About the Program
The fundamental mission of the master's in clinical mental health counseling specialty is to educate and train counselors who will promote the optimal functioning of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Built upon a foundation of knowledge, skills, and dispositions within a multicultural and social justice framework, program graduates will be able to translate research-validated practices into effective strategies for individuals, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds. The course of study will support the acquisition of competency-based knowledge while fostering professional and personal growth through self-reflection and constructive feedback.
You can download archived copies (PDF) of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Handbook.
Clinical mental health counselors facilitate the growth and development of individuals, families, and groups through the helping relationship. They practice in a range of settings, including outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health agencies, individual and group private practice settings, and other contexts where counseling and mental health services are provided. PC is a distinct licensure specialty from other helping professions such as psychology, social work, psychiatry, and psychiatric nursing. Like other mental health professions, a variety of issues may be addressed through Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and the University of Utah PC program emphasizes the use of culturally-relevant, empirically supported, and strength-based approaches in addressing these issues.
Program Philosophy
The clinical mental health counseling’s “philosophy of training” provides students with a well- established program of study that leads to a license-eligible degree. The philosophy of the program is to provide trainees with the skills to become practicing professionals in the community while understanding the research and science behind mental health practice. Through this research-based practice students will become familiar with the research process as a consumer of research findings. The training is also focused on providing a generalist model to prepare students for a range of professional roles across various settings while working with diverse communities.
Program Objectives
The following ten described objectives are competency areas that align with the standards of the psychology and counseling accreditation council (MPCAC) and serve as the basis for the evaluation of student professional progress and readiness for practicum, internship, and professional practice. They also guide the CMHC program’s development and evaluation.
Goal 1 Ethical and Professional Standards
Objective 1A: Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical concepts, and awareness of legal issues regarding professional activities with individuals, groups, and organizations.
Objective1B: Students will exhibit behavior and comportment that reflect the professional values and attitudes of counseling and psychology.
Objective1C: Students demonstrate an understanding and use of supervision during applied experiences.
Goal 2 Evidence-based Theories and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy
Objective2A: Students will demonstrate knowledge of individual and group theories of counseling and psychotherapy including the impact of trauma on individuals groups and communities.
Objective2B: Students will relate effectively with individuals, groups, and communities.
Objective2C: Students will apply evidenced-based intervention and prevention strategies designed to alleviate suffering.
Goal 3 Multiculturalism and Diversity
Objective3A: Students will demonstrate knowledge, self-awareness, and skills in working with individuals, groups, and communities who represent various cultural and personal backgrounds, characteristics, and contexts.
Goal 4 Theories of Psychopathology and Relevant Classification Systems
Objective4A: Students will be able to apply concepts of normal/abnormal behavior to case formulation, diagnosis, and treatment planning in the context of stages of human development and diversity.
Goal 5 Methods of Evaluation of Individuals
Objective5A: Students will be knowledgeable in the administration, interpretation, and utility of methods of evaluation.
Goal 6 Research Methods
Objective6A: Students will demonstrate knowledge of scientific methods used by counselors and psychology practitioners in their clinical work and research.
Objective6B: Students will be science practitioners who can accurately evaluate the utility of published research.
Goal 7 Career Development
Objective7A: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the role of work in peoples’ lives.
Objective7B: Students will demonstrate understanding of the development of work and career choices across the lifespan.
Goal 8 Biological Basis of Behavior
Objective8A: Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relationship between biological factors and human functioning.
Goal 9 Developmental Basis of Behavior
Objective9A: Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human development, wellness, and learned bases of behavior across the lifespan.
Goal 10 Systems Basis of Behavior
Objective10A: Students will demonstrate knowledge of individuals in the context of their environment and how the environment affects functioning.
Objective10B: Demonstrates understanding of the use of systems changes to enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and/or institutions.
For more information, see Curriculum Map.
Watch Recorded Information Session
Watch our recorded information session to learn more about our M.Ed. Programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (PC) and School Counseling (Salt Lake City or St. George Programs). Topics covered:
- Program Mission/Objectives
- Coursework/Training
- Costs/Tuition
- Financial Aid
- How to Apply
Attend a Virtual Q&A Session
Our Faculty
The faculty is committed to offering a manageable program of study, with course offerings
that accommodate those balancing life demands. Consequently, many required courses
meet once per week in the early evening, in person, on the University of Utah campus.
Moreover, we are dedicated to providing close, individualized
attention to our students, selecting only 12-15 students per year. Because we limit
our numbers, students regularly provide feedback that they are well-known among the
faculty, receive close supervision, and appreciate the small class sizes. Students
also comment on both the non-competitive, collegial atmosphere among their class peers
and the close connections they are able to develop because of the smaller cohort size.
A.j. Metz
Associate Chair, Associate Professor
School Counseling Director
Educational Psychology
Profile for A.j. Metz
Karen Tao
Associate Professor
Counseling Psychology Director
Educational Psychology
Profile for Karen Tao