Dec 04, 2024  
General Catalog 2024-2025 
    
General Catalog 2024-2025

Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Option, M.S.


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The Department of Counselor Education and Rehabilitation  

Master of Science Degree Requirements

Program Description

The M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is a 60-unit accredited program that prepares culturally competent counselors using evidence-based and emerging best practices in an ethical manner while adhering to the Code of Professional Ethics and Scope of Practice for the profession. Students have two options: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students have the ability to pursue certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and National Certified Counselor, as well as meet the eligibility requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credential. The program has earned top rankings in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and is a national leader in hands-on, real-world rehabilitation in California and beyond.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements listed in the Graduate Education Program section of this catalog, admission to the M. S. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendations, interview by the program faculty and the recommended completion of the following prerequisite coursework or their equivalents, earning a letter grade of C or better: ERE 153 , COUN 174  or PSYCH 174 , and COUN 176  or PSYCH 66 .

Program prerequisites may not be counted toward the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. The prerequisites may be completed during the first semester of the program, but students may not complete more than 10 units of 200-level coursework before obtaining classified standing (full admission to the program).

Option in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Requirements

The Option in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is a 60-unit program designed for individuals seeking advanced preparation for careers in mental health settings. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling option prepares future mental health counselors who effectively and compassionately serve the mental health needs of diverse individuals across a lifespan.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling option provides education and training to provide mental health services to individuals in individual and group environments. Preparation for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling option requires knowledge organized around core foundation courses, interpersonal growth experiences, diversity competence, advanced content and practice courses, and an intensive field experience placement. The CMHC option prepares individuals to become a licensed professional counselor.

Program Requirements


Under the direction of a graduate advisor, each student develops and submits an individually designed program within the following framework:

Culminating Experience (3 units)


Choose between

Total: 60 Units


Note: (1) REHAB 201 , REHAB 204  or REHAB 245 , REHAB 237 , and REHAB 238  must be completed with a grade of B or better. (2) Students meet the Graduate Writing Requirement by passing the writing component of REHAB 237  or COUN 206  or REHAB 238 . Please refer to the program’s Student Manual for additional information.

In order to graduate, the student must complete the graduate writing requirement, one clinical reviews, and all other specific degree requirements. In addition, the student must complete one of the following: (1) the comprehensive exam (may be met by passing the National Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam), (2) Project, or (3) Thesis. Students may take the comprehensive examination a total of three (3) times before being recommended for dismissal from the program.

In compliance with Federal Requirements for Posting Licensure and Certification Eligibility, please see the CSU Chancellor’s office. (https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/about-the-csu/accreditation).

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