51社区

Program Code: ME6324 

Applications due January 15, 2025

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The Clinical Mental Health/Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CMH/CLRC) dual specialization prepares graduates as mental health counselors and rehabilitation counselors that facilitate the personal, vocational, and economic independence of individuals with disabilities. In addition to core counseling coursework, CMH/CLRC students are trained in psychopathology, diagnosis and treatment planning, personality assessment, medical and psychosocial aspects of disability, and job placement. The CMH/CLRC program specialization at 51社区 is 5 and is offered annually on the Athens campus.

Prospective students can learn more about rehabilitation counseling by visiting the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification () website. The CRCC provides  as well as the s. The American Mental Health Counselors Association () provides information on  and . The dual specialization prepares students for job opportunities in both mental health and rehabilitation services. To learn more about CMH/CLRC, prospective and current students can contact the CMH/CLRC coordinator, Dr. Bilal Urkmez.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program are eligible for state licensure in Ohio as Licensed Professional Counselors () as well as national certification as Certified Rehabilitation Counselors () and National Certified Counselors (). Graduates are employed as rehabilitation counselors and mental health counselors in mental health agencies, state vocational rehabilitation services, colleges and universities, hospitals, career services, and school-based settings. The job placement rate for graduates in was 100% within 12 months of degree completion. Additional information on accreditation, licensure and certification for the 51社区 Counselor Education program is available on our website. 

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 and rehabilitation counseling.
• Develop skills and competencies related to the provision of rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.
• Produce research and other scholarly information related to promoting the rehabilitation and independence of people with disabilities. 
• Maintain an active relationship to the broader rehabilitation community and related professional associations through consultation, education, advocacy, and leadership activities.

Professional Engagement

CMH/CLRC 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 () International Counseling Honor Society, the American Counseling Association () and its divisions, as well as the Ohio Counseling Association (). The American Mental Health Counselors Association () and the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association () are counseling-focused organizations specific to mental health and rehabilitation counseling. The National Rehabilitation Association () and the Ohio Rehabilitation Association () state branch focus on rehabilitation services and advocacy. Our students and alumni are engaged in service, hold leadership positions, and participate in professional development in many of these organizations. 

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For more information, contact:

Bilal Urkmez 
Counselor Education Program Coordinator
Patton Hall 432P
740.597.1739
Counselor Education