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School Adjustment Counseling for Mental Health Counselors Certificate

  • Credits for Licensure:
    15
  • Credits:
    15
  • Degree:
    post-master's certificate

Program Description

Best Mental Health Counseling Programs

This post-master’s certificate is for licensed mental health counselors who desire the additional credential of licensed school adjustment counselor. The program provides the course work and field experience needed, without repeating course work they will already have taken for mental health.

The School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling program trains mental health professionals to work within the school culture and in clinical settings serving the mental health needs of PreK-12 students and their families. The use of evidence-based counseling strategies when working with children and adolescents in school settings is emphasized.

In 2021, Cambridge College's mental health counseling certificates were ranked as #1 in New England for Best Quality, #2 in New England for Best Value and #25 in the U.S. for Best Value by Healthcare Degree Search (HDS), an organization that specializes in promoting healthcare careers, and ranks programs on outcome-based factors, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn and apply the principles and best practices of counseling, including various psychotherapeutic techniques for work and individuals, couples, families and groups; group counseling; and consultation to organizations and communities. They study human development, dysfunctional behavior and mental illness. They learn to assess, diagnose and treat within the scope of the counselor’s practice, and become able to utilize community resources for referrals. They learn and apply strategies for prevention and treatment of substance abuse, domestic violence, the spectrum of mental illnesses; and learn to use psycho-educational techniques aimed at preventing such disorders. They become familiar with state regulations applicable to mental health practice and licensure.

Careers and Further Study

Students are prepared to meet the licensing standards of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In addition, graduates may apply for the following credential:

  • School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor (all levels) Program approved by the Mass. Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education as preparation for initial licensure

 

For more information, please contact Admissions at 1-800-829-4723.

Curriculum

Students who previously completed any of the listed courses shall consult with the program chair for substitute course work to meet the requirement of 15 credits.


Term 1
9
Credits

CCP 698 Pre-Practicum Readiness Seminar for School Adjustment and School Counseling (0-credit) is a 75-hour pre-practicum (prereq. for CCP792A); to be completed in the summer before enrolling in CCP792A.

Pre-Practicum Readiness Seminar for School Adjustment and School Counseling
CCP 698

The Pre-Practicum Readiness Seminar is designed to expose identified school-based students to the various aspects and requirements of a school-based internship. The seminar is designed to outline professional, ethical standards, and appropriate interactions while interning in a school setting. The class will also offer an overview of all school-based graduation paperwork requirements.

School Adjustment Counseling/School Social Work
CCP 617 3 credit(s)
Offered in Fall and Summer only. This course explores the roles and functions of school adjustment counselors with students identified as having emotional, behavioral, and social problems. This course operates on the assumption that such students are best served using personal, systems, family and group counseling approaches, with strong emphasis on identifying, assessing and utilizing community and family resources. Techniques for working with families, school and community personnel are emphasized. Clinical school counseling and systems issues are explored as well as: consultation, harm prevention and reduction, and the evaluation and utilization of community resources. Assessments such as genograms, biopsychosocial assessments, functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans, will be taught as well as treatment planning and goal writing. The understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of learning, emotional and behavioral disorders, when to recommend an IEP, when a 504 is most appropriate, and when students do not qualify for services is emphasized. Knowledge of IEP/special education time lines is conveyed. The referral process for students and their families to obtain services and supports in the community is a focus of discussion, as well as advocating and facilitating relationships with community and government agencies. The course addresses a working knowledge of the juvenile justice system with regard to criminal justice, child protection, CHINS laws and regulations, as well as federal and state regulations addressing the legal rights of students and their families. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: c: Learning disorders, including emotional issues affecting student achievement, and their treatment. f: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school and community personnel. g: Knowledge of the criminal justice system with particular reference to the juvenile justice system and organizations. i: Federal and state regulations addressing the legal rights of students and families.
Trauma Interventions in Schools
CCP 729 3 credit(s)
This course is taught in the spring term only. Trauma, chronic fear and stress impact children’s neurobiological development which affects critical brain functions (memory, language, problem-solving, higher order thinking, and executive function skills). The support a child/adolescent receives from those around them and the communities they inhabit heavily influences the trauma response and forward growth. Schools are children’s communities. This course will explore the impact of trauma on the child/adolescent’s neurobiological development, relationships, behavior, learning and academic performance. Trauma sensitive approaches in schools are described, including prevention and treatment of physical, sexual and substance abuse, as well as clinical interventions related to stabilization and the development of coping and social skills. School and system-wide crisis prevention, intervention and postvention planning and implementation will also be reviewed. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: d: Prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: f. Knowledge of strategies used for the prevention and treatment of substance, physical and sexual abuse, the spectrum of mental illnesses, and violence in PreK-12 students
School Adjustment/Mental Health Internship Seminar A
CCP 792A 3 credit(s)

Prerequisites: CCP 520.
(enrollment limited to 10.) This course is for students in the School Adjustment/Mental Health program who are in their first semester of an approved ESE/SAC School Internship. This course focuses on students’ mental health counseling practice which is conducted in an approved school setting. A minimum of 225 hours of internship experience are required under the supervision of a qualified supervisor (Massachusetts Regulations 262 CMR) and must also have ESE licensure as a School Adjustment Counselor. Goal(s) for each student will be established with their College internship instructor and site supervisor at the beginning of the experience. Casework, note taking, diagnostic and treatment planning will be analyzed and explored in the classroom with a focus on enhancing students’ clinical skills in these areas. Use of Functional Behavior Assessments will be discussed as well as the formation of groups in the school setting. Additionally, a review of the principles of therapeutic relationships, developing techniques for communicating and working with families, agencies/systems, and school and community personnel; and the use of supervision will be discussed. The diagnosis and treatment of learning and behavioral disorders, when to recommend an educational evaluation, an FBA, an IEP or a 504 will also be discussed. SAC interns will learn to develop plans for the prevention, treatment and referral of students engaged in legal or illegal substances, school violence, school crises and other situations. The progress on the completion of a portfolio demonstrating the student’s advancement through their program of study is required in this course. This course includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. Onsite training supervised by a state-approved licensed/certified school adjustment counselor who also has clinical licensure as an LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist is required.
The fieldwork experiences in this course address the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselors: 3: A practicum of 900 hours, 450 of which must be working with children, adolescents, and families in an educational setting. 
Standard a: Principles of therapeutic relationships. C: Learning disorders, including emotional issues affecting student achievement, and their treatment. D: Prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students. F: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school personnel.

Term 2
6
Credits

Take CCP 561 or CCP 715.

Counseling Techniques with Multi-Problem Families in Changing Communities
CCP 561 3 credit(s)
It is strongly recommended that students participate in a practicum/internship while enrolled in this course. This course is for those beginning work with “multi-problem” families, and for those with some experience who wish to adopt a systemic, strengths-focused model of counseling. Techniques for communicating and working with families in school and community settings are emphasized. Instructor and student generated case studies are supported by role-playing and outside readings. Students go step-by-step through assessment, contracting, and counseling processes. They learn how to evaluate resources and needs, how to identify and collaborate with outside helpers and agencies, and how to deal with conflicts between the needs of family members. Issues relating to family violence, substance abuse and the use of home visiting are also discussed. In addition to class participation and readings, two papers analyzing families and the counseling process are required. This course emphasizes approaches which honor the socioeconomic, linguistic and cultural differences which may affect families and relationship between the family and therapist. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: f: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school and community personnel.
Multicultural Counseling: Children and Adolescents in Context
CCP 715 3 credit(s)
This course explores the counseling process with children and adolescents from two perspectives: first from the experiential world of the child or adolescent, and secondly, from an ecological/systems perspective, with strong emphasis on cultural strengths and concerns. Topics include: the world of the child in a multicultural society; exceptionality, techniques for communicating and working with diverse families, school and community personnel; play/activity techniques, multicultural group work. Also: assessment; diagnosis; gathering and communicating information; sensitivity to others; self awareness; culturally congruent educational programs; stereotyping; economic, social and political issues surrounding diversity; relevant state, municipal and school laws and regulations relating to ethnic, linguistic, racial, gender and religious diversity; interviewing; dealing with research; resources and referrals within schools and community; hazards and problems of normal and abnormal development; enhancing a positive school climate in a multicultural school setting. The course also addresses issues impacting learning, achievement, and diversity with a final presentation utilizing the online library and other online researched based sites. Includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker: f: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school and community personnel. i: Federal and state laws and regulations addressing the legal rights of students and families. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: h. Federal, state, municipal, and school laws and regulations. j. Resources within the school system or the community for referral. m. Development of skills for consultation with parents, teachers, and administrators.
School Adjustment/Mental Health Internship Seminar B
CCP 793B 3 credit(s)

Prerequisites: CCP 520 and CCP 792A. (enrollment limited to 10.) This course is for students in the School Adjustment/Mental Health program who are in the second semester of an approved ESE/SAC School Internship. This course focuses on students’ mental health counseling practice which is conducted in an approved school setting. A minimum of 225 hours of internship experience are required under the supervision of a qualified supervisor (Massachusetts Regulations 262 CMR) and must also have ESE licensure as a School Adjustment Counselor. Goal(s) for each student will be established with their College internship instructor and site supervisor at the beginning of the experience. Casework, note taking, diagnostic and treatment planning will be analyzed and explored in the classroom with a focus on enhancing students’ clinical skills in these areas. Development of Behavior Intervention Plans based on Functional Assessments will be discussed as well as establishing groups in the school setting and evaluating their impact. Additionally, a review of the principles of therapeutic relationships, developing techniques for communicating and working with families, agencies/systems, and school and community personnel; and the use of supervision will be discussed. The diagnosis and treatment of learning and behavioral disorders, when to recommend an educational evaluation, an FBA, an IEP or a 504 will also be discussed. SAC interns will learn to develop plans for the prevention, treatment and referral of students engaged in legal or illegal substances, school violence, school crises and other situations. The completion of a portfolio demonstrating the student’s advancement through their program of study is required in this course. This course includes the fundamental occupational tasks of assessment, case presentation, case collaboration, team membership and client interaction. Onsite training supervised by a state-approved licensed/certified school adjustment counselor who also has clinical licensure as an LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist is required.
The fieldwork experiences in this course address the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Adjustment Counselors: 3: A practicum of 900 hours, 450 of which must be working with children, adolescents, and families in an educational setting.
Standard a: Principles of therapeutic relationships. b. Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development c: Learning disorders, including emotional issues affecting student achievement, and their treatment. d: Prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students. e. Knowledge of state-of-the-art diagnostic instruments; procedures for testing and interpreting results. f Techniques for communicating and working with families and school personnel. g. Knowledge of the criminal justice system with particular reference to the juvenile justice system and organizations. h. Knowledge of medical conditions and medication related to physical disabilities and learning disorders. i. Federal and state laws and regulations addressing the legal rights of students and families
 

Core Faculty

Senior Instructor

Admissions

  • Admission Test:

    No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs

  • Admissions Office:
    1-800-829-4723
  • Application Form:
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)

Program Requirements

  • Completion of current Cambridge College 60-credit M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling or equivalent program (bachelor's degree also required).
  • Pass Massachusetts Communication & Literacy Test (MTEL) and all other ESE licensure requirements for School Adjustment Counseling.

Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students 

The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:

Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form

Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.

 

School Requirements

International Students 

International students need to provide supplemental documentation:

  • Official demonstration of English language proficiency
  • Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
  • International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service

Transfer Credit 

Please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.

 

Tuition

  • Credits for Licensure:
    15
  • Credits:
    15
  • Cost per credit hour:
    $639
  • Application Fee:
    $50 ($100 for international students)
  • Health Insurance Fee:
    $3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
  • Internship/Practicum Fee:
    $400

Note: Rates are as of July, 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.

Financial Aid

Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more

Grants, Scholarships and Loans

Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college.  Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more

Getting Your Company to Help

Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more

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