, with extensive regulatory requirements for practice, managed at the state level. We are proud that with few exceptions, our CACREP-Accredited education and training pave a pathway for each graduate to seek licensure, in their residential state. Our program actively engages students to carefully consider their state licensure requirements including pre- and post-graduation education and training, examinations, documentation, and evidence needed for licensure approvals. Those who are considering applying to study with us are strongly encouraged to review licensure requirements in the States in which they may reside. Applicants must weigh the benefit-cost of enrollment by examining licensure information in their states of interest.
Program Format and Structure
The program is offered in both on-campus and online formats, maintaining consistent academic and clinical rigor.
- On-Campus Format: Full-time, fall entry only; typically completed in 21 months.
- Online Format: Offered in both full-time and part-time options, combining live online classes with asynchronous coursework and supervised clinical field placements at approved sites. Full-time students may complete the program in as few as 18 months, while part-time students typically complete the program in up to 36 months.
- Immersion Requirement: All students participate in required in-person immersion experiences designed to support skill development, assessment, and professional community building. During the Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling course and later in the Group Counseling course, students complete mandatory two-day immersions in Chicago, Illinois, guided by core faculty. These synchronous, in-person experiences allow faculty to observe and assess counseling skills and professional dispositions across all students, regardless of program delivery format, while fostering clinical skill development and a strong academic community.
Professional and Theoretical Foundations
Grounded in the historical, theoretical, and intellectual foundations of the counseling field, the program prepares students to promote and protect the mental health and wellness of individuals and communities. Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the program provides a strong foundation for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor in most states. Coursework reflects the core traditions of the counseling profession, emphasizing ethics, pluralism, lifespan development, prevention and intervention, and evidence-based practice, while supporting the development of a strong professional counselor identity equipped to address mental health service gaps in vulnerable populations. The program’s origins in a doctoral-level training model contribute to its rigor and depth, preserving a legacy of psychodynamic thought and a focus on the therapeutic alliance, supported by ongoing therapist self-reflection. Students are trained as reflective practitioner-scholars who integrate theory, research, and practice, and are mentored to contribute to the advancement of the field through innovative and scholarly engagement.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in clinical mental health counseling through an integrated sequence of coursework, clinical training, and reflective practice. Students develop core counseling competencies, theoretical knowledge, and evidence-based skills while progressing through supervised practicum and internship experiences. Emphasis is placed on professional identity development, self-reflection, and the integration of theory, research, and practice to prepare graduates for entry-level clinical work.
Clinical Training and Supervision
Clinical training includes both practicum and internship experiences:
- Practicum:
- 200 total hours, including at least 50 hours of direct client contact
- Extensive group and individual supervision
- Internship:
- 600 total hours, including at least 240 direct client hours
- Ongoing supervision and case consultation
- Supervision Models:
- Reflective Practitioner Supervision (RPS)- During the practicum experience, students meet weekly in small groups with a licensed practitioner for Reflective Practitioner Supervision. This model emphasizes understanding client transference and therapist countertransference, identifying biases that affect therapeutic objectivity, and addressing personal barriers to remaining fully present with clients. Students develop awareness of their own social and cultural identities, power, and privileges to support culturally responsive clinical practice.
- Case Conference Supervision (CCS)- During the internship experience, students participate in weekly case conference supervision with experienced practitioners. In these sessions, students discuss complex cases and explore how both clinician and client identities influence case conceptualization and treatment. This collaborative process supports the integration of coursework with real-world practice while fostering reflection on therapeutic effectiveness and providing mentorship for continued skill development.
Research and Scholarly Development
Research and scholarship are integral to the program’s training model and are embedded throughout the curriculum. Students are prepared to adopt a scientific and reflective mindset, learn to critically evaluate research, and apply evidence-based knowledge to clinical practice. Through coursework and supervised clinical experiences, students integrate theory, research, and practice to inform their clinical decision-making and enhance client outcomes. The program encourages intellectual curiosity and professional engagement, supporting students in contributing to the advancement of the counseling field through scholarly inquiry, critical thinking, and ongoing development as practitioner-scholars.
Additional resources:
Learning Objectives
On completion of our degree program, our student scholars should:
- Possess an in-depth understanding of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Understand strategies to integrate psychodynamic thought and emerging best practices into clinical work
- Demonstrate self-reflective, counseling skills honed through extensive and closely supervised clinical work
- Recognize and integrate the impact of personal and client values on the counseling relationship within a pluralistic society
- Embody a professional counselor's identity
- Showcase a scientific mindset, interest in scholarship, and profession-centered activities.
Counseling Courses
(The same courses are taught onground and online. Course numbers vary)
COUN 406-0 Research Methods and Program Evaluation (1 Unit)
The course promotes counselors as producers and consumers of published research. It will explores research types and methods, basic statistics, and ethical considerations in conducting studies. The course will also explore principles, practices of needs assessment and program evaluation. Assignments will offer students opportunities to apply knowledge and skills gained in class.
Prerequisite: COUN 410-0 Foundations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
COUN 406-6 Research Methods and Program Evaluation (1 Unit)
The course promotes counselors as producers and consumers of published research. It will explores research types and methods, basic statistics, and ethical considerations in conducting studies. The course will also explore principles, practices of needs assessment and program evaluation. Assignments will offer students opportunities to apply knowledge and skills gained in class.
Prerequisite: COUN 410-6 Foundations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
COUN 410-0 Foundations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (0 Unit)
The Foundations in clinical mental health counseling course, including a Foundations immersion experience, acquaints students with all elements of clinical mental health counseling. Topics include counseling origins, identity, and counseling roles as well as diverse client needs, counseling theories, and counseling practices. This course provides a foundation for further and deeper exploration of these topics throughout the program.
COUN 410-6 Foundations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (0 Unit)
The Foundations in clinical mental health counseling course, including a Foundations immersion experience, acquaints students with all elements of clinical mental health counseling. Topics include counseling origins, identity, and counseling roles as well as diverse client needs, counseling theories, and counseling practices. This course provides a foundation for further and deeper exploration of these topics throughout the program.
COUN 411-0 Psychodynamic Counseling: Individuals and Systems (1 Unit)
This course is designed to serve as a clinical and theoretical foundation for the practice of psychodynamic counseling. It emphasizes application to analysis of interpersonal and helping relationships; personality development and dynamics; psychopathology, assessment, and intervention. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 411-6 Psychodynamic Counseling: Individuals and Systems (1 Unit)
This course is designed to serve as a clinical and theoretical foundation for the practice of psychodynamic counseling. It emphasizes application to analysis of interpersonal and helping relationships; personality development and dynamics; psychopathology, assessment, and intervention. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 412-0 Group Counseling Theory and Practice (1 Unit)
This course examines contemporary group counseling theories and practices, emphasizing group dynamics, therapeutic processes, ethics, and sociocultural influences. Through lectures, discussion, demonstration, and experiential learning, students develop practical group facilitation skills. A required weekend immersion provides supervised leadership experience, application of theory, increased self-awareness, and deeper understanding of interpersonal and group growth processes within professional counseling contexts and learning environments.
Prerequisite: COUN 416-0 Theories of Counseling.
COUN 412-6 Group Counseling Theory and Practice (1 Unit)
This course examines contemporary group counseling theories and practices, emphasizing group dynamics, therapeutic processes, ethics, and sociocultural influences. Through lectures, discussion, demonstration, and experiential learning, students develop practical group facilitation skills. A required weekend immersion provides supervised leadership experience, application of theory, increased self-awareness, and deeper understanding of interpersonal and group growth processes within professional counseling contexts and learning environments.
Prerequisite: COUN 416-6 Theories of Counseling.
COUN 413-0 Human Growth and Lifespan Development -2 (1 Unit)
This course explores the nature and needs of individuals at developmental levels throughout the lifespan and in a multicultural context with implications for assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies. The course has an additional focus on children and adolescents. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 413-6 Human Growth and Lifespan Development -2 (1 Unit)
This course explores the nature and needs of individuals at developmental levels throughout the lifespan and in a multicultural context with implications for assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies. The course has an additional focus on children and adolescents. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 414-0 Human Growth and Lifespan Development (1 Unit)
This course explores the nature and needs of individuals at developmental levels throughout the lifespan and in a multicultural context with implications for assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies.
COUN 414-6 Human Growth and Lifespan Development (1 Unit)
This course provides an understanding of the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in a multicultural context. Implications for assessment and preventive and/or supportive intervention strategies. This course has an additional specific focus on adult development. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 415-0 Psychopathology and Diagnosis in Counseling (1 Unit)
This course explores the adaptive, pathological, individual, and family functioning through the life course. Developmental vulnerabilities, transitions, and tasks from a psychodynamic perspective. Emphasis is on development of diagnosis skills using the DSM or ICD formulations. Application will link diagnostic information to current events. Clinical, developmental, and family systems research; onset and dynamics of common psychiatric disorders.
Prerequisite: COUN 423-0 Assessments in Counseling 2 or COUN 426-0 Assessment in Counseling.
COUN 415-6 Psychopathology and Diagnosis in Counseling (1 Unit)
This course explores the adaptive, pathological, individual, and family functioning through the life course. Developmental vulnerabilities, transitions, and tasks from a psychodynamic perspective. Emphasis is on development of diagnosis skills using the DSM or ICD formulations. Application will link diagnostic information to current events. Clinical, developmental, and family systems research; onset and dynamics of common psychiatric disorders.
Prerequisite: COUN 423-6 Assessments in Counseling 2 or COUN 426-6 Assessment in Counseling.
COUN 416-0 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (1 Unit)
This course critically examines foundational and contemporary theoretical frameworks shaping counseling and psychotherapy practice. Students analyze, compare, and apply theories through culturally responsive, evidence-based lenses, integrating research with clinical decision-making to inform ethical, effective interventions across diverse populations and settings.
COUN 416-6 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (1 Unit)
This course critically examines foundational and contemporary theoretical frameworks shaping counseling and psychotherapy practice. Students analyze, compare, and apply theories through culturally responsive, evidence-based lenses, integrating research with clinical decision-making to inform ethical, effective interventions across diverse populations and settings.
COUN 417-0 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (1 Unit)
This course will provide an overview of current cognitive behavioral treatment approaches to common adult disorders. Although the research literature is covered, the emphasis is on clinical practice. Lectures, group discussion, role-plays, student presentations, a final exam, and an optional paper will be used for application activities.
COUN 417-6 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (1 Unit)
This course will provide an overview of current cognitive behavioral treatment approaches to common adult disorders. Although the research literature is covered, the emphasis is on clinical practice. Lectures, group discussion, role-plays, student presentations, a final exam, and an optional paper for application activities will be used in this course. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
Prerequisite: COUN 413-6 or COUN 414-6 Human Development.
COUN 422-0 Family, Marital and Couple Counseling (1 Unit)
This course is an introduction to theories and practices of family, marital and couple therapy. The course will examine a) the evolution and foundations of systems; b) classic and contemporary family, marital and couple therapy approaches; c) the impact of cultural/social trends on family and couple life and d) how systems perspectives can be incorporated into the work of one client.
Prerequisite: COUN 413-0 or COUN 414-0 Human Development.
COUN 422-6 Family, Marital and Couple Counseling (1 Unit)
This course is an introduction to theories and practices of family, marital and couple therapy. The course will examine a) the evolution and foundations of systems; b) classic and contemporary family, marital and couple therapy approaches; c) the impact of cultural/social trends on family and couple life and d) how systems perspectives can be incorporated into the work of one client.
Prerequisite: COUN 413-6 or COUN 414-6 Human Development.
COUN 423-0 Assessment in Counseling- 2 (1 Unit)
This course provides an understanding of individual approaches to assessment in a multicultural society across the lifespan, review of commonly used assessments in counseling including rationale, characteristics, administration and interpretation. This course had an emphasis on assessments with children and adolescents.
COUN 423-6 Assessment in Counseling- 2 (1 Unit)
This course provides an understanding of individual approaches to assessment in a multicultural society across the lifespan, review of commonly used assessments in counseling including rationale, characteristics, administration and interpretation. This course had an emphasis on assessments with children and adolescents.
COUN 426-0 Assessment in Counseling (1 Unit)
This course provides an understanding of individual approaches to assessment in a multicultural society across the lifespan, review of commonly used assessments in counseling including rationale, characteristics, administration and interpretation. This course had an emphasis on assessments with adults.
COUN 426-6 Assessment in Counseling (1 Unit)
This course provides an understanding of individual approaches to assessment in a multicultural society across the lifespan, review of commonly used assessments in counseling including rationale, characteristics, administration and interpretation. This course had an emphasis on assessments with adults.
COUN 427-0 Career and Lifestyle Planning (1 Unit)
This course explores theories of career choice, career commitment, and life-course development applied to research and practice in career counseling.
COUN 427-6 Career and Lifestyle Planning (1 Unit)
This course explores theories of career choice, career commitment, and life-course development applied to research and practice in career counseling. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
Prerequisite: COUN 426-6 Assessment in Counseling.
COUN 429-0 Human Sexuality (1 Unit)
This course offers a multidimensional, biophysical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual difficulty in individuals and couples, including but not limited to disorders of desire, aversion, arousal, orgasm, and pain. Students will be exposed to explicit discussions of sexual material conducive their learning about treating sexual difficulties in clients.
COUN 429-6 Human Sexuality (1 Unit)
This course offers a multidimensional, biophysical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of sexual difficulty in individuals and couples, including but not limited to disorders of desire, aversion, arousal, orgasm, and pain. Students will be exposed to explicit discussions of sexual material conducive their learning about treating sexual difficulties in clients.
COUN 436-0 Counseling Children and Adolescents (1 Unit)
This course examines central issues in child and adolescent psychotherapy and the mainstream treatment approaches including psychoanalytic, play, cognitive-behavioral and behavioral therapy. Emphasis on high-frequency problems for which children/adolescent enter therapy.
Prerequisite: COUN 413-0 or COUN 414-0 Human Development.
COUN 436-6 Counseling Children and Adolescents (1 Unit)
This course examines central issues in child and adolescent psychotherapy and the mainstream treatment approaches including psychoanalytic, play, cognitive-behavioral and behavioral therapy. Emphasis on high-frequency problems for which children/adolescent enter therapy.
Prerequisite: COUN 413-6 or COUN 414-6 Human Development.
COUN 440-0 Play Therapy Methods (1 Unit)
This course provides students with the philosophical basis for play therapy, including a review of the history of play therapy, an introduction to various theoretical applications, and play therapy best practices. Students will become familiar with play therapy micro-skills, goals, ethical issues, cross-cultural implications, developmental and neurological foundations, treatment planning and assessment, and applications to diverse populations and therapeutic contexts.
COUN 440-6 Play Therapy Methods (1 Unit)
This course provides students with the philosophical basis for play therapy, including a review of the history of play therapy, an introduction to various theoretical applications, and play therapy best practices. Students will become familiar with play therapy micro-skills, goals, ethical issues, cross-cultural implications, developmental and neurological foundations, treatment planning and assessment, and applications to diverse populations and therapeutic contexts.
COUN 452-0 Addictions Counseling (1 Unit)
Ths course focuses on the development of skills, concepts, and core competencies related to the theory and practice of addiction counseling. This course includes screening, assessment of dependence, change, and recovery, co-occurring disorders, prevention, intervention, and treatment.
COUN 452-6 Addictions Counseling (1 Unit)
This course focuses on the development of skills, concepts, and core competencies related to the theory and practice of addiction counseling. This course includes screening, assessment of dependence, change, and recovery, co-occurring disorders, prevention, intervention, and treatment. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 453-0 Evaluation and Treatment of Trauma (1 Unit)
This course offers a review of the nature of trauma and posttraumatic conditions; the psychobiology underlying stress, trauma, and dissociation, and the treatment of posttraumatic conditions.
COUN 453-6 Evaluation and Treatment of Trauma (1 Unit)
This course offers a review of the nature of trauma and posttraumatic conditions; the psychobiology underlying stress, trauma, and dissociation, and the treatment of posttraumatic conditions. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 454-0 Evaluation and Treatment of Trauma - 2 (1 Unit)
This course offers a review of the nature of trauma and posttraumatic conditions; the psychobiology underlying stress, trauma, and dissociation, and the treatment of posttraumatic conditions. Emphasis on Children & Adolescents.
COUN 454-6 Evaluation and Treatment of Trauma - 2 (1 Unit)
This course offers a review of the nature of trauma and posttraumatic conditions; the psychobiology underlying stress, trauma, and dissociation, and the treatment of posttraumatic conditions. Emphasis on children & adolescents.
COUN 455-6 Introduction to Psychopharmacology (1 Unit)
This course explores the role of psychopharmacological medication in mental health treatment. Students learn approved indications and contraindications of psychopharmacological medications for mental health and substance use conditions in adults and children, and practice how to consult with clients and medical professionals about medication-related issues. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
Prerequisite: COUN 415-6 Psychopathology in Counseling.
COUN 479-1 Preparing for Professional Degree Studies (1 Unit)
This course is for career switchers who are making a career transition into the counseling field. Its primary objective is to aid those students in acclimating to the culture, requirements, and challenges of graduate school. Students will learn about the areas for development related to personal preparedness and professional disposition during graduate-level counselor preparation. Co-requisite: COUN 479-2 and COUN 479-3.
COUN 479-2 Introduction to the Helping Professions (1 Unit)
Students will better understand components of the helping field—what skills are required, types of professional helpers, the relationship between counseling and allied helping professions, the range of counseling careers, and how training shapes clinical practice. We will familiarize students to the pervasiveness of mental health, multiculturalism, and community engagement highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and humility. Co-requisite: COUN 479-1 and COUN 479-3.
COUN 479-3 Introduction to Psychological Theories (1 Unit)
This course will enhance the development of clinical skills through understanding both the pragmatics and the complexities of reflective practice. This course will invite students to explore their own identity as an emerging counselor in training. Counseling foundations, helping skills, supervision are also introduced. Co-requisite: COUN 479-1 and COUN 479-2.
COUN 479-6 Preparing for Professional Degree Studies (1 Unit)
This course is for career switchers who are making a career transition into the counseling field. Its primary objective is to aid those students in acclimating to the culture, requirements, and challenges of graduate school. Students will learn about the areas for development related to personal preparedness and professional disposition during graduate-level counselor preparation. Co-requisite: COUN 479-7 and COUN 479-8.
COUN 479-7 Introduction to the Helping Professions (1 Unit)
Students will better understand components of the helping field—what skills are required, types of professional helpers, the relationship between counseling and allied helping professions, the range of counseling careers, and how training shapes clinical practice. We will familiarize students to the pervasiveness of mental health, multiculturalism, and community engagement highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and humility. Co-requisite: COUN 479-6 and COUN 479-8.
COUN 479-8 Introduction to Psychological Theories (1 Unit)
This course will enhance the development of clinical skills through understanding both the pragmatics and the complexities of reflective practice. This course will invite students to explore their own identity as an emerging counselor in training. Counseling foundations, helping skills, supervision are also introduced. Co-requisite: COUN 479-6 and COUN 479-7.
COUN 480-1 Methods 1: Introductory Counseling Skills (1 Unit)
This course is focused on the development of basic counseling skills, concepts, and core competencies related to the practice of counseling. This course includes evaluation of practice sessions with volunteers. Co-requisite: COUN 481-1 Pre-Practicum in CMHC.
COUN 480-2 Methods 2: Advanced Counseling Skills (1 Unit)
The course is focused on the development of clinical mental health counseling skills, concepts, and core competencies related to the practice of counseling. This course provides opportunities for students to apply the conceptual material and their emerging skills and includes the evaluation of a session.
Prerequisite: COUN 480-1 Methods 1, Co-requisite: COUN 481-2 Supervised Practicum in CMHC.
COUN 480-3 Methods 3: Skills for Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention (1 Unit)
This course is focused on the process of understanding self in relationship to core competencies (i.e., treatment planning and referral) and macro-skillsets for well-rounded clinical practice through the counseling profession's values of outreach, prevention, and intervention. The basics of clinical mental health counseling advocacy principles are covered.
Prerequisite: COUN 480-2 Methods 2.
COUN 480-6 Methods 1: Introductory Counseling Skills (1 Unit)
This course is focused on the development of basic counseling skills, concepts, and core competencies related to the practice of counseling. This course includes evaluation of practice sessions with volunteers. Co-requisite: COUN 481-4 Pre-Practicum in CMHC.
COUN 480-7 Methods 2: Advanced Counseling Skills (1 Unit)
The course is focused on the development of clinical mental health counseling skills, concepts, and core competencies related to the practice of counseling. This course provides opportunities for students to apply the conceptual material and their emerging skills and includes the evaluation of a session.
Prerequisite: COUN 480-6 Methods 1, Co-requisite: COUN 481-5 Practicum 2 in CMHC or COUN 481-7 Supervised Practicum 2.
COUN 480-8 Methods 3: Skills for Outreach, Prevention, and Intervention (1 Unit)
This course is focused on the process of understanding self in relationship to core competencies (i.e., treatment planning and referral) and macro-skillsets for well-rounded clinical practice through the counseling profession's values of outreach, prevention, and intervention. The basics of clinical mental health counseling advocacy principles are covered.
Prerequisite: COUN 480-2 Methods 2.
COUN 481-1 Pre-Practicum in CMHC (1 Unit)
Pre-Practicum prepares counseling students for supervised clinical practice by introducing foundational skills, professional expectations, and ethical responsibilities. Students develop self-awareness and establish a foundation for reflective practice while learning program requirements for Practicum and Internship. The course also covers legal and ethical standards, supports professional identity development, and provides an overview of post-graduation licensure processes. Co-requisite: COUN 480-1 Methods 1.
COUN 481-2 Supervised Practicum in CMHC- 1 (1 Unit)
Supervised Practicum follows a developmental training model that builds counselor identity, multicultural awareness, and clinical skills. It introduces students to clinical work, professional roles, diverse clients, therapy processes, and supervision. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Reflective Practitioner Supervision/RPS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-1 Pre-Practicum in CMHC Co-requisite: COUN 480-2 Methods 2.
COUN 481-3 Supervised Practicum in CMHC- 2 (1 Unit)
Supervised Practicum follows a developmental training model that builds counselor identity, multicultural awareness, and clinical skills. It introduces students to clinical work, professional roles, diverse clients, therapy processes, and supervision. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Reflective Practitioner Supervision/RPS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-2 Practicum 1 Co-requisite: COUN 480-3 Methods 3.
COUN 481-4 Pre-practicum in CMHC (1 Unit)
Pre-Practicum prepares counseling students for supervised clinical practice by introducing foundational skills, professional expectations, and ethical responsibilities. Students develop self-awareness and establish a foundation for reflective practice while learning program requirements for Practicum and Internship. The course also covers legal and ethical standards, supports professional identity development, and provides an overview of post-graduation licensure processes. Co-requisite: COUN 480-6 Methods 1.
COUN 481-5 Supervised Practicum in CMHC- 1 (1 Unit)
Supervised Practicum follows a developmental training model that builds counselor identity, multicultural awareness, and clinical skills. It introduces students to clinical work, professional roles, diverse clients, therapy processes, and supervision. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Reflective Practitioner Supervision/RPS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-4 Pre-practicum; Co-requisite: COUN 480-7 Methods 2.
COUN 481-6 Supervised Practicum in CMHC- 2 (1 Unit)
Supervised Practicum follows a developmental training model that builds counselor identity, multicultural awareness, and clinical skills. It introduces students to clinical work, professional roles, diverse clients, therapy processes, and supervision. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Reflective Practitioner Supervision/RPS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-5 Practicum 1.
COUN 481-7 Supervised Practicum in Counseling- 2 (1 Unit)
Supervised Practicum follows a developmental training model that builds counselor identity, multicultural awareness, and clinical skills. It introduces students to clinical work, professional roles, diverse clients, therapy processes, and supervision. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Reflective Practioner Supervision/RPS). Co-requisite: COUN 480-7 Methods 2.
COUN 481-8 Supervised Practicum in Counseling- 3 (1 Unit)
Supervised Practicum follows a developmental training model that builds counselor identity, multicultural awareness, and clinical skills. It introduces students to clinical work, professional roles, diverse clients, therapy processes, and supervision. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Reflective Practioner Supervision/RPS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-7 Supervised Practicum 2.
COUN 482-0 Supervised Internship in Counseling- 0 (0 Unit)
Supervised Internship prepares students for client management and advanced clinical roles through supervised service and training activities. Placements are at vetted and approved clinical mental health counseling sites. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Case Conference Supervision/CCS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-3 Supervised Practicum.
COUN 482-1 Supervised Internship in Counseling- 1 (1 Unit)
Supervised Internship prepares students for client management and advanced clinical roles through supervised service and training activities. Placements are at vetted and approved clinical mental health counseling sites. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Case Conference Supervision/CCS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-3 Supervised Practicum.
COUN 482-2 Supervised Internship in Counseling- 2 (1 Unit)
Supervised Internship prepares students for client management and advanced clinical roles through supervised service and training activities. Placements are at vetted and approved clinical mental health counseling sites. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Case Conference Supervision/CCS).
Prerequisite: COUN 482-1 Internship 1.
COUN 482-3 Supervised Internship in Counseling- 3 (1 Unit)
Supervised Internship prepares students for client management and advanced clinical roles through supervised service and training activities. Placements are at vetted and approved clinical mental health counseling sites. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Case Conference Supervision/CCS).
Prerequisite: COUN 482-2 Internship 2.
COUN 482-6 Supervised Internship in Counseling- 1 (1 Unit)
Supervised Internship prepares students for client management and advanced clinical roles through supervised service and training activities. Placements are at vetted and approved clinical mental health counseling sites. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Case Conference Supervision/CCS).
Prerequisite: COUN 481-6 Supervised Practicum in CMHC- 2 or COUN 481-8 Practicum 3.
COUN 482-7 Supervised Internship in Counseling- 2 (1 Unit)
Supervised Internship prepares students for client management and advanced clinical roles through supervised service and training activities. Placements are at vetted and approved clinical mental health counseling sites. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Case Conference Supervision/CCS).
Prerequisite: COUN 482-6 Internship 1.
COUN 482-8 Supervised Internship in Counseling -3 (1 Unit)
Supervised Internship prepares students for client management and advanced clinical roles through supervised service and training activities. Placements are at vetted and approved clinical mental health counseling sites. Students complete required clinical hours and supervision hours (site supervision and university supervision via Case Conference Supervision/CCS).
Prerequisite: COUN 482-7 Internship 2.
COUN 483-1 Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling (1 Unit)
The course gives students in depth understanding and decision-making skills regarding major ethical and legal issues in the practice of professional counseling. Exploration of of the American Counseling Association (ACA) ethical standards and their application to treatment; review of ethical decision-making models; and major ethical and legal issues in practice.
COUN 483-2 Multicultural Counseling (1 Unit)
This course will introduce students to the process of providing counseling from a multi-cultural perspective in diverse society. Students will gain an understanding of how social and cultural identity issues and tensions surface in counseling, how power and privilege may affect therapy alliance and outcomes, the nature of microaggressions. Focus will be on understanding self and clients in cultural context. The counseling profession's value of social justice advocacy for clients will also be examined.
COUN 483-6 Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling (1 Unit)
The course gives students indepth understanding and decision-making skills regarding major ethical and legal issues in the practice of professional counseling. Exploration of of the American Counseling Association (ACA) ethical standards and their application to treatment; review of ethical decision-making models; and major ethical and legal issues in practice. Requirement: Counseling@Northwestern Students Only.
COUN 483-7 Multicultural Counseling (1 Unit)
This course will introduce students to the process of providing counseling from a multi-cultural perspective in diverse society. Students will gain an understanding of how social and cultural identity issues and tensions surface in counseling, how power and privilege may affect therapy alliance and outcomes, the nature of microaggressions. Focus will be on understanding self and clients in cultural context. The counseling profession's value of social justice advocacy for clients will also be examined.
COUN 489-0 Advanced Research Colloquium (0 Unit)
This course is designed to increase student research skills and capacities through hands-on and applied research laboratory experience. Enrollment must be with permission of program faculty.
COUN 489-6 Advanced Research Colloquium (0 Unit)
This course is designed to increase student research skills and capacities through hands-on and applied research laboratory experience. Enrollment must be with permission of program faculty.
COUN 491-0 Colloquium in Counseling (1 Unit)
This course provides a colloquium experience in selected topics in the contemporary practice of professional counseling. Students must seek the permission of instructor to enroll.
COUN 491-6 Colloquium in Counseling (1 Unit)
his course provides a colloquim experience in selected topics in the contemporary practice of professional counseling. Students must seek the permission of instructor to enroll.