Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Maryland
Name of Program
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Maryland (CMHC-MD)
Credential
Masters
Introduction
Our rigorous 60-credit Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare you for state licensure as a professional counselor in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.
Program Purpose
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in Maryland has a 5-point mission statement built on a foundation of T.R.U.S.T.
• Training highly skilled professional counselors to whom pastors will confidently refer their members for mental health counseling.
• Reaching out to serve the underserved with particular emphasis on counseling the military community, minority communities, and communities of faith.
• Unifying the church and society by preparing counselors to provide treatment and advocacy across doctrinal, denominational, racial, ethnic, and gender lines.
• Striving to be made all things to all people while remaining under Christ’s law.
• Transforming the field of counseling by translating our faith into our professional practice through intellectually credible innovation and research.
Program Philosophy
This program delivers the knowledge and skills necessary to help diverse people in a wide range of difficult circumstances. Our students learn about the biological and environmental causes of mental illness and are trained to provide evidence-based treatment. Our instructors are experienced, licensed and practicing clinicians who work as counselors in professional and faith-based settings.
Want to make a difference in someone’s life? Become a licensed professional counselor.
Educational Philosophy
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Maryland) degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help diverse people in a wide range of challenging circumstances within the context of clinical mental health counseling. Our students learn about the biological and environmental causes of mental illness and are trained to provide evidence-based treatment that integrates faith into counseling theory and practice. The program is designed to prepare students for state licensure as a professional counselor in Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.
Additional Information
The CMHC-MD program has established four major competency areas with specific learning objectives. Graduates of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the LBC|CSGS Maryland site will demonstrate proficiency in each area and on all objectives.
1. Professional Counselor Identity & Ethics: The graduate student will intentionally develop a professional identity that emphasizes personal and professional congruency; relies on ethical decision-making; and applies theories, models, and skills of counseling informed by comprehensive knowledge of curricular domains and current research.
2. Multicultural & Social Justice Competence: The graduate student will demonstrate the ability to recognize multicultural and pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups nationally and internationally; identify the impact of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences on an individual’s view of others; and respond to the effects of power and privilege on counselors and clients.
3. Spiritual & Religious Competence: The graduate student will demonstrate the capacity to recognize the contributions of spirituality, religion, and ethnic worldview to shaping diverse expressions of Christian faith and psychosocial functioning; translate faith into professional practice through the application of Christian Integration research and models; and develop culturally competent strategies for mental health advocacy in Christian faith communities.
4. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The graduate student intern will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to entry-level clinical mental health practice including etiology, assessment, case conceptualization, diagnostic process, and techniques and interventions for treatment while consistently demonstrating evidence of professional counseling dispositions and behaviors; professional oral and written communication; record keeping; and task completion.
Locations offered
Washington, D.C.
Program Core Competencies
The CMHC-MD program has established 10 CACREP (2016) competency areas with four specific learning objectives. Graduates of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the LBC|CSGS Maryland site will demonstrate proficiency in each area and on all competencies.
Four Learning Objectives
1. Professional Counselor Identity & Ethics: The graduate student will intentionally develop a professional identity that emphasizes personal and professional congruency; relies on ethical decision-making; and applies theories, models, and skills of counseling informed by comprehensive knowledge of curricular domains and current research.
2. Multicultural & Social Justice Competence: The graduate student will demonstrate the ability to recognize multicultural and pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups nationally and internationally; identify the impact of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences on an individual’s view of others; and respond to the effects of power and privilege on counselors and clients.
3. Spiritual & Religious Competence: The graduate student will demonstrate the capacity to recognize the contributions of spirituality, religion, and ethnic worldview to shaping diverse expressions of Christian faith and psychosocial functioning; translate faith into professional practice through the application of Christian Integration research and models; and develop culturally competent strategies for mental health advocacy in Christian faith communities.
4. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The graduate student intern will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to entry-level clinical mental health practice including etiology, assessment, case conceptualization, diagnostic process, and techniques and interventions for treatment while consistently demonstrating evidence of professional counseling dispositions and behaviors; professional oral and written communication; record keeping; and task completion.
Ten CACREP (2016) Competencies
1. Recognize the history, development, legislation, government policy, ethics, and professional identity development of counselors within the field of clinical mental health counseling.
2. Evaluate theories, models, techniques, interventions related to clinical mental health counseling, and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues from a biblical perspective.
3. Learn the application of theories and models in developing case conceptualization, etiology, treatment planning, diagnostic process, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
4. Comprehend the administration, interpretation, and application of psychological tests and assessments specific to clinical mental health counseling.
5. Develop an understanding of scholarly literature and its application within Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
6. Enhance clinical and administrative skills necessary to conduct competent cultural treatment at various mental health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care.
7. Understand the etiology of trauma, crisis, and addictions and develop the skills to assess its impact on biological, psychological, and neurological mechanisms of mental health.
8. Acquire an understanding of ethical principles and application to prospective clinical situations that reflect an open and collaborative approach to resolve legal and ethical dilemmas.
9. Synthesize information and knowledge into practice through supervised counseling experiences.
10. Understand the classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation.
MACMHC-MD Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements
Overview of Program Competencies
The CMHC-MD program has established ten competency areas for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program where students will demonstrate proficiency in: Professional Counselor Identity & Ethics Competence, Research and Assessment Competence, Theoretical and Technical Competence, Diagnosis and Treatment Competence, Multicultural & Social Justice Competence, Spiritual and Religious Competence, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Competence.
Competencies & Credits for Each
| Competency |
Credits |
| Orientation and Ethics |
6 |
| Clinical Techniques |
15 |
| Theories, Diagnostic, and Treatment |
9 |
| Assessment |
3 |
| Research |
18 |
| Multicultural Competence |
3 |
| Trauma, Biopsychology, and Addiction |
9 |
| Legal and Ethical Competency |
6 |
| Supervision |
9 |
| Medical Interventions |
12 |
| Program Total |
60 |
Biblical Foundation
| BTC 503 | Foundations for Integration | 3 |
| BTC 504 | Perspectives on Integration | 3 |
Tier 1 Courses
| GPC 501 | Orientation to Professional Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics | 3 |
| GPC 510 | Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| GPC 515 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| GPC 530 | Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| GPC 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
Tier 2 Courses
| GPC 505 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| GPC 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| GPC 525 | Assessment Techniques in Counseling | 3 |
| GPC 531 | Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| GPC 541 | Group Counseling Leadership Skills | 3 |
| GPC 588 | Career and Lifestyle Development | 3 |
Tier 3 Courses
| GPC 545 | Marriage & Family Counseling | 3 |
| GPC 555 | Advanced Techniques of Counseling | 3 |
| GPC 565 | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| GPC 572 | Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| GPC 585 | Trauma-Informed Counseling | 3 |
Practicum/Internship
The Practicum and Internship courses are a critical and integral component in the training of a well-equipped counselor. These courses provide students with the opportunity to utilize their classroom learning in counseling situations under the supervision of professional counselors.
Professional Counseling Practicum (GPC 601)
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 33 graduate credits (Tier 1 & Tier 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of the candidacy process.
• Minimum of 200 hours of field experience is required to complete the practicum:
o 80 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 100 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule a one-hour appointment with the professor for each VCS to review the recordings.
Professional Counseling Internship I (GPC 602)
• May be taken after completing a minimum of 36 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing GPC 601 Practicum.
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
o 130 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 150 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule a one-hour appointment with the professor for each VCS to review the recordings.
Professional Counseling Internship II (GPC 603)
•May be taken after completing a minimum of 39 graduate credits (Tier 1 & 2 courses) with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully completing GPC 601 Practicum and GPC 602 Internship I.
• Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship:
o 130 hours of direct client contact
o 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision
o 150 hours of administration (ie. Research, writing, training, admin tasks)
• Students are required to participate in a blended classroom component. Each student will be required to record four (4) 50-60 minute therapy sessions and schedule a one-hour appointment with the professor for each VCS to review the recordings.
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Admission Criteria and Application Process
The CMHC-MD Program seeks applicants who meet the following prerequisite criteria:
* An undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
* An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
* Six (6) credit hours of undergraduate psychology-related courses
* Thirty (30) undergraduate or nine (9) graduate credit hours of Bible coursework in Old Testament, New Testament, Biblical Interpretation, and Christian Theology.
Exceptions to the GPA and psychology-related course requirements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants not meeting the Bible course requirement can take Bible courses during the program if granted admission.
The application process for the CMHC-MD program has four phases: Initial Application Phase (IAP), Interview phase (IP), Preliminary Acceptance Phase (PAP), and Candidacy Phase (CP).
Application Process
Initial Application Phase requirements, including those specific to the CMHC-MD program, are as follows:
* Online Master’s Degree Application Form
* Autobiographical Essay addressing the applicant’s spiritual journey, spiritual disciplines, and vocational goals.
* Two professional references (completed by a supervisor, former professor, etc.)
* One spiritual reference completed by the applicant’s pastor
* Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended
* Application fee
Upon review of initial application materials, qualified applicants will be contacted by the Program to arrange an in-person/virtual interview. During the Interview Phase, each applicant meets with a Program faculty member. This extensive interview, which lasts up to two hours, is comprised of conversation, role-plays, and an on-site writing assessment. Following the interview, an admission decision is made. Applicants are notified of the results within two weeks.
Preliminary Acceptance Phase
Applicants who succeed in the Interview Phase enter the Preliminary Acceptance Phase. This phase provides provisional acceptance to the CMHC-MD program. During the PAP, the new MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling student must display academic fitness by earning a grade of B or higher in each of the first four courses.
In addition to academic fitness requirements, Instructors will observe and rate each student on various interpersonal and professional fitness standards. Near or upon completion of the fourth course the student will meet with their Advisor to review their PAP performance. Students falling below expectations can be dismissed from the program. An individual remediation plan tailored to the student’s growth needs may also be considered. Failure to satisfy remediation plan requirements will result in dismissal. Successful PAP students may apply to the Candidacy Phase.
Candidacy Phase (CP)
The Candidacy Phase application requires two assessments, background checks, and an online training to ensure the student’s socio-emotional and behavioral fitness for the profession. The assessments (MMPI-2 and 16PF) are to be taken no later than the semester following successful completion of the PAP. Test results will be interpreted collaboratively by full-time faculty. Required background checks and online training are as follows:
1. Individual State and/or County Background Check
2. FBI Identity History Summary Check
3. Child Protective Services (CPS) Background Clearance
4. Baltimore Child Abuse Center (BCAC) Online Mandated Reporter Training
Once all information is received, the student will be interviewed by a full-time faculty member. Following the Candidacy Interview, recommendations germane to findings are generated. Outcomes include but are not limited to:
* Formal approval as socio-emotionally, academically, and behaviorally fit for advancement to Candidacy.
* Provisionally fit for Candidacy IF various recommendations are followed
* Temporary hiatus from additional classes until requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled.
* Unfit for candidacy and dismissal from the program.
Statute of Limitation: All CMHC-MD program requirements are to be completed within five years of PAP matriculation. Any petition to extend the statute of limitation due to special circumstances must be submitted to the Program Director by the student.
Application Response
Applicants will be notified within 3 weeks of the submission of all materials by Admissions. For applicants deemed fit to continue in the process, Admissions will refer those prospective students to the Program Director for an interview. Once the prospective is interviewed, recommendations regarding admissions status will be discussed with Admissions. Finally, Admissions will notify the prospective student of their acceptance status within two weeks.
Advanced Standing
Transcripts are evaluated by the Registrar and Program Director for possible transfer credits. Transfer Credit Policy:
Applicants pursuing a master's degree in the professional counseling program at LBC|Capital may request to transfer a maximum of 18 graduate credits (6 courses) into their master's degree program into which they are applying. To complete the Master of Arts professional counseling programs a student must have completed 60 credits of graduate coursework. To transfer the graduate courses, the individual grade earned must be at least "B" or higher, and the course must be relevant to the degree program that the applicant is applying for as determined by the program director. The Counseling and Social Work Department reserves the right to approve or decline the transfer credits, which will be communicated to the students during the interview process.
Pre-Program Requirements
Biblical and Theological Foundational Courses:
BTC 521
Biblical Narrative - Old Testament 1
BTC 531
Biblical Narrative - New Testament 1
BTC 561
Biblical Interpretation 1
BTC 571
Introduction to Christian Theology 1
Students must show competencies in Bible and Theology by completing four 1-credt Biblical and Theological Foundation courses or through a transcript evaluation. Students must complete all the Biblical and Theological Foundation courses before the practicum.
Retention
Candidacy Phase (CP)
The Candidacy Phase application requires two assessments, background checks, and an online training to ensure the student’s socio-emotional and behavioral fitness for the profession. The assessments (MMPI-2 and 16PF) are to be taken no later than the semester following successful completion of the PAP. Test results will be interpreted collaboratively by full-time faculty. Required background checks and online training are as follows:
1. Individual State and/or County Background Check
2. FBI Identity History Summary Check
3. Child Protective Services (CPS) Background Clearance
4. Baltimore Child Abuse Center (BCAC) Online Mandated Reporter Training
Once all information is received, the student will be interviewed by a full-time faculty member. Following the Candidacy Interview, recommendations germane to findings are generated. Outcomes include but are not limited to:
* Formal approval as socio-emotionally, academically, and behaviorally fit for advancement to Candidacy.
* Provisionally fit for Candidacy IF various recommendations are followed
* Temporary hiatus from additional classes until requirements have been satisfactorily fulfilled.
* Unfit for candidacy and dismissal from the program.
Statute of Limitation: All CMHC-MD program requirements are to be completed within five years of PAP matriculation. Any petition to extend the statute of limitation due to special circumstances must be submitted to the Program Director by the student.
Graduation
The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive the Master of Arts degree:
•
Satisfactory completion of all course work
•
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
•
Fulfillment of all financial obligations
Adherence to biblical standards and ethics in living one's lifestyle
Program Director
Sophia Ogunlana, Ed.D., LCPC, LPC
Assistant Professor, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director- Washington, D.C. Location
Dr. Sophia A. Ogunlana is a native Marylander who is married with two children. She holds a Bachelors in Psychology (with a concentration in Mental Health) and a minor in Religion from High Point University. As a proud alumni of Capital Bible Seminary, she holds a Masters in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy University. Dr. Ogunlana completed an internship with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) where she worked with patients with a childhood onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptoccocal Infections (P.A.N.D.A.S.). She has presented locally and nationally (Johns Hopkins University, Bowie State University, NIMH, the Art Institute of Washington, and American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences) on the following topics: Women and Minorities Issues, and the Role of Father Involvement, Rates of Rheumatic Fever in the Families of Patients with P.A.N.D.A.S./Sydenham’s chorea, Thriving and Surviving a Doctoral Counseling Program, and Transitioning from a Master’s to a Doctoral Counseling Program. As a co-author of the book entitled “Selecting and Surviving a Doctoral Program in Counseling,” she seeks to further research and find resources for counseling students. She holds an LPC and LCPC and has served in the Mental Health field for many years.
Education
Ed.D., Argosy University, Counseling Psychology
M.A. Capital Bible Seminary, Christian Counseling
B.S., High Point University, Psychology
Faculty List
Kevin Jackson, Ph.D., LCPC-S, LPC
Matthew Bonner, Ph.D., LCPC-S
Linda Mouzon, Ph.D., LCPC