CM 500: Introduction to Counseling Profession and Ethics (3 credits)

This course introduces students to professional and practice aspects in counseling. Students will examine the historical, philosophical, and social context of the field as it developed. The course examines the professional, ethical, and legal issues related to the practice of professional counseling. Topics addressed include ACA Code of Ethics content such as informed consent, client rights, and malpractice as well as other regulations influencing the practice of counseling. The course also examines the major decision making models used for resolving ethical dilemmas. Relevant statutes and laws in the State of Illinois and other states are also reviewed. This course includes a lab to augment placement, professionalization, and advisement activities.

 

CM507: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 credits)

The course reviews basic theories, principles, and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy, as well as applications to a variety of therapeutic settings. The course also focuses on personal theory construction, bias embedded in theory, and cultural diversity.

 

CM521: Lifespan Development (3 credits)

This course examines typical development from infancy through advanced age, focusing on the development of perceptual and cognitive processes, psychosocial roles, and familial interpersonal processes. Current clinical approaches are examined from diverse theoretical viewpoints and considering recent research findings. Cultural diversity and individual differences are integral to this course.

 

CM543: Group Theories and Processes of Counseling (3 credits)

This course provides the foundation for understanding theory, dynamics, principles and techniques of group therapy and counseling. Throughout the course students are exposed to various models for conducting therapeutic groups with diverse populations. Students participate in experiential practice of group process during the course. 

 

CM578: Methods of Research and Program Evaluation (3 credits)

In this course, students examine experimental and quasi-experimental research design at both the conceptual and applied levels. Areas of emphasis include quantitative and qualitative methodology (research design, data collection, analysis and interpretation); basic statistical analyses; program evaluation; and critical appraisal of published research. Students discuss and utilize ethical and culturally-relevant strategies for interpreting and reporting results of research and program evaluation within the context of mental health.

 

CM550: Diversity & Multiculturalism (3 credits)

Recognizing that becoming practitioner who has cultural humility is a lifelong endeavor, this course serves as a foundation upon which continued personal and professional development in diversity may be built. Students examine Self as a sociocultural being and identify the impact of their own worldviews, cultural privilege, and biases on cross-cultural interactions. This course addresses the psychological, socio-political, historical, and economic influences on various aspects of social identity, including but not limited to, gender, ethnicity, religion, class, race, immigrant status, disability, and sexual orientation. Students then examine how social identity influences mental and physical health, health literacy, health beliefs, and perceptions of health care providers. Students examine a variety of behavioral health care provider roles, including advocating for and encouraging culturally appropriate care; facilitating client engagement to optimize effectiveness and client satisfaction; and heightening awareness and sensitivity to the relevance of individual and cultural diversity among integrative team members. The course will be presented in both didactic and experiential formats with a focus on self-awareness and students will be expected to actively engage in interdependent and reflective learning.

 

CM564: Career Development & Counseling (3 credits)

This course provides an understanding of career development theories and decision-making models, occupational educational information sources and systems, assessment instruments and techniques relevant to career planning and decision making, career, lifestyle, and leisure counseling, guidance and education, career development, program planning, resources, and effectiveness evaluation.

 

 

 

CM514: Diagnosis of Mental Health Issues (3 credit)

This course addresses the general principles of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders. Major definitions and descriptions of psychological phenomena as categorized and classified by the DSM diagnostic system are covered. This course includes models of mental status assessment as well as the application of how cultural factors influence mental health. The impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on people and the appropriate use of diagnosis during a crisis, disaster, or other trauma-causing event will be discussed.

 

CM530: Treatment Planning (3 credits) 

This course advances the student’s knowledge and abilities in counseling, diagnostic, and treatment skills, including crisis intervention, suicide ideation, and mental status exams. The course examines the treatment of mental and emotional disorders, including the development of a treatment plan, reporting and assessing progress, appropriate referral procedures, formulating SMART goals, and cultural diversity and individual differences. Students utilize core principles of evidence-based practices in developing, delivering, and assessing behavioral health treatment planning and interventions. The course will also review classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications for appropriate medical referral and consultation.

 

CM585: Addictions and Substance Abuse (3 credits)

This course introduces the multiple components and etiology of addictions and substance abuse. A strength-based and holistic model for assessment and evidence based research and treatment care models are examined.

 

• CM604: Practicum Readiness Assessment
• CM605: Counseling Practicum (100 hours, 3 credits)
• CM614: Internship in Counseling I (300 hours, 3 credits)
• CM622: Internship Counseling 2A (300 hours, 3 credits)