Offered by Department of Counseling and School Psychology:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Mission and Objectives

Counselor Education Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Counselor Education Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is to graduate knowledgeable and clinically skilled professional counselors who are competent to work with and advocate for diverse clients in a variety of settings, with special emphasis in rural mental health. The program helps students develop a strong counselor professional identity through ethical and competent practice as well as expanding self-awareness. Thus, graduate students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal development.

The general objective of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling major is to prepare professional mental health counselors who meet the highest standards for delivering counseling in a wide variety of community and agency settings. Employment of mental health counselors is expected to grow by 24 percent between 2008-2014, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to grow by 21 percent.

In addition to the CACREP common-core objectives, clinical mental health counseling majors will:

1. Possess knowledge of the development of the mental health counseling movement.
2. Understand the general roles, duties, and expectations of the mental health counselor.
3. Know the specialized legal and ethical responsibilities and functions of the mental health counselor.
4. Possess an understanding of cultural diversity as it relates to mental health counseling.
5. Possess an understanding of the relationship of mental health counseling to other health and human services.
6. Be familiar with the factors related to the management of mental health services.
7. Be familiar with the treatment procedures of mental and emotional disorders.
8. Know specific models for assessing psychopathological behavior and be familiar with the DSM diagnostic categories.
9. Be knowledgeable about the effects and side effects of the commonly used psychotropic drugs.
10. Be familiar with case management procedures and the steps for developing a treatment plan.
11. Be familiar with procedures for referral and possess consultation skills for use with other mental health professionals.
12. Understand factors related to client advocacy and patients' rights.
13. Be familiar with several approaches to individual, group, marital, couple, and family counseling.