NCE’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, illustrating how the College is following through with our commitment to the betterment of education on both a local and national level.
Florida Counseling Department Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Handbook
National Louis University
College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
National Louis University The Counseling Department, Florida MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tampa and Online 6550 W. Hillsborough Ave Tampa, Florida 33634
SUBJECT TO CHANGE NOTICE: The rules, regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study and academic requirements that appear in this Handbook do not constitute a contract between the University and any student, applicant for admission or other person. The University reserves the right to change, eliminate and add to any existing (and to introduce additional) rules, regulations, policies, fees and other charges, courses of study and academic requirements. Whenever it does so, the University will give as much advance notice as it considers feasible or appropriate, but it reserves the right in all cases to do so without notice. In addition, there are further policies that can be found in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog online.
Table of Contents
MS IN C LINICAL M ENTAL H EALTH C OUNSELING – T AMPA
7
C ORE P ROGRAM F ACULTY
7
Directory of Support Services
7
G ENERAL P ROGRAM I NFORMATION
8
Graduate Counseling Program
8
Mission Statement
8
Program Goals
8
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
9
Diversity Statement
9
Handbook Policies
9
Accreditation
9
State Licensure
10
Endorsement Policy
10
Professional Identity and Professional Organizations
10
Application for Formal Admission
11
Full Admission
12
Provisional Admission
12
Admission Denied
13
Student-at-Large/Non-Degree Seeking Student
13
Persons with Disabilities
13
G RADUATION I NFORMATION
13
Application for Graduation
13
Change of Address
13
Features of the Program
13
Curriculum
13
Faculty
14
Course Progression
14
15
Software
15
Netiquette
Course Schedule
16
C OMPREHENSIVE E XAMINATION
17
Examination Content
17
When to Take the Comprehensive Examination?
17
Directions
17
Clinical Sequence
18
I NFORMATION FOR P RACTICUM AND I NTERNSHIP
18
Liability Insurance
18
G ENERAL P OLICIES , P ROCEDURES , G RADE E XPECTATIONS , AND G UIDELINES
19
Ethical Behavior
19
Course and Grading Policies and Procedures
19
Incomplete Grades
20
Course Assignments
20
Participation and Posting Policy:
21
C OUNSELOR - IN -T RAINING : I NFORMED C ONSENT FOR S ELF -G ROWTH
21
Experiences
21
P ROGRAMMATIC P OLICIES ON W RITING P ROFICIENCY
21
P ERSONAL C OUNSELING S ERVICES
22
D ATA MANAGEMENT S YSTEM – T EVERA
22
G ENERAL P RACTICUM AND I NTERNSHIP I NFORMATION
23
Practicum and Internship
24
What is Practicum?
24
What is Internship?
24
Practicum and Internship: How to Begin
25
Plagiarizing Written Work
27
University Policy Regarding Academic Honesty
27
Failure to Meet Academic Standards
28
A PPEAL P ROCESS
31
University Policy on Academic Appeals
31
Academic Dismissal Appeal Procedures
31
Financial Aid Appeal Procedures
31
Other Appeals
31
C LINICAL M ENTAL H EALTH C OUNSELING
32
Professional Identity
32
C LINICAL M ENTAL H EALTH C OUNSELING P RACTICUM AND I NTERNSHIP G OALS
33
Programmatic Expectations for the Student
34
Programmatic Expectations for the Site
35
Programmatic Support for the Site
38
Definition of Direct versus Indirect Hours
38
C OURSE D ESCRIPTIONS
41
HSC 501: Fundamentals of Counseling
41
HSC 503: Counseling and Human Development in a Multicultural Society
42
HSC 504: Clinical Techniques of Counseling
42
HSC 505: Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
42
HSC 506: Introduction to Theory and Practice of Family Therapy
42
HSC 510: Theories of Counseling
42
HSC 511: Professional Practice and Ethics in Counseling
42
HSC 512: Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling
43
HSC 514: Counseling for Career Development
43
HSM 508: Research and Evaluation Methodology
43
HSS 534: Perspectives on Substance Abuse Counseling
43
HSC 519: Introduction to Psychological Assessment
43
HSC 509: Advanced Human Development
43
HSC 524: Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
44
HSC 534: School Counseling: Theory, Issues, and Practice
44
HSC 533: Clinical Practicum 44 HSC 541: Trauma and Crisis Intervention Theory, Response Models and Techniques 44 HSC 542: Psychopharmacology for Counselors 44 HSC 543: Introduction to Theory and Practice of Counseling Children and Adolescents 45 HSC 581: Internship I 45 HSC 582: Internship II 45 HSM585X Internship Extension 45 APPENDIX A: R EMEDIATION P LAN 47 APPENDIX B: C ODES OF E THICS 48 APPENDIX C: S TUDENT H ANDBOOK A CKNOWLEDGEMENT
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling– Tampa Core Program Faculty
Laura M. Schmuldt, Ph.D., LMHCA, NCC Associate Professor and Department Chair
Elisa Pellegrino, Ph.D., LPC, LCADC, ACS, NCC Assistant Professor
Tampa, Florida 33634 epellegrino1@nl.edu
Counseling Department Tampa, Florida 33634 lschmuldt@nl.edu
Martin C. Wesley Ph.D., LMHC, LPCC-S, MAC Professor – CES Clinical Training Lead Tampa, Florida 33634 (813) 397-2152 mwesley@nl.edu
Giscard Petion, Ph.D. Associate Professor Tampa, Florida 33634 gpetion@nl.edu
"Ward", Christopher, PhD, ACS, NCC Assistant Professor Tampa, Florida 33634 CWard29@NL.edu
Tremaine Leslie, Ph.D., LAC. Assistant Professor Tampa, Florida 33634 tleslie@nl.edu Eric Thompson, Ph.D., LMHC Associate Professor Tampa, FL 33634 EThompson14@nl.edu
Robert Lima, Ph.D., LMHC Associate Professor Tampa, FL 33634 rlima1@nl.edu
Rodney Ho, Ph.D., Ed.D., M.A., M.P.H., M.S., PA- C, Psychiatry-CAQ, NCC, LPC Assistant Professor rho@nl.edu
Dawn Wesley, MS – Practicum and Internship Clinical Coordinator Counseling Programs dwesley2@nl.edu
Diana “DeeDee” Kirk Administrative Assistant, Counseling Programs dkirk4@nl.edu
Directory of Support Services
NLU Toll Free Number: 800-443-5522 University Library: 800-443-5522, library@nl.edu Learning Support: 800-443-5522, learn@nl.edu Student Life: 312-261-3568, studentexperience@nl.edu
Please visit www.nl.edu for more information on Student Services
General Program Information This Handbook is intended to provide detailed program information for students and field supervisors. The Handbook is divided into sections giving the user information about our programs in general, as well as specific information and forms for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For students, additional information is available in the National Louis University Catalog and the National Louis University Student Guidebook . If students have further questions, they should be directed to their assigned faculty advisor. National Louis University (NLU) strives for excellence in all its programs. The pursuit of excellence requires constant examination of program policies, procedures, faculty, and students. Therefore, information and material contained herein are subject to change. Every reasonable attempt will be made to inform students promptly of changes. Graduate Counseling Program The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling covered in this handbook is a 60- hour master’s degree offered by the Florida Department of Counseling and is eligible for licensure or certification in most states. Students must take all of the required courses in these programs without exception to meet State of licensure and certification requirements. Mission Statement The mission of the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is to train highly competent and humane individuals who are interested in working in clinical mental health agencies in urban, suburban, small town, and rural areas. The faculty is committed to providing experiential opportunities for students that link research and theory with hands-on experiences aimed at promoting personal, scholarly, and professional development. The counseling curriculum prepares individuals to become a Licensed Professional Counselors or equivalent in their state. Students will be trained to be diversity-sensitive counselors with expertise for working in an increasingly global society. In pursuit of this mission, the program has the following goals and outcomes: Program Goals The program faculty design the program and individual courses in such a way as to: 1. Provide students with the academic training and professional experiences needed to develop counseling knowledge and skills, including technological competencies as a professional counselor. [2.F.1.j.; 2.F.5.e] 2. Provide students with opportunities for self-reflection, and to impress upon students the necessity of continuing education, as well as the need for ongoing personal self- awareness and growth. [2.F.1.f.; 2.F.1.k.] 3. Instill in students an appreciation for the worth of each individual, a developmental perspective on human growth over the lifespan, and an awareness of the importance of context, culture, and diversity. [2.F.2.a.; 2.F.3.a.]
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) At the completion of the Master’s Degree in Counseling, students will:
1. Demonstrate the ability to apply code of ethics and legal standards in the profession. [2.F.1.i.] 2. Demonstrate the ability to apply the multicultural competencies in diversity, multiculturalism, and advocacy. [2.F.2.b.; 2.F.2.c.] 3. Describe and apply theories of individual and family development across the lifespan. [2.F.3.a.] 4. Describe and apply theories and models of career development, counseling and decision- making. [2.F.4.a.] 5. Describe, compare, contrast and apply major counseling skills and approaches to practice. [2.F.5.a.; 2.F.5.b.; 2.F.5.g.] 6. Demonstrate the ability to select and utilize assessments for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes. [2.F.7.e.; 2.F.7.i.; 2.F.7.j.; 2.F.7.k.; 2.F.7.l.] 7. Describe, compare, contrast and apply major counseling theories to practice. [2.F.5.a.] 8. Demonstrate effective group leadership through the application of theoretical foundations and techniques of group counseling, process and development. [2.F.6.a.; 2.F.6.b.; 2.F.6.d.; 2.F.6.e.] 9. Demonstrate awareness of personal characteristics and behaviors that influence the counseling process and engage in ongoing personal and professional self-evaluation and implications for practice. [2.F.1.k.; 2.F.5.f.] 10. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of evidence-based, ethical, and culturally relevant research in advancing the counseling profession. [2.F.8.a.; 2.F.8.b.; 2.F.8.j.] [2016 CACREP Standards] Diversity Statement The Master of Science in Counseling Program is committed to the achievement of excellence and diversity for its students, faculty, and staff. The program is committed to recruiting and educating students who reflect the diversity of the Tampa metropolitan area as well as the national and international communities where they may be employed. Program curriculum is oriented to promoting an understanding and respect for multiple perspectives that are represented in today’s world. Handbook Policies Handbook policies and programmatic revisions contained herein may supersede the general descriptions and explanations set forth in the NLU Catalog. Accreditation National Louis University (NLU) is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional institutional accreditors recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Currently, NLU is on the
Standard Pathway to regional accreditation, which follows a 10-year cycle and is focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement. For more information about regional accreditation, visit our institutional accreditation website. National Louis University’s Florida M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by The Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), the organization that accredits professional counseling programs. State Licensure The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to lead to professional licensure as outlined by individual state boards of counseling. Before enrolling in a counseling program, students are encouraged to consult the rules and regulations regarding Professional Counseling in their particular state. Graduation in these programs do not guarantee licensure as a professional counselor in all states or other jurisdictions. Students are responsible for meeting all academic and professional requirements for graduation. Further information regarding these academic and professional requirements is outlined in this handbook. Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are responsible for knowing the material outlined in this handbook. Further, it is the sole responsibility of the student, not the program, to obtain information regarding prerequisites for licensure as outlined by their particular state counseling licensure board. Specifically, students should make note of the following: ● State regulations regarding licensure opportunities if an applicant has a previous felony conviction. ● State regulations regarding the type and number of academic courses and practicum/internship hours. ● The state accreditation requirements for educational institutions. ● The state regulations and requirements for online graduate education programs. *To obtain your state’s web address, view State Licensure Boards Endorsement Policy The Florida Department of Counseling faculty will endorse students for licensure/certification upon completion of all university and accreditation requirements. Graduates will be endorsed in the area(s) of program completion. If a student wishes to obtain endorsement in more than one program specialty, all program requirements must be met, including appropriate internship placements. Faculty will recommend graduates for employment for positions in which the student meets the posting requirements and has demonstrated competence to perform the stated responsibilities. Professional Identity and Professional Organizations The Master of Science in Counseling Program of National Louis University seeks to graduate professionals who have developed an identity as a professional counselor. To accomplish this identity, students are encouraged to demonstrate accountability to the profession by modeling the philosophy of the American Counseling Association (ACA), following the ACA Code of Ethics,
belonging to professional organizations, seeking licensing, obtaining appropriate professional credentialing, maintaining ongoing supervision or consultation, reading professional journals and books, and attending professional conferences. Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. The standards for the profession are outlined in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The code can be found in https://www.counseling.org/resources/ethics. ACA is an umbrella organization that includes, but is not limited to, the following divisions: ● American School Counseling Association ● American Rehabilitation Counseling Association ● American Mental Health Counselor Association ● Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development ● Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling Association for Specialists in Group Work ● Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling ● National Career Development Association ● International Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors Association for Adult Development and Aging ● International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors American College Counseling Association Students in the Master of Science in Counseling Program are strongly encouraged to join the American Counseling Association (ACA), their state counseling association, and other national, regional and state counseling organizations. Application for Formal Admission When applying for admission, the following materials must be received in the Enrollment Office before a faculty interview can be scheduled. Each semester, specific deadlines are determined based on the academic calendar and approval by the Counseling Program. This information is available through the Enrollment and Admissions offices. ● Completed application available at www.nl.edu/applyonline ● Official transcripts from all institutions where degrees were awarded. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. ● Have earned a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on all graduate work as verified by official transcripts. ● A minimum score on a pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in the Admission Policies, English Language Proficiency. ● 3 letters of recommendation, written by individuals who know you from an academic or professional perspective. ● Personal/professional goal statement with specific personal and professional goals
● and a self- appraisal of specific strengths and challenges. ● Current résumé (or Curriculum Vitae). ● Faculty review and interview. (Refer to current NLU Catalog and the Master of Science in Counseling Program enrollment materials) Please note: The writing exercises should be the applicant’s best effort in addressing the subject matter as requested. Correct spelling and grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are necessary to help determine the applicant’s ability to do graduate coursework. Once all admissions materials are received and assessed, and the faculty interview is completed, a faculty committee will meet, review all completed applications and send a recommendation to the Admissions Department where a final decision is made. Applicants will be notified by the Admissions Department for one of three decisions: Full Admission, Provisional Admission, or Denial. If a fully-admitted student receives a C grade, the student will be placed on academic probation and will have the opportunity to retake the course. The retaken course must be passed with an A or B before the student can advance in the program. Only two C grades can be repeated during the master’s-level course work. A third C or any D or F grade will result in dismissal from the counseling program. All provisional students must earn at least a B in each of the first two courses or they will be dropped from the program. Full Admission If a student with full admission status receives a “C” grade at any time during his/her academic career at NLU, the student will be placed on probation and may not be allowed to move forward in the program until the course is retaken. The student will be notified in writing about this change in academic status (see University Graduate Catalog). If a student receives an Incomplete, the course must be completed by the end of the next term, or the student will not be allowed to continue in the program. Provisional Admission Provisional Admission, also known as a two course review, means that a student must earn at least a “B” in each of the first two graded courses after being admitted. The provisional status will be changed to full status after successful completion of the first two courses. If a provisional student receives an Incomplete in one of the first two courses, the course must be completed by the end of the next term, or the student will not be allowed to continue in the program. Admission Denied Admission denial is not appealable nor the reasons for denial.
Student-at-Large/Non-Degree Seeking Student/Certificate Student From time-to-time students who are already in a master’s in counseling program or have already completed their master’s degree in counseling may need to take one or two courses to address changing requirements of licensure boards. These students will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis regarding their needs. Faculty will review their needs but also review how their acceptance could influence the student body. Certificate students are individuals who typically need to complete 4–5 courses (12–15 semester hours), usually to address requirements outlined in a deficiency letter from a state licensing board. Persons with Disabilities National Louis University is committed to building an inclusive university community that welcomes, values, respects and accommodates students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Students in need of an accommodations or have questions about accommodations, should visit this webpage for contact information and the request process: https://Requesting Accommodations | National Louis University | Chicago, Illinois | Tampa, Florida Graduation Information Application for Graduation Submit application to the Registrar's Office two terms prior to the expected date of graduation or per university/college announcement. Degrees and Diplomas | National Louis University | Chicago, Illinois | Tampa, Florida Change of Address Students are requested to notify their academic advisor, and the Registrar of any expected change of address pending graduation. This information is needed to mail the diploma and to foster communication with alumni. Change of Personal Information | National Louis University | Chicago, Illinois | Tampa, Florida
Features of the Program Curriculum
The curriculum for the Clinical Mental Health program aligns with the standards set by the State of Florida for professional licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). It also meets the national standards of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program is competency-based, as well as responsive to the needs of the professional field. Courses are as follows and the course descriptions are listed later. NL Code NL Course Title Credits HSC 501 Fundamentals of Counseling 3 HSC 503 Counseling and Human Development in a Multicultural Society 3 HSC 504 Clinical Techniques of Counseling 3 HSC 505 Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 3 HSC 506 Introduction to Theory and Practice of Family Therapy 3
HSC 509 HSC 510 HSC 511 HSC 512 HSC 514 HSC 519 HSC 524 HSC 533 HSC 541 HSC 542 HSC 520 HSC 581 HSC 582 HSM 508 HSS 534
Human Development Theory Theories of Counseling
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Professional Practice and Ethics in Counseling Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling Counseling for Career Development Psychological Assessment in Counseling Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Counseling Practicum
Trauma and Crisis Intervention Theory, Response Models and Techniques
Psychopharmacology for Counselors
Human Sexuality
Counseling Internship I Counseling Internship II
Research and Evaluation Methodology Perspectives in Substance Abuse Counseling
Totals
60
Faculty The faculty is chosen not only for academic expertise but also for recognized professional competency. This purposeful approach to faculty selection ensures that the theoretical and practical knowledge taught will be tempered by the realities of service delivery in the public and private sectors. A constant and critical examination of curricular content occurs when those who teach also practice. Our faculty believes this examination ensures that the learners will receive the most relevant and current information applicable to their chosen field in counseling. Course Progression The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is offered through rolling admission with classes scheduled in the evenings through our Virtual Classroom format. Occasionally, day or weekend courses may be scheduled. New Students are accepted each term. Each course (except for electives) is offered at least once every three semesters. Some courses are offered more frequently. It is important that students focus on taking the introductory classes that are required prior to taking their practicum and internship experiences. At least one elective is offered every term, however, they are offered on a rotating basis. Students should plan ahead to identify the specific elective they wish to pursue. Technology and Computer Literacy Requirements Students are expected to have basic computer literacy skills and access to technology that supports student learning. To be successful in your courses, students must be able to: ● Access the internet including the NLU online learning management system (D2L) ● Operate Zoom technology with camera and audio ● Use Microsoft Office applications and open PDF documents ● Save and upload files ● Access digital course materials including electronic textbooks (if applicable)
● Access the NLU library to retrieve articles and videos ● Manage a Tevera account throughout the Practicum and Internship experience Virtual Classroom Format NLU’s includes participation in a weekly webinar session through Zoom and participating in the Desire2Learn (D2L) course shell at least three days per week to review supplemental materials (videos, articles, etc.), participate in discussion posts and submit assignments. Each week of the course is set up as a Module. The University’s Technology and Student Computer Literacy requirements are available in Learning Management Systems (LMS) Student Resources under “Getting Started With D2L”. Zoom Each course will meet weekly for a synchronous live Zoom session. The link for the session will be provided by the professor and is listed in the syllabus and course shell. Students are expected to arrive on time, maintain a camera presence while following the communication and network etiquette guidelines outlined in the syllabus. Classes generally meet in the evenings, Monday through Thursday. Check your registration, syllabus and D2L course shell for the dates and times for your weekly Zoom webinar. ● To Participate in your virtual classroom format, you will need a Mac or PC in working order. See the following for basic requirements: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Lin ux Make sure you have adequate bandwidth for uploading your video and audio and enough download speed to download the video and audio of your professor and your peers. ● While you are in class, make sure no one else in your house is doing heavy streaming, such as using Netflix. You and your education are the priority. ● Make sure you have adequate speakers to hear the interaction in the class. ● Have headphones with an attached microphone for primary use or as a backup. ● When we are discussing confidential information or information that would not be appropriate for others to hear, use headphones. Software National Louis University uses Zoom web conferencing for virtual classroom sessions. While the instructors will have their own school accounts, the student can sign up for a free account at www.zoom.us. Signing up for a Zoom account is not required but encouraged. Tevera All students are required to register for a Tevera account. In most of your classes there will be a Tevera link located in the D2L course shell in the lower left-hand column underneath the Modules. Click on the link and when it opens click on the link again. It will enter you into that course in Tevera and allow your instructor to record your Signature Assignment rubric scores. There are also program documents for you to complete such as a demographic form. We collect that data to enable us to analyze data by demographic information to determine if specific populations or age groups are more challenged by assignments than others. Tevera will also be ● Make sure you have a working and adequate microphone. ● Make sure you have a working and adequate webcam.
used to track all of your practicum and internship activities. If you have difficulty with initiating your account, please reach out to Dawn Wesley DWesley2@nl.edu for assistance. Course Schedule
Blue = Practicum and Internship Red = Introductory Courses Green = Courses not needed Prior to Practicum and Internship Purple = Electives Course # Course Name
Course # Course Name
HSC 501 HSC 503 HSC 504 HSC 505 HSC 506
Fundamentals of Counseling Counseling and Human Development in a Multicultural Society Clinical Techniques of Counseling Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis Introduction to Theory and Practice of Family Therapy
HSC 533 HSS 534 HSC 540 HSC 541 HSC 542 HSC 543 HSC 548 HSC 547 HSC 550 HSC 555 HSC 557 HSC 581 HSC 582
Counseling Practicum
Perspectives in Substance Abuse Counseling Addictions and Family Counseling Trauma & Crisis Intervention Theory & Techniques
Psychopharmacology for Counselors
Intro. to Theory & Practice of Counseling Children & Adolescents
HSM 508 Research and Evaluation Methodology
HSC 509 HSC 510 HSC 511 HSC 512 HSC 514 HSC 519 HSC 520 HSC 524
Human Development Theory Theories of Counseling
Play Therapy
Private Practice Management Grief and Loss Counseling Geriatric Counseling
Professional Practice and Ethics in Counseling Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling Counseling for Career Development Psychological Assessment in Counseling
HSC 556 Integrating Spirituality in Counseling
Alternative Approaches to Addiction Treatment
Human Sexuality
Counseling Internship I Counseling Internship II
Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Comprehensive Examination Students should be able to pass a comprehensive exam on the core 10 program areas of counseling. The aim of the comprehensive exam is to objectively evaluate students’ knowledge in the areas of Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice, Human Growth and Development, Theories, Personal Awareness, Social and Cultural Diversity, Counseling and Helping Relationships, Group Work, Research and Program Evaluation, and Assessment and Testing and to prepare you to pass your licensure exam. The passing score is at least an overall 70% score which indicates the student is proficient in the content necessary to complete practicum and internship successfully. Examination Content Comprehensive exam preparation will be available to students through D2L course HSC 560 during the term in which they register for the comprehensive exam. It includes practice exams and other support materials. When to Take the Comprehensive Examination? Comprehensive exams may be taken after a student has successfully completed the NLU CMHC core curriculum. If not taken previously, you will automatically be registered for comps during the term in which you take practicum. If you have questions, please reach out to your Faculty Advisor.
Directions Your Graduate Academic Advisor may register you for Comps (HSC 560). After you are registered, you will have access to the course shell a week before the term begins. The course will have resources to help you prepare for the comp exam. The resources will include some practice exam questions and other materials. The exam will open to the student in week 2 of the term. The exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions based on the 10 program areas listed above. You will have 3.5 hours to complete the exam once you begin it. It can be taken anytime during that 3 rd and 4 th week of the term. Once submitted it will be scored automatically. a. If you pass (70% or better) there is nothing more, you need do. If you fail (less than 70%) you should review the areas you missed and prepare for another attempt between weeks 5 through 10, and you will follow the same procedure as before. If you pass (70% or better) there is nothing more, you need do. If you fail (less than 70%) you will need to meet with your faculty adviser to formulate a remediation plan before your third and final attempt. Students will have a 3.5-hour window to take the exam each time. b. Students may return to a question or change answers as long as they remain in active test taking mode (once the exam is submitted, students cannot access the exam). c. Students who complete the exam in less than 3.5 hours will hit “submit”. Once the student hits submit, the exam cannot be restarted or reopened. d. The exam will immediately and automatically submit when the 3.5-hour time limit is met. e. Students can access their score upon exam completion. Clinical Sequence Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program does not guarantee that students will be allowed to advance to the clinical sequence of the program: Practicum and Internship. Programmatic approval is required to begin Practicum and Internship. Information for Practicum and Internship Preparation for Practicum/Internship generally begins one year prior (two terms minimum) to when field placement is scheduled. Academic advisors will project the anticipated start date and let students know when they should be attending the Practicum/Internship Orientation. During the field placement year (practicum and internship), the student is to complete a minimum of 700 clock hours with 280 hours of direct client contact. Direct and indirect hours cannot overlap between practicum and internship. Students earn a minimum of 100 hours, including 40 direct hours during practicum, and a minimum of 600 hours, including 240 direct hours during internship. Direct service includes individual and group counseling experiences (a minimum of 5 hours of group co-facilitation or facilitation during practicum and 10 hours during internship). The number of hours per week may be modified to meet the needs of the site and its counseling department. The student’s exact schedule will be determined by the student and on-site supervisor. During Practicum, students typically spend 10- 12 hours per week at their site.
During Internship, students typically spend 18-22 hours per week at their site. It is extremely important to monitor hours on a weekly basis to provide reasonable pacing and ensure hours are accumulated at an appropriate rate. During clinical placement, students are enrolled in the following courses: HSC 533 (Practicum), HSC 581 (Internship I), HSC 582 (Internship II), and/or HSC 585X (Internship Extension). More information on Practicum and Internship can be
found on page 20. Liability Insurance
Students must be covered by professional liability insurance while engaged in field placement. Students are responsible for obtaining their own insurance and must provide proof of insurance to their NLU Seminar Leader prior to enrollment in any of their field placement courses: HSC 533, HSC 581, HSC 582, and/or HSM 585X. The student must also upload this Proof of Liability coverage into his or her Tevera account for documentation. Students failing to provide proof of insurance coverage will not be allowed to participate at their practicum/internship site and will be dropped from their field placement courses. Some options for obtaining counseling liability insurance are listed below: •American Counseling Association (ACA) offers graduate student membership for counseling students. The cost of membership allows students to obtain liability insurance through HPSO at a reduced cost. Information can be found at www.counseling.org •National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) also offers liability insurance through provider Lockton Affinity. Information is found at www.nbcc.org and in the Counselor Resources section. •CPH is another company that offers liability insurance for graduate students. They can be found at www.cphins.com or 800-875-1911.
National Louis University does not formally endorse these organizations.
General Policies, Procedures, Grade Expectations, and Guidelines The following policies, procedures, and guidelines have been developed to assist students and instructors in accomplishing the objectives of the Counseling programs. Students should: 1. consult the NLU Catalog and the NLU Student Guidebook; 2. see their Graduate Advisor and Counseling Program Administrative Assistant for general program information, academic advising, and university procedures; 3. contact the Clinical Coordinator Note: Policies, procedures, and curricula are constantly undergoing review and revision to improve students' educational experience in both content and process, as well as to reflect trends in professional fields. Every effort is made to inform students of such changes and their effective dates.
Ethical Behavior, Attendance, Camera Use, and Professional Conduct Students are required to adhere to all the ethical standards of the profession. This includes, but is not limited to the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics as well as the University’s code of ethics. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health standards of appropriate behavior can be found in the NLU Catalog and the Student Guidebook. Counseling program faculty respects students’ privacy regarding criminal history; however, faculty encourage students to be aware of how criminal history on record may impact their ability to be licensed, certified or obtain internship or job placement opportunities. If students have questions on how criminal history may impact their future as counselors, they may seek clarification through IDFPR, NBCC, ACA and FLDOE. Attendance Expectations ● Students are expected to be present, on time, and stay for the entire class session. ● Attendance includes: ○ Logging in on time. ○ Remaining for the full duration of class. ○ Having your camera on throughout the session. ○ Actively participating (e.g., responding, contributing to discussion) rather than doing unrelated activities. ● One absence is permitted without penalty. ● A second absence requires instructor approval and may involve a plan to make up missed work. ● A third absence will result in withdrawal from or failure of the course, per university policy. Camera Requirements ● Cameras must remain on during class. Students should position themselves so they are visible and attentive. ● Classes must be attended from a quiet, private location conducive to learning. ● Students may not operate a vehicle during class or join class while engaged in distracting or unsafe activities. ● Extended periods off camera require prior notification and approval from the instructor. ○ If you are off camera for a significant amount of time without notice, you may be removed from the session and counted as absent. Professional Conduct ● Participation in class should mirror expectations in counseling practice: maintain focus, respect confidentiality, and foster an environment of safety and collaboration. ● Students who repeatedly disregard attendance or camera policies may face further academic or conduct actions in line with university standards.
Course and Grading Policies and Procedures Students are expected to earn a minimum of a “B” grade in all coursework. Students failing to maintain this academic standard could be dismissed from the program. A grade of “C” or lower will require the retaking of that course. Students are required to earn a ‘B’ or better in all coursework. A course in which a “C” is given can be repeated only once. Only two “C”-grade courses can be repeated. A third “C” results in automatic dismissal from the program. A grade of “D” or “F” may also result in dismissal from the program. A provisionally admitted student must maintain a minimum of a “B” grade in each of the first two courses. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program. Incomplete Grades Incomplete grades are given only with permission of the instructor. To receive an I grade, students must have: 1. made arrangements with the instructor in writing (prior to the last class); 2. completed 75% of course assignments;
Incomplete courses must be finished prior to the end of the following term (or in less than 90-days, whichever occurs last).
All students will need to adhere to the NLU’s In-Progress (Incomplete) Grades Policy as stated in the Student Guidebook. Course Assignments Each instructor individually determines the specific assignments and requirements that will facilitate learning the content. As the nature and content of courses will vary, the activities suggested below are at the discretion of the instructor. Each course may require some or all of the following, and is not limited to: 1. a midterm and/or final exam, either essay or objective form;
2. a major individual or group research paper or project; 3. weekly or biweekly reaction papers and/or quizzes; 4. student presentations; 5. simulation activities requiring individual participation; 6. student journal or other self-reflective writing or personal assessment 7. outside investigations in the field of interest.
The instructor will have high, yet reasonable, expectations regarding student productivity. If an instructor has concerns about a student, the instructor will first address his/her concerns with the student, then, with the student’s advisor, and may, finally, discuss the student with the entire counseling program faculty.
Counselor-in-Training: Informed Consent for Self-Growth
Experiences The Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at National Louis University is a counselor-training degree program. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam and apply for a professional license or a counselor registry in most states Admission to the program indicates that the student is aware of and agrees to appropriate self- disclosure throughout the course of the program. Some areas of self-disclosure may be seen in personal journaling, triadic experiences, small group work, dyadic work, class discussion and activities, including skill building counseling practice. The purpose of self-reflection is to increase awareness and competency in counseling skills. The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics guides the NLU counselor-training program. ( ACA , 2014, F.8.c . ) PLEASE NOTE : Under some circumstances, at the discretion of the university instructor, specific content disclosed during class discussions, supervision, or within assignments may be shared with other Counseling faculty for consultation purposes in order to assure students’, clients’, and/or practicum/internship sites’ needs/concerns are being adequately addressed. Programmatic Policies on Writing Proficiency Students in a graduate program are expected to write (including composition, spelling, grammar, and punctuation) at the level of a college graduate. Writing ability is part of the grading process and may seriously affect the progress of a student in the program. Internship sites require students to write evaluative reports. Almost every course in the graduate program requires written assignments, such as research papers, essays, reports, journals, or evaluation summaries. Students are expected to engage in professional writing for every assignment or paper submitted both for course requirements and Practicum and Internship responsibilities. All students will complete a writing assessment during the first term of the program. Any student who needs additional writing assistance is strongly encouraged to or may be required to contact and work with a learning specialist in academic support services (312-261-3374) on each campus. Instructors may refer students to academic support services for assistance during any term. Contact information for academic support services: 312-261-3374; learn@nl.edu or Learning Support | National Louis University | Chicago, Illinois | Tampa, Florida Academic support services is a resource for addressing learning needs, such as study skills, time management, and test taking. The university Career Bridge may be consulted for assistance with resume writing, as well.
Academic support services assists students with APA style and offers interactive tutorials on the library website. The site can be accessed at Learning Support | National Louis University | Chicago, Illinois | Tampa, Florida All formal papers submitted during the program are to be written using the American Psychological Association’s current publication manual as a style guide. This is the style adopted by the American Counseling Association; it is used by most professional publications in the counseling field. Excellent resources for learning or reviewing APA style are available at the NLU library’s website at https://libguides.nl.edu/apastyle An online writing lab with assistance may be found at https://nl.edu/learning-support/studytables Information about APA style can be found at the APA’s website: https://apastyle.apa.org/blog Reference: American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Personal Counseling Services National Louis University offers free, confidential counseling services to support students as they navigate academic demands and personal challenges. Counselors provide a safe and supportive space to discuss stress, adjustment, or other concerns that may arise during your time at NLU. To schedule an appointment or learn more, email wellness@nl.edu ; nl.edu/student-services/office-of-wellness-services, Data management System – Tevera NLU utilizes a data management system for students, supervisors and faculty called Tevera. Tevera is how all student information, assessments and field placement documents are managed and stored, including a real-time time tracking system of your hours in the field. All students are required to purchase and activate a personal Tevera account through the NLU bookstore within the first quarter of enrollment at NLU. Just go to the virtual bookstore, type in the ISBN 978-0- 9992321-5-6, and the Tevera account will pull up. Financial Aid can be used to purchase Tevera as it is classified as a book purchase. Vouchers or stipends can be used to purchase. A student’s Tevera account gives him/her/them lifetime access to NLU information and much more. When a student is ready to apply for licensure, your Tevera account will give you all the information you need to apply for professional licensure nationwide by providing a way to store all of your licensure documents and time sheets, supervision information and access to licensure requirements for all states. A graduate can also use Tevera to maintain continuing education units, publications, resumes, cover letters, and any documents related to their professional development, with no additional cost for access to this protected data system. General Practicum and Internship Information Students will be reviewed by program faculty prior to beginning the clinical sequence of the program (Practicum and Internship). Prior to Practicum/Internship faculty will complete a
Student Performance Evaluation (see Appendix B) for each student. Students who meet expectations in academic, professional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal behavior, based on the Performance Evaluations, will be permitted to register for the clinical sequence of the program. Evaluation forms will be placed in the student’s file and can be made available to the student, at his or her request. When issues or concerns are noted on the Student Performance Review, students will be required to meet with their faculty advisor and counseling program campus coordinator (and sometimes course instructor) to address the concerns and determine appropriate course of action. Practicum and Internship provide learners with the hands-on experience of working and learning in a counseling site. Through experience with clients, staff, and supervision, students refine their knowledge, attitudes, and skills as professionals in the counseling field. Details about the Practicum and Internship requirements for Clinical Mental Health Counseling are contained in the program specific sections of this Handbook. The identification of and final approval for a specific Practicum/Internship experience requires the formal endorsement of the Clinical Coordinator and the site, as well as the student. The process of finding a Practicum/Internship site usually begins approximately one year to 6 months before the actual placement. Students should contact their faculty advisor, or Clinical Coordinator to begin the process. The process should not commence without the Clinical Coordinator’s approval. The specific purposes of the Practicum/Internship program for the student, site, and university are: 1. to provide students with experience upon which to build their professional careers; to provide students with an arena to practice the application of counseling theories and techniques in field settings; to provide students with an opportunity to discover and refine their professional strengths and weaknesses; 2. to broaden students' concept of counseling agencies and schools and to provide experiences that will expand their understanding of human systems and organizational functions; 3. to provide the University with a practical setting for evaluating student performance; 4. to establish and enhance communication between clinical mental health agencies, schools, and the University; 5. to offer practitioners an opportunity to cooperate and serve the profession through the preparation of professionals. Practicum and Internship All CMHC students complete a minimum 100-hour Practicum and a minimum 600-hour Internship for a minimum total of 700 hours in an approved placement. Practicum course requirements and all corresponding forms must be clearly compiled, separate from internship course requirements and forms to demarcate the completion of practicum and commencement of internship. All requirements must be verified by the site supervisor and the course instructor.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43Powered by FlippingBook