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Portland State University Clinical Mental Health Counseling

  • About Portland State University Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

    • History of the Program
    • Accreditation and Licensing
    • Faculty and Staff

  • Program Curriculum and Requirements

    • Required Courses
    • Internship and Practicum Experiences
    • Elective Courses

  • Career Opportunities and Outcomes

    • Job Prospects for CMHC Graduates
    • Salary and Earnings Potential
    • Alumni Success Stories and Achievements

  • Admission and Application Requirements

    • Application Deadlines and Process
    • Requirements for International Students
    • Criteria for Admissions Review

  • Program Support and Resources

    • Student Services and Support
    • Campus Resources for CMHC Students
    • Student Organizations and Activities

  • Research and Professional Development Opportunities

    • Research Centers and Labs
    • Conferences and Workshops
    • Publication and Presentation Opportunities

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CMHC Program

    • Commitment to DEI Principles
    • Courses and Training on Diversity Topics
    • DEI Initiatives and Programs

  • Collaboration with Community Partners

    • Partnerships with Local Organizations
    • Service Learning and Volunteer Opportunities
    • Community Engagement Projects and Events

  • Opportunities for Continuing Education and Specializations

    • Advanced Degrees and Certifications
    • Specializations and Concentrations
    • Professional Development Courses and Trainings

  • Campus Life and Environment for CMHC Students

    • Location and Surrounding Community
    • Housing and Dining Options
    • Recreational and Social Activities
About Portland State University Clinical Mental Health Counseling ProgramPortland State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program has a rich history of training students to become compassionate and effective mental health professionals. The program was established in 1977 and has since evolved to meet the changing needs of the field. It is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and licensed by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT).The faculty and staff of the CMHC program are dedicated to providing students with a supportive and rigorous learning environment. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise from diverse backgrounds, including clinical practice, research, and advocacy. The program also includes adjunct faculty who are active practitioners in the community, providing students with real-world perspectives and connections.Program Curriculum and RequirementsThe CMHC program requires students to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, including required courses, internship and practicum experiences, and elective courses. The required courses cover topics such as counseling theories, multicultural counseling, group counseling, and assessment and diagnosis. Students also participate in supervised clinical experiences in community agencies and clinics.Elective courses allow students to explore specialized areas of interest, such as trauma counseling, addictions counseling, and child and adolescent counseling. The program also offers opportunities for research and professional development through elective courses, independent studies, and participation in conferences and workshops.Career Opportunities and OutcomesGraduates of the CMHC program are well-prepared for a range of career opportunities in the mental health field, including working in community agencies, private practice, hospitals, schools, and government agencies. Job prospects for CMHC graduates are strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 25% growth in employment for mental health counselors from 2019 to 2029. Graduates also have the potential to earn competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $46,240 for mental health counselors.The CMHC program has a strong track record of alumni success stories and achievements. Graduates have gone on to become leaders in the field, contributing to research, advocacy, and community-based initiatives. The program also maintains an active alumni network, providing ongoing support and opportunities for professional development.Admission and Application RequirementsApplicants to the CMHC program must meet several criteria, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and relevant experience or coursework in counseling or a related field. International students must also meet additional requirements, such as language proficiency tests and visa documentation.The admission process includes submitting an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining the applicant's goals and experiences. The program also considers factors such as diversity, work experience, and leadership potential in its admissions review.Program Support and ResourcesThe CMHC program provides a range of student services and support, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources. The program also offers access to campus resources such as the Student Health and Counseling Center, the Disability Resource Center, and the Women's Resource Center.In addition to academic support, the program encourages students to get involved in student organizations and activities, such as the Counseling Graduate Student Association and the Multicultural Counseling Student Association. These groups provide opportunities for networking, socializing, and community engagement.Research and Professional Development OpportunitiesThe CMHC program is committed to advancing the field through research and professional development opportunities. The program has several research centers and labs, including the PSU Center for Student Health and Counseling Research and the PSU Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute.The program also encourages students to participate in conferences and workshops, such as the Oregon Counseling Association Conference and the American Counseling Association Conference. Students may also have opportunities to publish and present their research findings.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CMHC ProgramThe CMHC program is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles in its curriculum, policies, and practices. The program offers courses and training on topics such as multicultural counseling, social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. It also has DEI initiatives and programs, such as the Bias Response Team and the Cultural Competency Certificate Program.Collaboration with Community PartnersThe CMHC program values partnerships with local organizations and actively engages in service learning and volunteer opportunities. Students have opportunities to work with community partners, such as the Portland VA Medical Center and the Children's Relief Nursery, through their internship and practicum experiences. The program also hosts community engagement projects and events, such as the Mental Health Fair and the Suicide Prevention Walk.Opportunities for Continuing Education and SpecializationsThe CMHC program provides opportunities for students to pursue advanced degrees and certifications, such as a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision or a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. The program also offers specializations and concentrations, such as the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy concentration and the Addictions Counseling specialization.Additionally, the program provides professional development courses and trainings, such as the Motivational Interviewing Training and the Trauma-Informed Care Training.Campus Life and Environment for CMHC StudentsPortland State University is located in the heart of downtown Portland, providing easy access to a vibrant urban environment. The campus offers a range of housing and dining options, including on-campus apartments and dining halls. The university also has a variety of recreational and social activities, such as the Campus Recreation Center and the Viking Game Room.Overall, the Portland State University Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for students who are passionate about helping others. With its strong curriculum, diverse faculty and staff, and commitment to DEI principles, the program prepares graduates for successful and rewarding careers in the mental health field.

Frequently Asked Questions about Portland State University Clinical Mental Health Counseling

What is the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University?

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University is a graduate-level program that prepares students for careers as licensed professional counselors. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes theoretical and practical training in counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.

What are the admission requirements for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University?

The admission requirements for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an interview with the admissions committee. Applicants should also have relevant experience in the field of mental health or counseling.

What kind of career opportunities are available after completing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University?

Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in mental health counseling, including working in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and schools. Graduates may also pursue doctoral-level education in counseling or related fields.

What is the time commitment for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University?

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University is a two-year, full-time program. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including coursework, practicum, and internship requirements. Part-time options are also available for students who require more flexibility.

What kind of support services are available to students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Portland State University?

Portland State University offers a variety of support services to students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid assistance, and counseling services. The program also has a dedicated faculty and staff who provide mentorship and support throughout the program.