Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Child and Adolescent Counseling courses
Child and Adolescent Counseling coursework overview
Coursework structured for your success
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- 24/7 courseroom access
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 90
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 13 courses
- Specialization 4 courses
- Residencies 2 courses
- Practicum 1 course
- Internship 2 courses
Show all descriptions
COUN5002
Required Course Lifespan Development for the Counseling Professions
4 quarter credits
Students examine theories and principles of lifespan development to include biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral frameworks. Students analyze a variety of contexts that support typical and adaptive development in all stages of life and are exposed to current research and knowledge in the field. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
COUN5217
Required Course Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
4 quarter credits
Students evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Students apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Students also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors' responses to those issues. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5239
Required Course Theories of the Counseling Profession
4 quarter credits
Students investigate various theories of psychotherapy and their respective philosophical principles and assumptions. Students evaluate the theoretical concepts and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy and examine appropriate application of theories and interventions to different client populations.
4 quarter credits
COUN5279
Required Course Life Planning and Career Development
4 quarter credits
Students develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Students analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, students explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Students also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5336
Required Course Counseling and Advocacy Across Populations
4 quarter credits
Students engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling in a variety of settings. Students analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of advocacy competencies within the profession. Throughout the course, students investigate the role of culture, values, counselor credibility, and preconception within the counseling context. Students are encouraged to explore their own societal experiences for greater insight into the counseling process and its relevance to real-world experiences. In addition, students gain an understanding of the role of the counselor advocate in promoting client wellbeing. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5106
Required Course Assessment, Tests, and Measures
4 quarter credits
Students examine the assessment process and how tests and measures are used in counseling. Students also explore the evolution of assessment methods, testing strategies and interpretation, and fundamental measurement constructs.
4 quarter credits
COUN5223
Required Course Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
4 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to current practices and trends in the clinical mental health counseling profession. Students analyze the effects of current issues and public policy on the practice of clinical mental health counseling. Students examine professional counselors' roles in a variety of health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care. In addition, students review models and strategies of professional consultation and supervision. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work Advanced Standing, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate students only.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6203
Specialization Course The History and Systems of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Students examine the historical origins of and rationale for integrating play into the practice of therapy and discuss the core systems of and approaches to play therapy. Students also review the contributions of play to child development and well-being throughout the lifespan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
COUN-R5861
Residency The Counseling Relationship: Concepts and Skills
4 quarter credits
In this first residency, students gain an understanding of clinical skills practice through coursework and a face-to-face residency. During the face-to-face residency, students analyze, develop, and demonstrate counseling concepts and skills. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MS in Addiction Studies students must have completed ADD5217, COUN5260. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5223, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5336. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5280, COUN5336.
4 quarter credits
COUN5107
Required Course Principles of Psychopathology and Diagnosis
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine psychopathology principles, professional literature, and current issues associated with assessing mental disorders. Students critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches used in diagnosing and treating individuals, couples, and families. Students also explore the current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues associated with societal populations. Prerequisite(s): COUN5239 or SWK5013.
4 quarter credits
COUN5238
Required Course Crisis Assessment and Intervention
4 quarter credits
Students assess crisis intervention and emergency management models and strategies used in the counseling field and develop the crisis intervention skills needed to provide counseling services in mental health settings in a timely, effective, and ethical manner. Students also investigate related topics, including working with situational crises, assessing suicide and other risks, and supporting the implementation of emergency management plans. Prerequisite(s): MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN-R5861. Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate students must have completed COUN5002.
4 quarter credits
COUN5225
Required Course Human Sexuality and Identity in Counseling
4 quarter credits
Students in this course study sexuality within the broad context of human experience. Students examine a systemic psychosexual approach to development across the lifespan and evaluate the functionality of sexual behavior in individuals, couples, and families. In addition, students explore theory, assessment, treatments, and interventions for various issues associated with sexuality, as well as sexuality-related concerns. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6206
Specialization Course Theories and Skills of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Students expand on their knowledge of the major theories of play therapy and the skills and interventions that define those theories. Students assess the major theories and apply these to their work with a variety of child clients and client scenarios. Students also develop a personal theoretical orientation and apply this approach to personal practice. Students assess ethical and legal issues unique to the field and specific to providing play therapy services across populations. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203 or PSY5244.
4 quarter credits
Specialization Course COUN5271: Marriage and Family Systems
4 quarter credits
COUN5241
Required Course Group Counseling and Psychotherapy
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine the theoretical components and developmental aspects of groups. Topics include types of groups, group dynamics and processes, group leadership and membership roles, ethical awareness in relation to groups, and crisis management within groups. Students must meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous (live) group meetings with their course instructor. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831.
4 quarter credits
Specialization Course Choose a Specialization Course
4 quarter credits
COUN-R5863
Residency The Advanced Counseling Relationship: Concepts, Skills, and Approaches
4 quarter credits
In this second residency, students build upon clinical skills practice and group counseling. Students analyze, develop, and demonstrate advanced counseling concepts, skills, and approaches during their face-to-face residency. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5106, COUN5238, COUN5241, COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5107, COUN5225. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5420.
4 quarter credits
COUN5108
Required Course Foundations of Addiction and Addictive Behavior
4 quarter credits
Students gain fundamental knowledge of addiction from its historical roots through contemporary issues. Students examine theory and research that guides treatment for substance use disorders and related addictive behaviors, including the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health issues. In addition, students review empirically supported interventions for individuals, families, groups, and communities, as well as emerging issues in the field based upon current research. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831 or COUN5260 or SWK5013.
4 quarter credits
COUN5007
Required Course Research Methods for the Counseling Professions
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches to counseling research and program evaluation. Students apply graduate-level approaches to research methodology for the counseling profession.
4 quarter credits
COUN6302
Practicum Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum
4 quarter credits
The clinical practicum is an online-directed, supervised site-based learning experience in a mental health counseling field setting during which students practice specific clinical skills, including interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation. Students use fundamental communication and interviewing principles and perform initial assessments with individuals, couples, and/or families. This course requires 100 hours of clinical experience, which must consist of no fewer than 40 hours of direct client contact, and no fewer than 10 hours of face-to-face contact with an approved site supervisor. Students also meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous group supervision meetings with their course instructor. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific clinical experience requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5007, COUN5108, COUN-R5863 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN6321
Internship Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship 1
5 quarter credits
This is the first course in a sequence of two clinical internship courses during which students fulfill 600 total required contact hours in a mental health counseling setting. Of the 600 total hours, students must complete 240 hours of direct client contact and a minimum of 20 hours of face-to-face contact with the approved site supervisors. Students also meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous group supervision meetings with their course instructor. The internship consists of a courseroom experience accompanied by supervised experience in a mental health counseling setting and provides students with specific clinical skills in interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation with individuals, couples, and/or families. The focus of the internship is on student professional development and the application of counseling skills under the supervision of site and faculty supervisors. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific clinical experience requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN6301 or COUN6302 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
5 quarter credits
COUN6322
Internship Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship 2
5 quarter credits
This course serves as the capstone course for the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students engage in an online courseroom experience in addition to a supervised experience in a mental health counseling setting. Students develop specific clinical skills in interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation with individuals, couples, and/or families. Students gain skills in professional development, including career preparation, and the application of counseling skills under the supervision of site and faculty supervisors. Upon successful completion of the internship, and passing the state board license exam, students are prepared to transition into roles as professional counselors who make active contributions to the field. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific clinical experience requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN6321 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
5 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN5107
Required Course Principles of Psychopathology and Diagnosis
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine psychopathology principles, professional literature, and current issues associated with assessing mental disorders. Students critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches used in diagnosing and treating individuals, couples, and families. Students also explore the current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues associated with societal populations. Prerequisite(s): COUN5239 or SWK5013.
4 quarter credits
COUN5108
Required Course Foundations of Addiction and Addictive Behavior
4 quarter credits
Students gain fundamental knowledge of addiction from its historical roots through contemporary issues. Students examine theory and research that guides treatment for substance use disorders and related addictive behaviors, including the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health issues. In addition, students review empirically supported interventions for individuals, families, groups, and communities, as well as emerging issues in the field based upon current research. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831 or COUN5260 or SWK5013.
4 quarter credits
COUN5225
Required Course Human Sexuality and Identity in Counseling
4 quarter credits
Students in this course study sexuality within the broad context of human experience. Students examine a systemic psychosexual approach to development across the lifespan and evaluate the functionality of sexual behavior in individuals, couples, and families. In addition, students explore theory, assessment, treatments, and interventions for various issues associated with sexuality, as well as sexuality-related concerns. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831.
4 quarter credits
COUN5279
Required Course Life Planning and Career Development
4 quarter credits
Students develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Students analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, students explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Students also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5217
Required Course Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling
4 quarter credits
Students evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Students apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Students also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors' responses to those issues. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5106
Required Course Assessment, Tests, and Measures
4 quarter credits
Students examine the assessment process and how tests and measures are used in counseling. Students also explore the evolution of assessment methods, testing strategies and interpretation, and fundamental measurement constructs.
4 quarter credits
COUN5002
Required Course Lifespan Development for the Counseling Professions
4 quarter credits
Students examine theories and principles of lifespan development to include biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral frameworks. Students analyze a variety of contexts that support typical and adaptive development in all stages of life and are exposed to current research and knowledge in the field. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
COUN5239
Required Course Theories of the Counseling Profession
4 quarter credits
Students investigate various theories of psychotherapy and their respective philosophical principles and assumptions. Students evaluate the theoretical concepts and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy and examine appropriate application of theories and interventions to different client populations.
4 quarter credits
COUN5241
Required Course Group Counseling and Psychotherapy
4 quarter credits
Students in this course examine the theoretical components and developmental aspects of groups. Topics include types of groups, group dynamics and processes, group leadership and membership roles, ethical awareness in relation to groups, and crisis management within groups. Students must meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous (live) group meetings with their course instructor. Prerequisite(s): COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831.
4 quarter credits
COUN5223
Required Course Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
4 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to current practices and trends in the clinical mental health counseling profession. Students analyze the effects of current issues and public policy on the practice of clinical mental health counseling. Students examine professional counselors' roles in a variety of health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care. In addition, students review models and strategies of professional consultation and supervision. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, MS in School Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior, Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services, Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work Advanced Standing, and Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate students only.
4 quarter credits
COUN5238
Required Course Crisis Assessment and Intervention
4 quarter credits
Students assess crisis intervention and emergency management models and strategies used in the counseling field and develop the crisis intervention skills needed to provide counseling services in mental health settings in a timely, effective, and ethical manner. Students also investigate related topics, including working with situational crises, assessing suicide and other risks, and supporting the implementation of emergency management plans. Prerequisite(s): MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN-R5861. Contemporary Theory in School-Based Services graduate certificate students must have completed COUN5002.
4 quarter credits
COUN5336
Required Course Counseling and Advocacy Across Populations
4 quarter credits
Students engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling in a variety of settings. Students analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of advocacy competencies within the profession. Throughout the course, students investigate the role of culture, values, counselor credibility, and preconception within the counseling context. Students are encouraged to explore their own societal experiences for greater insight into the counseling process and its relevance to real-world experiences. In addition, students gain an understanding of the role of the counselor advocate in promoting client wellbeing. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy students require special permission for registration (Student Group UCOU) and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
COUN5007
Required Course Research Methods for the Counseling Professions
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches to counseling research and program evaluation. Students apply graduate-level approaches to research methodology for the counseling profession.
4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN5271
Specialization Course Marriage and Family Systems
4 quarter credits
Students investigate families as systems from theoretical, clinical, and research perspectives. Students gain an understanding of family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention. Students also apply systems-oriented assessment models and strategies for initial interviews, hypothesis formulation, and designing a strategy for intervention.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6203
Specialization Course The History and Systems of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Students examine the historical origins of and rationale for integrating play into the practice of therapy and discuss the core systems of and approaches to play therapy. Students also review the contributions of play to child development and well-being throughout the lifespan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
COUN5254
Specialization Course Child and Adolescent Counseling
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of major theories and research of adolescent and child development. Students examine biological and psychosocial development factors and evaluate the influence of family, community, society, and trauma on development.
4 quarter credits
COUN5420
Specialization Course Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
4 quarter credits
Students examine common characteristics, risk factors, and warning signs of mental health and behavioral disorders affecting children and adolescents. Students also critically evaluate diagnostic models, methods, and approaches and explore current DSM classifications and diagnostic issues related to children and adolescents. In addition, students investigate the impact of common medications on learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6206
Specialization Course Theories and Skills of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
Students expand on their knowledge of the major theories of play therapy and the skills and interventions that define those theories. Students assess the major theories and apply these to their work with a variety of child clients and client scenarios. Students also develop a personal theoretical orientation and apply this approach to personal practice. Students assess ethical and legal issues unique to the field and specific to providing play therapy services across populations. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203 or PSY5244.
4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN-R5861
Residency The Counseling Relationship: Concepts and Skills
4 quarter credits
In this first residency, students gain an understanding of clinical skills practice through coursework and a face-to-face residency. During the face-to-face residency, students analyze, develop, and demonstrate counseling concepts and skills. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Addiction Studies, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MS in Addiction Studies students must have completed ADD5217, COUN5260. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5223, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5336. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5217, COUN5239, COUN5279, COUN5280, COUN5336.
4 quarter credits
COUN-R5863
Residency The Advanced Counseling Relationship: Concepts, Skills, and Approaches
4 quarter credits
In this second residency, students build upon clinical skills practice and group counseling. Students analyze, develop, and demonstrate advanced counseling concepts, skills, and approaches during their face-to-face residency. This course requires a time commitment after the face-to-face residency beyond the online course activities. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5106, COUN5238, COUN5241, COUN-R5861 or COUN-R5831. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must have completed COUN5107, COUN5225. MS in School Counseling students must have completed COUN5420.
4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN6302
Practicum Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum
4 quarter credits
The clinical practicum is an online-directed, supervised site-based learning experience in a mental health counseling field setting during which students practice specific clinical skills, including interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation. Students use fundamental communication and interviewing principles and perform initial assessments with individuals, couples, and/or families. This course requires 100 hours of clinical experience, which must consist of no fewer than 40 hours of direct client contact, and no fewer than 10 hours of face-to-face contact with an approved site supervisor. Students also meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous group supervision meetings with their course instructor. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific clinical experience requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN5007, COUN5108, COUN-R5863 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
Show all descriptions
COUN6321
Internship Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship 1
5 quarter credits
This is the first course in a sequence of two clinical internship courses during which students fulfill 600 total required contact hours in a mental health counseling setting. Of the 600 total hours, students must complete 240 hours of direct client contact and a minimum of 20 hours of face-to-face contact with the approved site supervisors. Students also meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous group supervision meetings with their course instructor. The internship consists of a courseroom experience accompanied by supervised experience in a mental health counseling setting and provides students with specific clinical skills in interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation with individuals, couples, and/or families. The focus of the internship is on student professional development and the application of counseling skills under the supervision of site and faculty supervisors. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific clinical experience requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN6301 or COUN6302 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
5 quarter credits
COUN6322
Internship Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship 2
5 quarter credits
This course serves as the capstone course for the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students engage in an online courseroom experience in addition to a supervised experience in a mental health counseling setting. Students develop specific clinical skills in interviewing, assessment, intervention, documentation, and consultation with individuals, couples, and/or families. Students gain skills in professional development, including career preparation, and the application of counseling skills under the supervision of site and faculty supervisors. Upon successful completion of the internship, and passing the state board license exam, students are prepared to transition into roles as professional counselors who make active contributions to the field. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students only. Grading for this course is S/NS. It is the student's responsibility to research and comply with the specific clinical experience requirements of their states. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): COUN6321 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
5 quarter credits