Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The clinical mental health counseling program is committed to preparing knowledgeable and ethical professional counselors equipped for the practice of individual, couple, family, and group counseling. The program emphasizes working with diverse populations and developing strategies to promote the social, emotional, psychological, and physical health of individuals, families, communities, and organizations. The program contributes to human development, adjustment, and change by encouraging our diverse faculty and student body to engage in reflective practice, critical inquiry, civic engagement, and responsible social action.

One of the first programs of its kind, the course of study prepares students to work in social services agencies, employment centers, and substance abuse programs, taking an integrated approach to counseling research and practice.

The course of study includes classroom, laboratory, and field-site education and training. The program includes a two-semester internship wherein interns deliver counseling services, under supervision, both in the program’s Community Counseling Services Center and at health and human services agencies in the community.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall and Summer - January 15
Standardized test scores:	The GRE is optional for students applying to enter the program in 2023.
Recommendations required:	Two (2) recommendations (preferably one from a faculty member and the other from a professional supervisor)
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.
	Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grade-point average (GPA), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services (https://www.naces.org/members).
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250 to 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University, describing your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned in the application.
Additional requirements:	A resumé and an interview are required.
International applicants only:	Please review International Applicant Information (https://graduate.admissions.gwu.edu/international-student-application-requirements) carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
The George Washington University
2136 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052

Contact for questions:
gsehdadm@gwu.edu ~ 202-994-9283 (phone) ~ 202.994.7207 (fax)
9:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 60 credits, including 57 credits in required courses and 3 credits in elective courses; completion of 600 hours in internship and 100 hours in a practicum; and successful completion of a pre-practicum portfolio, a comprehensive examination, and two convocations.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
CNSL 6114	Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Counselor Education
CNSL 6151	Professional and Ethical Orientation to Counseling
CNSL 6153	Counseling Interview Skills
CNSL 6154	Theories and Techniques of Counseling
CNSL 6155	Career Counseling
CNSL 6157	Individual Assessment in Counseling
CNSL 6161	Group Counseling
CNSL 6163	Social and Cultural Dimensions of Counseling.
CNSL 6169	Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
CNSL 6171	Family Counseling
CNSL 6173	Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CNSL 6174	Trauma and Crisis Intervention
CNSL 6185	Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6186	Advanced Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6268	Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
HDEV 6108	Life Span Human Development
HDEV 6109	Child Development
or HDEV 6110	Adolescent Development
or HDEV 8244	Adult and Aging Development
CNSL 6269	Practicum in Counseling
CNSL 6271	Advanced Clinical Skills
Elective
3 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the program advisor.
Portfolio and comprehensive examination requirements
Successful completion of pre-practicum portfolio requirements as outlined in the counseling and human development master’s student handbook.
Successful completion of the counselor preparation comprehensive examination.