Dual Specialization in Marital, Couple, Family  Counseling & Therapy and Mental Health Counseling

Marital, Couple, Family Counseling/Therapy Specialization Goals

1. To understand the history and development of marital, couple, and family counseling/therapy as a specialization within the counseling profession;

2. To appreciate the specific role and function of the marital, couple, and family counselor/therapist in the helping professions;

3. To facilitate an understanding of the influences of culture, family life cycle, diversity, and societal trends on the practice of marital, couple, and family counseling/therapy;

4. To assist students in developing a systemic perspective about client behaviors and the processes of problem-formation, problem-maintenance, and problem-resolution;

5. To help students identify and understand the major theoretical and practice models in the area of marital, couple, and family counseling/therapy;

6. To facilitate students’ development of marital, couple, and family counseling/therapy interviewing, assessment, and intervention skills; and

7. To increase awareness of the role of wellness, prevention, and relationship enhancement programs in the practice of marital, couple, and family counseling/therapy.

Mental Health Counseling Specialization Goals

1. To understand the history and development of the Mental Health Counseling specialization;

2. To develop the knowledge and skills to provide counseling in a mental health setting or agency;

3. To understand the specific role and function of the mental health counselor in the helping professions;

4. To develop the knowledge and skills necessary to function as part of a multi-disciplinary mental health team member in a community agency, with other mental health service providers;

5. To develop a knowledge and understanding of abnormal behavior (psychopathology) as it applies to the mental health counselor; and

6. To develop a knowledge and understanding of psychopharmacology as it applies to the mental health counselor.