Counseling, Educational & Developmental Psychology

The Master of Science in Applied Psychology: Mental Health Counseling emphasis is designed for students wishing preparation as counselors or therapists in settings such as: mental health centers, hospitals, residential treatment centers, employment services and vocational rehabilitation services. Mental health counselors are also frequently found in the juvenile correction facilities, community colleges, pastoral services and business and industry.

Counseling Education Program Mission Statement

The Counselor Education Program at Eastern Washington University is committed to the selection, training, supervision, and professional success of counseling students, in keeping with the high standards established by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  As a regional teaching university, EWU has a proud history of providing education to a high percentage of first generation college students, often from under-represented and lower socioeconomic communities, a tradition which the Counselor Education program maintains.  Thus, counselor training occurs in a learning community that is intentionally focused on both skills development and personal growth of the counselor-in-training.  In this way, Counselor Education fulfills its purpose of preparing competent and caring professional counselors to meet the needs of diverse urban and rural communities.

The Masters of Science in Applied Psychology: Mental Health Counseling emphasis is designed for students wishing preparation as counselors or psychotherapists in settings such as mental health centers, child and family therapy settings, hospitals, residential treatment centers, vocational rehabilitation agencies, university/college counseling centers, and employment services.  Mental Health Counselors also frequently provide services in juvenile correction facilities, public schools, pastoral care settings, and business and industry.

Classes and experience are organized around four objectives: 1) a thorough preparation in the essential skills, professional standards, and knowledge base of the competent Mental Health Counselor; 2) a functional mastery of applied theory in various therapy modes, e.g., cognitive, affective and behavioral techniques; 3) presentation of principles, issues, and trends in the field of counseling; and 4) self awareness as cental to the therapeutic practitioner's effectiveness.  Practical application of theory and skill is stressed.  Students are provided early and continuous skill practice in psychotherapy techniques with personalized feedback and coaching.  Continuous opportunities for expanding the counselor-in-trainings' self awareness are provided.

The program is both extensive and comprehensive.  It is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and fulfills Washington State academic requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor.  In addition, graduates have completed the National Board of Certified Counselor Exam and are eligible for National Counselor Certification.

Classes and experiences are organized around four objectives: 1) a thorough preparation in foundation skills and principles; 2) a functional mastery of techniques in various therapy modes; e.g., cognitive, affective, behavioral; 3) coverage of principles, issues and trends in the psychology of counseling; and 4) self-awareness, as it relates to the counseling process. Practical application is stressed. Students are provided early and continuous skill practice with personalized feedback and coaching. Continuous opportunities for expanding awareness of the self of the counselor will be provided.

The program is both extensive and comprehensive. It is nationally accredited by CACREP and fulfills certification for mental health counselors. Graduates will complete the NBCC exam for National Counselor Certification.

Several other programs at EWU offer preparation for state counselor certification, including offerings by the Department of Psychology.

Mental Health Counseling

Course Requirements and Credit Hours

• CEDP 506 Counseling Development and Transition Across the Lifespan (4)
• CEDP 520 Tactics of Psychological Research (4)
• CEDP 535 Introduction to Mental Health Counseling (4)
• CEDP 542 Career Counseling (4)
• CEDP 544 Counseling Theory and Techniques (4)
• CEDP 545 Appraisal in Mental Health Counseling (4)
• CEDP 548 Counseling Children and Adolescents (4)
• CEDP 583 Group Experience (1)
• CEDP 584 Group Theory (2)
• CEDP 585 Group Process (2)
• CEDP 569 Family Systems and Parent Education (4)
• CEDP 575 DSM Treatment Issues for Counselors (4)
• CEDP 576 Professional Issues in Mental Health Counseling (3)
• CEDP 581 Consultation in the Counseling Profession (2)
• CEDP 590 Diversity Counseling (3)
• CEDP 591 Addictive Behavior Counseling (4)
• CEDP 592 Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling (3)
• CEDP 595 Comprehensive Exam Review (2)
• CEDP 601 Research Project (3)
• CEDP 695 Practicum (12)
• CEDP 697 Internship Mental Health (20)

Successful performances on both a written comprehensive examination of conceptual attainments and a presentation of the terminal research document are required.

Minimum total credits for above master's degree: 93 credits

Graduate Application Instructions for this program here.