Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CNS)
CNS 500 Counseling Ethics (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the counseling profession, including its historical and philosophical foundations, ethical standards, and core professional values. Emphasis is placed on the multiple roles and functions of counselors across practice settings, including advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emergency response. Students explore professional credentialing, legal and regulatory considerations, and the structure of mental health care systems. The course also addresses current trends, professional organizations, labor market outlook, and supervision in counselor development. Strategies for counselor self-care, self-awareness, and ethical practice are integrated throughout.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 505 Theories of Counseling (3 credits)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of counseling theories and models of social justice and advocacy, emphasizing the application of these frameworks to clients from diverse cultural, developmental, and contextual backgrounds. Students will enhance their case conceptualization skills by applying critical thinking and clinical reasoning to address the unique needs of clients across a variety of cultural and family systems. Through the use of culturally sustaining and responsive counseling techniques, students will learn strategies to build and maintain effective therapeutic relationships across different service delivery modalities. The course will guide students in developing collaborative, developmentally appropriate treatment plans that prioritize client-centered goals and foster the change process. Additionally, students will learn to adapt counseling techniques to accommodate client culture, abilities, and preferences, utilizing evidence-based approaches for prevention and intervention. By the end of the course, students will integrate these principles to develop a personalized counseling model grounded in theory and research, equipping them to advocate for and serve diverse client populations effectively and ethically.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 510 Counseling Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
This course prepares counselors to address client needs across developmental levels within multicultural contexts. Students explore theories of individual and family development across the lifespan, including cultural identity development, learning, personality and psychological development. The course examines biological, neurological, physiological, systemic, cultural, and environmental factors that affect lifespan development, functioning, behavior, resilience, and overall wellness. Students study models of resilience, optimal development, and wellness across the lifespan, as well as models of psychosocial adjustment and adaptation to illness and disability, and the influence of mental and physical health conditions on coping, resilience, and overall wellness. Throughout the course, students apply developmental theories and models to intervention selection, case conceptualization, and understanding client experiences across the lifespan.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 515 Career Counseling (3 credits)
This course includes theories and models of career development combined with approaches to assessing factors that impact experiences of work and career. It includes strategies for advocating for clients’ career and educational development as well strategies for program planning and evaluation. Decision making and career planning interventions are presented with opportunities for application. The instructor may hold an optional introductory session meeting in week 1 to introduce students to the course expectations.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 520 Group Counseling (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the foundational theories, techniques, and processes of group counseling. Emphasizing clinical reasoning, cultural responsiveness, and ethical practice, students will explore the stages of group development, group dynamics, leadership styles, and group facilitation strategies. The course provides a comprehensive foundation in essential counseling skills, including assessment, intervention planning, and case conceptualization, all within the context of group work. Students will engage in experiential learning through direct participation in group counseling activities, both as facilitators and as group members. This experience supports the development of key counseling competencies such as attending and listening skills, fostering therapeutic alliance, and applying evidence-based group interventions. Emphasis is placed on integrating counselor characteristics, client needs, and group goals to effectively support diverse populations. CNS 520 is a hybrid course with: Six (1.5 hour) required synchronous online meetings (Weeks 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, and 13) One required in-person residency during Week 7
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 525 Skills & Techniques (3 credits)
This course provides students with a comprehensive foundation in essential counseling skills and techniques used across the helping professions. Emphasizing critical thinking and clinical reasoning, students will learn to apply developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and evidence-based strategies throughout the counseling process. The course focuses on building strong therapeutic alliances through effective interviewing, attending, and listening skills while fostering client empowerment and engagement. Students will engage in experiential learning to practice core counseling competencies, including assessment, intervention planning, consultation, and case management. Emphasis is placed on the integration of counselor characteristics, client preferences, and presenting concerns across diverse populations and service delivery settings. Students will also learn to use technology and outcome-based measures to monitor client progress, document services, and evaluate the effectiveness of counseling interventions.This is a hybrid course with a required in-person residency component.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 530 Assessment Practices (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the ethical, culturally sustaining, and developmentally appropriate use of standardized and non-standardized assessments in counseling. Emphasis is placed on selecting, administering, and interpreting assessments for abilities, behaviors, symptoms, risk factors, trauma, abuse, and diagnostic purposes. Students will gain foundational knowledge of assessment concepts, including reliability, validity, and statistical principles, and will learn how to apply assessment results to support diagnosis, intervention planning, and referral across diverse client populations and settings.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 535 Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
This course examines the effects of power and privilege for counselors and clients, including strategies for identifying and eliminating bias and prejudices that impact mental health. Theories of advocacy, identity development and multicultural counseling are explored. Experiential learning activities are designed to promote students' understanding of self and diverse clients. This is a hybrid course with: one optional introductory session in week 1, and six (1.5 hour) required synchronous course meetings throughout the semester, occurring in weeks 3,5,7,9, 11, and 13.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 540 Research Design & Evaluation (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the importance of research and program evaluation across counseling specialized areas, equipping students with a deep understanding of the counseling profession and its roles. Emphasizing the importance of research, students will explore how evidence-based interventions, practices, and theories advance counseling, contributing to meaningful client outcomes. Through an in-depth examination of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, along with culturally responsive assessment tools and program evaluation designs, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies. The course also provides practical experience in identifying, applying, and interpreting statistical tests to effectively evaluate counseling practices and programs. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to conduct and report research using culturally sustaining and ethically sound approaches, applying developmentally appropriate strategies to enhance their effectiveness in the counseling field.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 545 Crisis & Trauma (3 credits)
This course explores the foundations and applications of crisis counseling with an emphasis on trauma and violence across the lifespan. Students will examine the origins and impacts of crises, including disasters, interpersonal violence, systemic oppression, and self-inflicted harm, while developing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded strategies for intervention. Through engagement with research, multimedia resources, and applied assignments, learners will practice skills in psychological first aid, risk assessment, and professional wellness planning to support individuals, families, and communities navigating crisis and trauma.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 550 Diagnosis & Tx Planning (3 credits)
This course prepares counseling students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, diagnose, and plan treatment for a wide range of mental health disorders. Students will study the history, theories, symptoms, and etiology of mental and emotional disorders, with careful attention to sociocultural factors that shape mental health and help-seeking behaviors. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2022) and related resources, students will practice differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and the use of evidence-based interventions. The course emphasizes ethical practice, multicultural competence, and clinical judgment, equipping students to integrate diagnostic assessment into effective counseling practice.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 555 Sexuality Counseling (3 credits)
This course introduces counseling issues related to sexuality and gender in contemporary society. Through course readings, experiential activities, and asynchronous class discussions, students will critically examine their own comfort levels in discussing sexuality, analyzing challenging topics that may arise in client sessions. Students will develop an awareness of societal issues pertinent to individuals with diverse genders and sexualities and demonstrate knowledge of counseling approaches and interventions specific to the lived experiences of these populations. This course encourages students to explore how their views on gender and sexuality have been shaped by historical and sociopolitical contexts, as well as by their own lived experiences. Students will evaluate sexuality development across the lifespan, distinguishing developmentally appropriate issues from sexual disorders and mental health concerns to inform case conceptualization and treatment. Additionally, this course addresses ethical and cultural considerations essential for working with clients on sexuality-related issues, with particular attention to applying these principles in practice. Topics include biopsychosocial development; cultural factors affecting gender socialization; sexual and affectional orientation; social and family systems considerations; and aspects of gender and sexuality in mental health. An intersectional approach, which includes awareness of multiple social locations (e.g., gender, race, class, ethnicity, religion, age, affectional/sexual orientation, ability, size, immigration status, etc.), will be central to all discussions.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 560 Family & Couples Couns Techniq (3 credits)
This course prepares students to work with couples and families by exploring major models of relational and family therapy, including both foundational systemic theories and contemporary approaches. Emphasis is placed on systems-based assessment, case conceptualization, treatment planning, and culturally responsive intervention strategies. The course also addresses ethical and legal considerations, third-party reimbursement, and collaboration with courts, medical providers, and community systems. Through applied case analysis and treatment planning, students will develop the knowledge and skills to support diverse couples and families using theory-informed, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive practices.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 565 Addictions Counseling (3 credits)
This course provides an in-depth introduction to addictions counseling. Students will explore the history, philosophy, and development of the addictions field, including the evolution of treatment models, professional roles, and various practice settings. The course examines credentialing, licensure, and accreditation specific to addictions professionals, as well as ethical and legal considerations relevant to substance use and co-occurring disorders. Emphasis will be placed on applying professional codes of ethics to real-world counseling scenarios within diverse service delivery modalities. The course also emphasizes culturally sustaining and responsive approaches to addictions counseling. Students will critically examine how systemic power, privilege, and oppression influence substance use, treatment access, and recovery outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Attention will be given to the intersections of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and trauma, as well as the role of religion and spirituality in psychological functioning and recovery. Students will develop advocacy strategies that address barriers to care and promote equitable and inclusive addiction treatment practices. This is a hybrid course with: four (3 hour) required synchronous course meetings throughout the semester, occurring in weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7. The synchronous meetings will allow time for experiential learning, intrapersonal and interpersonal processing, and discussion.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 570 Special Topics in Counseling (3 credits)
This course offers a unique opportunity to develop an idea or project, conduct research, and create a final written paper, report, or artistic work with the personalized instruction and one-on-one guidance of a faculty member. Throughout the course, you’ll identify and define a research area of interest and develop a proposal draft for your research study. You’ll be expected to select, plan, and outline an original research study based on a clinical population of your choice.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 575 Family Systems and Addictions (3 credits)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of addiction theories, neurobiological factors, and their impact on family systems, with a focus on counseling approaches for families affected by substance use and co-occurring conditions. Students will explore foundational counseling theories and intervention models to address addiction within family dynamics, emphasizing the identification of substance use patterns and effective referral processes to support recovery. Through the relevant models, students will gain insight into the progressive stages of addiction services, including crisis intervention, treatment, and aftercare. Special considerations for counseling families affected by addiction will be highlighted, preparing students to respond to the complex needs of families navigating the challenges of substance use and recovery.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 580 Addiction: Dx, Tx, & Recovery (3 credits)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of substance use disorders through the lens of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Students will examine risk and protective factors contributing to the development and maintenance of addiction, utilizing this knowledge to inform culturally responsive prevention, assessment, and treatment planning. Emphasis is placed on recognizing symptoms related to psychoactive substance use, including toxicity, intoxication, and withdrawal, and responding to these symptoms through integrated client care and crisis intervention strategies. Students will engage with evidence-based approaches to enhance client motivation, manage cravings, and support relapse prevention across stages of change and diverse populations. The course critically explores abstinence-based and harm reduction models of recovery, evaluating their use within varying clinical and cultural contexts. Learners will also develop individualized treatment plans that align with stage-appropriate interventions and incorporate recovery supports such as vocational, familial, legal, and community-based systems, including considerations for court-mandated clients.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 585 Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
The course will cover foundational principles of psychopharmacology, including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly prescribed psychiatric medications for mental health conditions, particularly highlighting addiction. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of drug classes. The course will address the clinical application of these medications, focusing on evidence-based practices for monitoring and adjusting treatment plans. Special attention will be given to the complex interplay between medication, mental health conditions, and the biopsychosocial model of care.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 590 Intgrtv Prac Grief Loss Counsl (3 credits)
This course is designed to prepare counselors to critically evaluate and integrate diverse grief theories, models, and evidence-informed practice to develop a comprehensive understanding of the individualized nature of grief and loss across diverse contexts. Legal and ethical considerations as well as an exploration of self-care strategies to employ when discussing grief and loss will be addressed.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 595 Contemp Issues in Counseling (3 credits)
This course is designed to prepare counselors to critically examine and address emerging complexities in the counseling field. Course participants will apply ethical decision-making processes, integrate culturally-relevant practices, and examine contemporary issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within counseling practice. Technology-assisted counseling roles and procedures will be explored in the context of current day practice.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 600 Practicum (3 credits)
Students will learn counseling skills and techniques through classroom instruction and experiential learning activities at their approved field placement sites. Counselor characteristics and behaviors that influence the counseling process will be addressed. Students will integrate skills and knowledge by working with actual clients under the supervision of a licensed clinician. In addition, students will meet weekly in a required synchronous small group session in a seminar-style course led by a faculty supervisor. A minimum of 100 hours at an approved counseling site is required.
Prerequisites: CNS 500 and CNS 505 and CNS 510 and CNS 515 and CNS 520 and CNS 525 and CNS 530 and CNS 535 and CNS 540
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 605 Foundations: School Counseling (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the profession of school counseling by providing historical and philosophical overviews. Students will learn relevant models of school counseling programs and current evidenced based practices to promote leadership and advocacy in K-12 school settings.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 610 Counseling Children in Schools (3 credits)
This course includes an overview of personal, social, behavioral, and developmental concerns within children and adolescent populations. Students will learn research-based approaches and techniques applicable in school settings to promote academic success and overall wellness.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 615 College and Career Readiness (3 credits)
This course addresses theories and models of career development appropriate for K-12 school settings. Students will learn approaches to increase promotion and graduation rates, interventions to promote college and career readiness, and strategies to promote equity in student achievement and college access.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 620 Seminar in School Counseling (3 credits)
This course addresses the multiple roles of school counselors as leaders, consultants, and advocates in the school setting. Students will learn to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive developmental K-12 school counseling program that promotes equity and academic achievement.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 625 Rlgn&Spirituality Cnslng Prac (3 credits)
This course is designed to prepare counselors to recognize diverse religious and spiritual belief systems, apply culturally-relevant spiritual assessment and practice tools into counseling, and recognize the role of belief systems in relation to identity, mental health, and wellbeing. Ethical considerations emphasizing the importance of professional boundaries and respect for persons' autonomy in regards to religion and spirituality will be explored.
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 691 Internship I (3 credits)
Students will build on foundational counseling skills and techniques through advanced experiential learning activities at their approved field placement sites. This course emphasizes professional competencies, counselor behaviors, and characteristics that influence the therapeutic process. Students will refine their skills and integrate knowledge by providing direct counseling services to clients under the supervision of a licensed clinician. Additionally, students will participate in a weekly synchronous seminar-style group supervision session facilitated by a faculty supervisor. A minimum of 600 hours at an approved counseling site is required, including 240 hours of direct client contact; these hours are split across two semesters (300 hours per semester; at least 120 of the 300 hours must be from direct client contact per semester).
Prerequisites: CNS 530 and CNS 545 and CNS 550 and CNS 600
Attributes: Graduate
CNS 692 Internship II (3 credits)
Students will build on foundational counseling skills and techniques through advanced experiential learning activities at their approved field placement sites. This course emphasizes professional competencies, counselor behaviors, and characteristics that influence the therapeutic process. Students will refine their skills and integrate knowledge by providing direct counseling services to clients under the supervision of a licensed clinician. Additionally, students will participate in a weekly synchronous seminar-style group supervision session facilitated by a faculty supervisor. A minimum of 600 hours at an approved counseling site is required, including 240 hours of direct client contact; these hours are split across two semesters (300 hours per semester; at least 120 of the 300 hours must be from direct client contact per semester).
Prerequisites: CNS 605
Attributes: Graduate