60 hours

Apply to the UGA Graduate School and include the following:

GRE (General test) or MAT scores 3 Letters of recommendation CV or resume Statement of Purpose (for example, a 2-4 page, double-spaced document highlighting why you are interested in the Mental Health Counseling program. Additional information on your interest in mental health care and what has prepared you for success in this program may also be applicable.) Unofficial transcript (if admitted, official transcripts required prior to enrollment) No background coursework required. International students: For students whose primary language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. Students need to submit official university documents according to the UGA Graduate School requirements. Students will also have to show certificate of finances upon acceptance to the program. Application deadline is December 1 for the following fall.

ECHD 4020/6020

Interpersonal Relationships

3

ECHD 4380/6380

Human Development and Mental Health

3

ECHD 7010

Individual Appraisal

3

ECHD 7040

Counseling Theories and Skills

3

ECHD 7050

Career Development, Theory, and Practice

3

ECHD 7060

Cross-Cultural Counseling

3

ECHD 7080

Introduction to Group Counseling

3

ECHD 7600

Foundations of Mental Health Counseling

3

ECHD 7700  (3 hours)

Individual Counseling Practicum

1-3

ECHD 7860  (9 hours)

Internship in Mental Health Counseling

1-12

ECHD 7910

Ethics and Professional Issues in Counseling

3

ECHD 8030

Psychodiagnosis

3

ECHD 8280

Systems Bases of Behavior and Counseling

3

ECHD(PHRM) 8900

Psychopharmacology

3

ECHD 9110

Approaches in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies

3

ERSH 4200/6200

Methods of Research in Education

3

Electives

Choose 6 credit hour(s) from the following:

Electives to be selected with advisor

This program is exempt from the GradFIRST requirement. Students are expected to maintain a high grade point average (3.0 or better on the 4-point scale); this is considered the benchmark for satisfactory progress with respect to coursework. Students who earn a grade of C (2.0) in a course will need to retake the course to earn a higher grade. Students are required to demonstrate proof of student liability insurance prior to beginning practicum and must hold a current policy throughout all field experiences in the program. Students are required to work according to the schedules of the Center for Counseling and Personal Evaluation for practicum and for internship (when applicable).

Select additional courses, as needed, in consultation with an advisor to meet the minimum number of required credit hours for this program.

Most program graduates have pursued higher education (e.g., Ph.D. programs) in counseling, psychology, or other related fields or positions in a variety of mental health settings.

While our recommendation of admission does not include funding, we will share opportunities to apply for assistantships as they are brought to our attention. We also encourage students to search for assistantship opportunities throughout the university.

Students are expected to complete 3 hours of ECHD 7700 Practicum (spans 1 semester). During ECHD 7700, students will complete a minimum of 100 total hours, of which 40 are in direct client contact. Students are expected to complete 9 hours (across 3 semesters) of ECHD 7860 Internship in Mental Health Counseling. During EDHD 7860, students are expected to complete a minimum of 600 total hours, of which 240 are in direct client contact.

Mental Health Counseling Student Association (MHCSA): This organization is for students in the Mental Health Counseling program. The primary focus of MHCSA is for the first- and second-year cohort students to connect and build relationships through mentorship and professional development.

Other programs in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services, include: MEd and EdS (students graduate with 2 degrees) in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling (MEd) and Professional School Counseling (EdS) (Athens Campus only) MEd in College Student Affairs Administration (Athens Campus only) EdS in Professional Counseling (Gwinnett Campus only) EdD in Student Affairs Leadership (Griffin Campus only) PhD in Counseling Psychology (Athens Campus only) PhD in Education with an emphasis in Counselor Education and Supervision (Gwinnett Campus only) PhD in Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Administration (Athens Campus only)