Program Code: ME6278
Applications due January 15, 2025
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) specialization prepares graduates in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders by addressing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral processes with an integrated counseling approach. In addition to core counseling coursework, CMHC students are trained in psychopathology, diagnosis and treatment planning, and personality assessment. The CMHC program specialization at Ohio University is CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2025 . The program is offered annually on the Athens campus.
Prospective students can learn more about mental health counseling practice and essential functions of mental health counselors by visiting the American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) website.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program are eligible for state licensure in Ohio as Licensed Professional Counselors ( LPC ) and national certification as National Certified Counselors ( NCC ). Graduates are employed as mental health counselors in agencies, colleges and universities, hospitals, and school-based settings. The job placement rate for graduates was 100% within 12 months of degree completion. Our 2021-2022 academic program and student outcomes are available on our accreditation webpage .
Program Objectives
- Become familiar with the requirements of a professional counselor, the body of literature and research central to the field, and preparation standards that impact the field as a whole.
- Become familiar with the typical characteristics of individuals and communities served by a variety of institutions and agencies that offer clinical mental health counseling services.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of models, methods, and principles of program development and service delivery based on human and organizational development, including prevention, implementation of support groups, peer facilitation training, parent education, career/occupational information and counseling, and self-help.
- Develop effective strategies for promoting client understanding of and access to community resources.
- Apply principles and models of biopsychosocial assessment, case conceptualization, theories of human development, and concepts of normalcy and psychopathology leading to appropriate diagnoses and counseling plans.
- Acquire knowledge of the principles of diagnosis and the use of diagnostic tools, including the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
- Develop effective strategies for client advocacy in public policy and other issues of equity and access.
- Utilize appropriate individual, couple, family, group, and systems modalities for initiating, maintaining, and terminating counseling, including the use of crisis intervention as well as brief, intermediate, and long-term approaches.
- Acquire an understanding of ethical and legal considerations related to the practice of clinical mental health counseling.
Professional Engagement
CMHC students are encouraged to become involved in professional counseling organizations during their program. Belonging to a professional organization encourages collaboration and advocacy, promotes professionalism and leadership, and gives students the opportunity to meet colleagues and leaders throughout the state and nation.
Counseling students from all specializations can participate in the activities and professional development opportunities of the Alpha chapter of the Chi Sigma Iota ( CSI ) International Counseling Honor Society, the American Counseling Association ( ACA ), and its divisions, as well as the Ohio Counseling Association ( OCA ). The American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) is the primary national organization specific to clinical mental health counseling. Our students and alumni are engaged in service, hold leadership positions, and participate in professional development in many of these organizations.
For more information, contact:
Bilal Urkmez
Counselor Education Program Coordinator
Patton Hall 432P
740.597.1739
Counselor Education