E. Christine Moll, Chair; David L. Farrugia, Ann Marie C. Lenhardt, Michael Rutter, Holly Tanigoshi-Fetter.
The Department of Counseling and Human Services offers a course of study designed to prepare humanistic, competent, professional counselors. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accreditor in the field of counseling, accredits the two counseling programs leading towards a Master of Science degree. The Department offers the following:
A 60 hour Master of Science (MS) degree in Community Mental Health Counseling;The Community Mental Health Counseling program prepares graduates to work in settings serving clients diagnosed along a continuum of mental and emotional disorders. Our graduates advocate for and promote mental health and wellness. Mental Health Counselors work with individuals, couples, families, or groups in settings that include the following:
A 48 hour Master of Science (MS) degree in School Counseling;
A Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in School Counseling.
| Mental health counseling agencies | Private practice | |
| Substance abuse clinics/agencies | Hospitals | |
| Crises counseling centers |
Other clinical mental health centers offering counseling services.
Our graduates are knowledgeable in the principles and practices of diagnosis, treatment, referral and prevention and often work in interdisciplinary teams with other health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, social workers, MDs).
The Community Mental Counseling Program is a “license qualifying education program” within New York State leading towards licensure as a “licensed mental health counselor” (LMHC). Please see the New York State Mental Health Counseling website for more information.
The School Counseling Program prepares graduates to work with students ranging from kindergarten through high school, as an “initially certified school counselor” in New York State. School counselors work in both private and public school systems at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
School counselors are prepared to promote the academic, career, and personal and social development of all K-12 students by understanding how to design and implement comprehensive school guidance and counseling programs that include time for individual counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, and family and teacher consultations within the school setting.
Upon completion of the MS degree in School Counseling and Initial Certification, a graduate must work full-time for two years as a school counselor and complete a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) within five years to apply for the New York State “Permanent Certification.” The program at Canisius has a reputation for having an orientation toward practical and applied skills. In addition to learning direct counseling skills, future school counselors are prepared to work collaboratively in the roles of leadership, advocacy and consultation, allowing our graduates to influence schools on a systemic level in addition to performing the traditional counselor’s role with individuals and groups.
Chemical Dependency Counseling
The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) is the credential for counselors in New York who work specifically with individuals afflicted with addiction. Canisius is accredited by New York State to provide academic preparation for the CASAC. Additional requirements can be found on the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) website.
Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation counselors help people deal with the personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They counsel people with both physical and emotional disabilities resulting from birth defects, illness or disease, accidents, or other causes. They evaluate the strengths and limitations of individuals, provide personal and vocational counseling, offer case management support, and arrange for medical care, vocational training, and job placement. Our program allows students to gain the academic background necessary to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Additional information and requirements can be found on the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) website.
Admission
Student candidates must fulfill the general requirements for admission to graduate work in education. In addition, candidates must complete the following:
Required for Admission or Within the First Semester of Study
Successful completion of the Counseling and Human Services screening assessment battery, which includes the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-II (MMPI-II), a written autobiography, and an empathy test.
Completion of a personal interview with the academic advisor.
On-going Evaluation of Counseling Candidates
It is necessary that candidates continue to show evidence of high academic performance and display professional dispositions during interactions in and out of class. These characteristics as well as each candidate’s professional identity are assessed at specific “transition points” through the program. It is imperative that student candidates pass each transition point to continue in the program.
Candidates in both counseling programs adhere to the 2005 American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. Candidates must declare a program major in either school counseling (SC) or community mental health counseling (CMHC). It is possible to be a “dual major.” Interested candidates should contact their advisors.
| Outline of Courses Core courses required for both counseling programs: | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| EDC 570 | Introduction to Professional Counseling & Ethics | 3 |
| EDC 560 | Child Abuse Prevention co-requisate lab (done with EDC 570) | 0 |
| EDC 593 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| EDC 579 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 573 | Counseling Theories | 3 |
| EDC 589 | Family and Couples Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 574 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 571 | Psychological and Educational Assessment | 3 |
| EDC 572 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 597 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| EDC 615 | Research Techniques | 3 |
| EDC 575 | Pre-Practicum Helping Skills | 3 |
| Core Credits | 33 | |
| School Counseling Courses Required for Master's Degree | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| EDC 566 | School Violence Prevention | 0 |
| EDC 567 | Principles of School Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 576 | School Practicum | 3 |
| EDC 603 | Internship (full time) | 6 |
| OR | ||
| EDC 604 | Part-time Internship I | 3 |
| AND | ||
| EDC 605 | Part-time Internship II | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits for Master's Degree | 48 | |
| Courses required for Certificate of Advanced Study for Permanent Certification in School Counseling | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| EDC 590 | Managing School Counseling Programs | 3 |
| Choose a substance abuse prevention course: | ||
| EDC 587 | School-Based Prevention and Intervention Programs | 3 |
| OR | ||
| EDC 585 | Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| OR | ||
| EDC 586 | Physiological & Psychological Aspects of Sub. Abuse | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits for Permanent Certification | 60 | |
| Mental Health Counseling Courses required for Master's Degree | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
| EDC 568 | Principle of Community Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| EDC 577 | Agency Practicum | 3 |
| CHOOSE ONE | ||
| EDC 585 | Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| OR | ||
| EDC 586 | Physiological & Psychological Aspects of Sub. Abuse | 3 |
| EDC 598 | Case Formulation, Tx Planning, and Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| EDC 600 | Internship (full time) | 6 |
| OR | ||
| EDC 601 | Part-time Internship I | 3 |
| AND | ||
| EDC 602 | Part-time Internship II | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits for Master's Degree | 60 | |
COURSES 2010 – 2012
EDC 567 Principles of School Counseling 3 credits
The various roles, functions, responsibilities and identity of the school counselor are the focus of this course. This course presents social, political and current professional issues within school counseling.
EDC 568 Principles and Practices of Mental Health Counseling 3 credits
Introduction to historical and organizational perspectives of Mental Health Counseling services. This course presents the roles and functions of mental health counselors and the current professional issues confronting those in the mental health field.
EDC 570 Introduction to Professional Counseling and Ethics 3 credits
This course serves as an introduction to the roles, philosophy, issues, theories, professional foundations and ethics for counselors in schools and community agencies.
EDC 571 Psychological and Educational Assessment 3 credits
This course examines the selection, use, interpretation and critical evaluation of standardized psychological tests of intelligence, achievement, interest and personality. The practical use of psychological and educational assessment in counseling is reviewed. Prerequisite: EDC 570.
EDC 572 Career Counseling 3 credits
Current theories, resources and processes pertinent to vocational development, decision-making and career counseling is studied. Prerequisite: EDC 570.
EDC 573 Counseling Theories 3 credits
The introduction of historical and current theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Students study the application of those theories to realistic case situations and the development of the individual student’s approach to the helping relationship. Prerequisite: EDC 570.
EDC 574 Group Counseling 3 credits
This course studies the theoretical and experiential basis for dealing with groups in both information-oriented and therapy-oriented situations. Values and limitations of group techniques are delineated. Prerequisite: EDC 570.
EDC 575 Pre-Practicum Helping Skills 3 credits
Application of theory, consultation and other helping skills conducted in a supervised educational environment. Must be completed before any field-based practicum or internship. Prerequisites: EDC 570, EDC 573.
EDC 576 School Practicum 3 credits
The first of two field experiences, this is a school-centered placement of student counselors for experiential purposes. Directed activities develop understanding of the role and skills of the school counselor. School violence issues related to Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation are discussed in the course seminar. Prerequisites: EDC 567, 570, 573, and 575.
EDC 577 Agency Practicum 3 credits
The first of two field experiences, this is an agency-centered placement of student counselors for experiential purposes. Directed activities develop understanding of the role and clinical skills of community mental health counselors. Prerequisites: EDC 568, 570, 573, and 575.
EDC 579 Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling 3 credits
A broad range of diversity issues in counseling including ethnic, racial, gender, disability, and sexual orientation are discussed. The focus is on developing sensitivity and counseling skills that are applicable to all clients.
EDC 581 Grief Counseling 3 credits
This is an elective course to educate the counselor about the grief response in individuals and families when faced with disappointment and loss, especially when the loss entails death.
EDC 585 Chemical Dependency and Rehabilitation 3 credits
This course reviews the history of drug abuse and characteristics of drug dependence and chemical abuse treatment modalities, including strategies for prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.
EDC 586 Physiological and Psychological Aspects of Chemical Dependency 3 credits
This course delineates the etiology of chemical dependency. Students learn diagnosis, screening, counseling issues and ethical issues as they relate to the recovery and growth of a client.
EDC 587 School Based Prevention and Intervention Programs 3 credits
This elective course is designed for those preparing to become school counselors, teachers and administrators. Students learn about the factors involved in the lives of at-risk youth. Participants develop skills to design, monitor and evaluate proactive student assistance programs to maximize learning in today’s schools. Discussion revolves around prevention programming and intervention models.
EDC 589 Family and Couples Counseling 3 credits
The course outlines the characteristics of normal and troubled families. There is an emphasis on the theories and techniques of family counseling, including the works of Minuchin, Satir, Bowen and Haley. Solutionfocused approaches and other post-modern theories are also discussed.
EDC 590 Managing School Counseling Programs (web only) 3 credits
Designed for the novice professional school counselor, administrative and leadership practices in school counseling are discussed. Issues, challenges and opportunities to take a leadership role within school counseling programs are discussed. Prerequisite: EDC 603 or EDC 605.
EDC 593 Lifespan Development 3 credits
Human growth and development are the primary topics for this class. It includes individual and family development within various domains (cognitive, career, socio-economic) across the lifespan. Theoretical perspectives for understanding child, adult and family development are discussed and applied to counseling.
EDC 597 Psychopathology 3 credits
This course provides an in-depth investigation of human abnormality. Students learn the current DSM categories of disorders, depression and considerations for dealing with crisis situations.
EDC 598 Case Formulation, Tx Planning, and Psychopharmacology 3 credits
This course teaches students to integrate information from clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and test results to establish DSM-IV multiaxial diagnoses and to develop person-centered biopsychosocial counseling plans. Major categories of psychotropic medications will be discussed.
EDC 600 Internship FT 6 credits
The second of two field experiences, this is a full-time placement within a community mental health facility. The student has to an opportunity to engage in diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention. Prerequisite: EDC 577.
EDC 601 Internship PT 3 credits
The second of two field experiences, this is the first of a two semester placement within a community mental health facility. The student has an opportunity to engage in diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention. Must be followed by EDC 602. Prerequisite: EDC 577.
EDC 602 Internship PT 3 credits
This is the continuation of EDC 601 and is an in-depth experience with the functions of a mental health counselor through placement in a community mental health agency. Prerequisite: EDC 601.
EDC 603 Internship FT 6 credits
The second of two field experiences, this a full-time placement within a school counseling office. The student has an opportunity to engage in counseling, guidance and other functions of a school counselor. rerequisite: EDC 576.
EDC 604 Internship PT 3 credits
The second of two field experiences, this the first of a two semester placement within a school counseling office. The student has an opportunity to engage in counseling, guidance and other functions of a school counselor. Prerequisite: EDC 576. Must be followed by EDC 605. Prerequisite: EDC 577.
EDC 605 Internship PT 3 credits
This is a continuation of EDC 604, and is an in-depth experience with the functions of a school counselor through placement in a K-12 educational setting. Prerequisite: EDC 604.
EDC 615 Research Techniques 3 credits
Students learn qualitative and quantitative research methods. The course reviews realistic experiences in carrying out research and evaluation experiments, including inferential statistical methods. Prerequisite: EDC 571.