Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) - Pennsylvania
Credential: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Optional concentrations in Addiction Counseling and Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling are available.
Licensure: Eligibility to apply for state licensure in PA (Licensed Professional Counselor) and professional certifications
Location: Lancaster (hybrid)
Program Mission Statement: The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is focused on preparing Christian students to understand the multifactorial causes and research-based treatments for various mental health struggles within the context of clinical mental health counseling. The curriculum of this program is centered on biblical truth using the Integrated Psychotherapy Model that combines current industry-proven strategies with biblical principles. This program equips individuals with theological distinctiveness, contemporary scholarship and professional counseling skills to serve within the local church, para-church organizations, counseling organizations, hospitals, prisons, retirement centers, and a variety of human service settings. Concentrations in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling or Addiction Counseling provide students with specialized training in an area of professional interest.
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program will provide training that will give entry level qualifications for opportunities in professional mental health opportunities, state licensure for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and professional certification.
Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, student will:
1. Recognize the history, legal system, ethics, and government policy related to the professional identity development of counselors within the clinical mental health field. (CACREP 2024, 5, C, 3, 6)
2. Evaluate theories and models to apply in case conceptualization, etiology, treatment planning, diagnostic processes, referral, and the prevention of mental disorders to engage in effective helping relationships across the continuum of care. (CACREP 2024, 5, C, 1, 2, 4)
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify effective assessment strategies to facilitate treatment planning and diagnoses. (CACREP 2024, 5, C, 4, 5)
4. Develop an understanding of research methods and the use of scholarly literature to inform evidence-based practices in clinical mental health counseling. (CACREP 2024, 5, C, 5)
5. Demonstrate skills necessary to conduct competent cultural assessment and treatment for diverse populations while advocating for justice. (CACREP 2024, 5, C, 8)
6. Recognize and apply legal & ethical practices, behaviors, and considerations in clinical mental health counseling that reflect an informed and collaborative approach to resolving professional dilemmas, including referral and interfacing with other healthcare professionals. (CACREP 2024, 5, C, 7)
7. Identify how lifespan development contributes to psychotherapeutic processes.
8. Analyze group dynamics and employ strategies for facilitating group processes..
9. Identify approaches for conceptualizing the relationship between career development and mental health as it pertains to self-understanding and decision-making.
10. Apply a biblical worldview to all areas of counselor preparation.
Educational Philosophy: The Educational Philosophy of the MA Clinical Mental Health Program is to provide
- Clinical training such that students are well-versed in research-based theoretical orientations and able to articulate and apply such views.
- Ample clinical experiences (in vivo and case study) such that students are able to grasp and deliver individual psychotherapy.
- A framework of learning that promotes critical thinking so that students are able to demonstrate professional evaluation of theoretical content in light of a biblical worldview.
- Robust clinical supervision for students as they practice/apply clinical skills taught in the classroom.
- Experiences in which students can transition their knowledge of scholarly publications and foundational, research-based clinical theories into future research endeavors.
Curriculum Structure and Degree Requirements
| Curricular Structure |
Credits |
| Biblical and Theological Foundations Course |
3 |
| Tier One - Core Professional Courses |
15 |
| Tier Two - Professional Courses |
18 |
| Tier Three - Professional Practice Courses |
9 |
| Elective/Concentration Course |
12 |
| Program Total |
60 |
The Admission Requirements section below contains information about pre-requisite courses that students must complete prior to taking graduate courses in this program.
Biblical and Theological Foundations Course (3 credits)
This chart outlines how prior college-level credits in Bible and theology, as represented on a transcript, apply to the Biblical and Theological Foundations course requirement.
| 15 or less credits of Bible and theology |
BTC 503 Foundations for Integration |
| 16-29 credits of Bible and theology |
BTC 504 Perspectives on Integration |
| 30 or more credits of Bible and theology |
Requirement satisfied |
If students have satisfied the Bible and theology requirement, they must take a CPS elective to meet the 60 credits required for this program and for licensure.
| BTC 503 | Foundations for Integration | 3 |
| OR | |
| BTC 504 | Perspectives on Integration | 3 |
Tier One - Core Professional Courses (18 credits)
These courses must be taken first as part of the Preliminary Acceptance Phase.
| CPS 501 | Orientation to Professional Counseling Identity, Function & Ethics | 3 |
| CPS 508 | Counseling Skills in Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CPS 515 | Counseling Theory and Techniques | 3 |
| CPS 530 | Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 510 | Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan | 3 |
| CPS 583 | Multicultural Foundations of Counseling | 3 |
Tier Two - Professional Courses (18 credits)
These courses can be taken only after being granted Candidacy.
| CPS 505 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| CPS 525 | Assessment Techniques in Counseling I | 3 |
| CPS 531 | Psychopathology & Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 541 | Group Counseling Leadership Skills | 3 |
| CPS 546 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| CPS 588 | Career and Lifestyle Development | 3 |
Tier Three - Professional Practice Courses (9 credits)
These courses can be taken only after completing Tier One and Tier Two courses.
Elective/Concentration Courses (12 credits)
These courses can be taken only after completing Tier Two.
Students may elect to use CPS Elective slots to take courses leading to a specific concentration (Addiction; or Marriage, Couples, & Family) OR they may take any CPS courses as their electives leading to no concentration.
Choose 12 credits from the following:
| CPS 580 | Equine-Assisted Therapy | 3 |
| CPS 546 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| CPS 585 | Trauma-Informed Counseling | 3 |
| CPS 553 | Counseling & Psychotherapy for the Individual | 3 |
| CPS 514 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| CPS 572 | Counseling Addictions | 3 |
| CPS 573 | Advanced Addictions Treatment Methods | 3 |
| CPS 517 | Biopsychology | 3 |
| CPS 540 | Marriage Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 550 | Family Counseling & Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPS 577 | Human Sexuality | 3 |
| CPS 575 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 |
Practicum and Internships
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.
CPS 601 Professional Counseling Practicum
- 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, and passing the CPCE exam.
- Minimum of 200 hours of field experience is required to complete the practicum - 80 hours of direct client contact, 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision, and 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 one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings.
CPS 602 Professional Counseling Internship I
- 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 CPS 601 Practicum.
- Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship - 130 hours of direct client contact, 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision, and 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 one-hour appointment with the processor for each VCS to review the recordings.
CPS 603 Professional Counseling Internship II
- 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 CPS 601 Practicum and CPS 602 Internship I.
- Minimum of 300 hours of field experience is required to complete the internship - 130 hours of direct client contact, 20 combined hours of individual and group supervision, and 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 one-hour appointment with the class professor for each VCS to review the recordings.
Admissions, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Admission into a master's degree program is consistent with the general admissions policy and practice of LBC | Capital. Admission criteria is located in the Admissions Information section of the catalog. This program has the following additional admissions requirements.
The application process for the MA in Counseling program has four phases: 1. Initial application phase (IAP), 2. Interview phase (IP; parts 1-2), 3. Preliminary acceptance phase (PAP), and 4. Candidacy phase (CP).
Initial Application Phase (IAP) requires submission of the following items:
- Online Application
- Personal statement of spiritual journey and statement of faith
- Two professional references completed online
- Transcript of an accredited bachelor's degree. Graduate transcripts required if seeking transfer credit approval.
- The TOEFL examination is required only if English is not the applicant's native language or if the applicant has not completed a degree program taught in English. TOEFL scores must be from tests administered within two years of the application deadline. If required, their test score must meet the following minimum for admission: Paper Score 550; Computer Score 213; or Internet Score 79. International students must also complete the Duolingo test with a score of 105. The applicant’s skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision. The official TOEFL score report must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service.
Pre-Program Requirements: Students must demonstrate completion of these requirements prior to taking a graduate course.
1. Counseling/Psychology Prerequisites Required before any Classes: PSYC _____ Undergraduate course in counseling/psychology 3 credits
Individuals seeking admission to the MA program must complete each step of the application process by submitting a complete application by:
| Fall Semester Start |
August 1 |
| Spring Semester Start |
December 1 |
| Summer Semester Start |
April 1 |
Application Process
Interview Phase Part 1 (IP1):
The prospective student is invited for an on-campus interview with the admission committee. Before the meeting, the applicant is asked to type a scholarly paper using APA (7th edition) format in Microsoft Word reviewing articles provided to them before scheduling the interview. Writing samples help the Counseling Department Admissions Committee assess for graduate-level skills related to comprehension, adaptability, critical thinking, and scholarly writing.
Interview Phase Part 2 (IP2):
After completion of the writing sample, the student has to appear before the admission committee for an interview. During the interview process, the committee assesses interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Those who have met the interview criteria will be welcomed to the preliminary acceptance phase.
Preliminary Acceptance Phase (PAP):
This phase enables provisional acceptance to the graduate program. Students must satisfy academic requirements of the 1st Tier Professional Core courses and then complete the steps for candidacy to continue in the MA counseling programs.
Application Response
After completion of the Interview Phase 2. The Program Admission Committee will communicate their decision to Global Admissions, and they will communicate the decision of the committee within 7-15 days. One of the three decisions described below are possible.
1. Recommended admission without contingencies: The applicant is fully accepted without any noted concerns.
2. Recommended admission with the prerequisites noted: The applicant is accepted with admission’s academic deficiencies identified. The applicant will be informed as to the required steps toward achieving full acceptance.
3. Do not recommend admission: These applicants will be notified in writing regarding this decision.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credit is awarded in accordance with the general transfer policy in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog. Transfer credits are reviewed and approved by the Program Director. This program has the following program specific transfer credit information.
| Graduate Program |
Program Credits |
# of Transfer Credits |
Min. Grade of Transfer Credits |
| Counseling Programs (MA) |
60 cr. |
18 graduate credits |
B |
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.
Program Retention
Academic progress in this program is monitored after each term. The Academic Probation policy and Academic Dismissal policy found in this catalog are applied to all LBC | Capital students. In addition this program has the following program retention requirements:
Candidacy Process: Upon receiving provisional acceptance to the graduate program, new MA counseling students will be required to complete the following steps in order to obtain full candidacy acceptance into the MA program. Students’ academic performance, interpersonal characteristics, and behavior are monitored throughout the program to ensure competency in preparation for the counseling profession.
1. Complete all first semester coursework with a grade of B or higher.
2. Each student will be rated by their professors on various interpersonal and academic performance standards via the Critical Competencies Review form in each of their first semester courses.
3. Obtain two (2) background checks (ACT 151 PA Child Abuse Clearance and ACT 34 PA Criminal Background Check) prior to candidacy interview, along with proof of completion of Mandated Reporter Training. These documents are necessary for approval for field placement. (If living or working in a different state, please review your state requirements for obtaining clearances).
4. Submit the Candidacy Application to the Counseling & Social Work department for review.
5. Students who have not met academic or interpersonal standards will be required to participate in an interview with a faculty panel and given an opportunity to defend their fit for the program.
Based on the results of the Candidacy application, recommendations germane to findings will be generated. Examples of recommendations 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.
Upon receiving full candidacy acceptance to the MA program, students can then proceed to enroll in courses from the Tier Two Professional Courses.
Counselor Preparation Comprehension Examination
Prior to practicum and internships, students must take the Counselor Preparation Comprehension Examination (CPCE) after completing Tier 1 and Tier 2 courses. The purpose of the exam is to assess the student’s knowledge of counseling to ensure minimum competence in the field. The CPCE will cover the eight required core areas outlined in CACREP 2024 Standards. Furthermore, the CPCE will also provide collective feedback that can be used by the program in developing/adapting curriculum. The CPCE is offered online and may be scheduled at the student’s convenience.
Graduation Requirements
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
Faculty
Program Director: Sean F. Dougherty, MS, MEd
Professor Sean Dougherty is Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at LBC | Capital’s main campus. Sean is also Assistant Provost and a two-time graduate of Lancaster Bible College, holding a master’s degree of education in School Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. His second master’s degree is from the California University of Pennsylvania in Sports Management. Professor Dougherty is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Sean has specialized in youth mental health and taught counseling in higher education for over a decade. Professor Dougherty has been a teacher, athletic coach, counselor, professor, and educational leader in K-12 and higher education settings. His areas of special interest include career counseling, group counseling, and suicide prevention. Sean maintains a caseload of clients at a local counseling center in addition to his work at LBC | Capital.
Faculty
Jon Shacklett, MA, LPC, CAADC, ACS
Day E. A. Butcher, EdD, LPC, LCAT, ATR-BC
Additional information about the Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor is available at
State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.