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School Adjustment & Mental Health Counseling

  • Credits for Licensure:
    60
  • Credits:
    60
  • Degree:
    Master of Education

Program Description

Prepare for careers in mental health counseling working with PreK-12 students and their families in schools and clinical settings. The School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling program emphasizes the use of evidence-based counseling strategies and features extensive real-world training experiences. Graduates will be ready to meet the licensing standards of the Massachusetts Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professionals and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

What Is Mental Health Counseling?

Mental health counseling is a rapidly growing field that involves helping people to achieve mental and emotional well-being. A school adjustment counselor, also known as a school social worker, focuses on the mental health needs of students, working one-on-one with at-risk students, or with groups of students.

Cambridge College School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling Program Highlights

Designed for working professionals, the School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling program at Cambridge College offers a flexible, affordable option for earning your master’s degree.

  • Hands-on career training. Gain real-world professional preparation through extensive research opportunities, internships, and field placements based on Massachusetts state standards for school adjustment counseling.
  • Flexible class options. Earn your master’s degree while balancing work and family time. Cambridge College offers flexible day, evening, weekend, and online course options designed to meet the needs of adult learners.
  • Experienced faculty. Work closely with expert faculty who bring diverse research and professional school counseling experience to the program.
  • Exceptional value. Earn your master’s degree without breaking your budget. Cambridge College is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the nation, offering world-class education and low tuition.
  • Convenient locations. All of our classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free parking for students. 

Cambridge College welcomes more than 300 students from over 50 different countries around the world and was recently ranked as one of the Most Ethnically Diverse Colleges in America by Best College Reviews. 

School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling Concentrations

A concentration can be a key element in your counseling degree, providing unique perspectives that can enrich your counseling career, or additional credentials.

The school adjustment and mental health counseling degree offers the following concentrations:

School and Mental Health Counseling Learning Outcomes

This program prepares you to work with students, families, schools, and community personnel, providing knowledge and practical skills related to:

  • Therapeutic relationships
  • Normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development
  • Learning disorders and emotional issues affecting student achievement
  • State-of-the-art diagnostic instruments, procedures for testing, and interpreting results
  • Medical conditions and medication related to physical disabilities and learning disorders
  • Prevention and treatment strategies for substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence in PreK-12 students
  • Laws and regulations pertaining to the legal rights of students and families

Jobs in School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling

Graduates are prepared to meet the licensing standards of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In addition, graduates may apply for the following credentials:

  • School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor (all levels). Program approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as preparation for initial licensure.
  • Mental health counseling licensure by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals. Candidates must also pass an exam and complete two years of post-master’s supervised clinical practice.
  • Students completing the Alcohol/Drug concentration are eligible for CADAC certification by MBSACC and LADC licensing by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
I greatly enjoyed my time at Cambridge College. I enjoyed interacting with other professionals in my field and enjoyed the support I received from faculty and staff.
Tony Santos, Jr.

School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling

 

Example School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling Courses

The School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling program trains mental health professionals to work with PreK-12 students and their families in schools and clinical settings. The curriculum includes courses such as:

  • Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy: Basic Counseling Skills
  • Perspectives in Cross Cultural Counseling
  • School Adjustment/Mental Health Internship Seminar
  • Field Experience

Download the School Adjustment and Mental Health Counseling program sheet.

Related Programs at Cambridge College

If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College: 

Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program (MEd)
Mental Health & School Counseling
School Counseling

Curriculum

The course sequence below is highly recommended. Take 2-4 courses/term (not including 0-credit courses).

See also program pdf for internship courses and sequence options. Prior to enrolling in the SAC internship, students must complete 75 hours of directed field-based training in a school site, achieved through successful completion of CCP 698 Pre-Practicum Readiness Seminar (0 credit).

Students electing Addictions Counseling or Trauma Studies take only one school adjustment elective.

Term 1
12
Credits
Personality and Counseling Theory
CCP 540 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores personality and counseling theories from an eclectic standpoint, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses in each theory. Students are encouraged to identify an approach or approaches that are compatible with their history, current philosophy, clients, and counseling settings. Insight into modern notions of cultural and family identity enhances counseling skills and provides the ability to accommodate the needs of individuals in diverse settings.
Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy: Basic Counseling Skills
CCP 550 • 3 credit(s)
Successful completion required for mental health field experience I, CCP520. The basis of therapeutic relationships is seen in Carl Rogers’ theory of personality with its stress of self-actualization, development of the self, phenomenological field, validation, and conditions of worth is the basis for the techniques that are taught, practiced and modeled in this course. These techniques are empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. These techniques are central to any effective relationship from any theoretical perspective. The student will become practiced at these and related aspects of person-centered theory. 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: Standard a: Principles of therapeutic relationships.
Human Development Across the Lifespan
CCP 630 • 3 credit(s)
This course will address the psychological and biological aspects of human development from conception through childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, mid-life and aging. Familial, environmental and cultural factors will be explored as they impact the development of people across the continuum of life. Theory will combine with application related to physical, emotional, intellectual, learning, social, normal and abnormal development; plus cognitive, moral, and vocational adjustment. The processes of physical and psychological development including ethnic and gender differences will be studied. 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: b: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standards for School Guidance Counseling: c. psychology of learning, and e. theories of normal and abnormal, intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Ethics & Professional Issues for School Counselors & Mental Health Practitioners
CCP 622 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores several models of school counseling and mental health counseling and the relationship to relevant ethics, federal, state, municipal, state laws, and standards and regulations. The course emphasizes best practices and strategies for dealing with ethical and legal dilemmas, including the ability to apply and practice ethical and legal standards in school counseling. School counseling and systems models are examined along with consultation, harm prevention and reduction, and the evaluation and utilization of community resources. Focal areas include professional roles and functions, ethical standards including accountability, responsibility, client/student welfare, emotional health, laws and regulations, institutional policies including crisis/disaster preparedness and response, cross cultural, cross social class practices and their impact on mental health and school counseling. 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: h: Federal and state laws and regulations addressing the legal rights of students and families. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: i. Federal, state, municipal, and school laws and regulations.
Term 2
12
Credits
Research Design and Evaluation
CCP 518 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides students the foundation to navigate the essentials of research design, emphasizing approaches and methodologies relevant to mental health counseling. Emphasis is on both the theoretical aspects of research design and how to apply these concepts in real-world counseling scenarios, contributing to evidence-based practice.
Psychopathology
CCP 615 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores neurotic, abnormal, and psychotic behavior, emphasizing ego-defensive, adaptive, and socio-cultural aspects. Particular attention is given to ego-defensive, adaptive, and socio-cultural aspects of behavior and ways in which adaptive behavior becomes symptomatic. Students will delve into historical contexts, spanning early medical concepts to the current DSM-V TR diagnostic criteria, prevalent psychotherapies, and psychopharmacology.
Group Dynamics/Group Counseling & Human Systems
CCP 650 • 3 credit(s)
This course involves the study of the dynamics common to all small groups, through examining their structural and interactional properties and learning the bases for understanding groups as therapeutic, organizational, social, psychological, and collective phenomena. The class will be divided into two groups. All students will participate in an experiential, interactional group for one half of the term and observe another interactional group for one half of the term. Each experiential phase of a group will be followed by a didactic analysis of the process. The instructor will demonstrate various techniques as leader of all experiential sessions. Leadership styles will be examined as they influence group process. Students are required to write journal analyses of group sessions, complete assigned readings, and attend every session. Students are taught to develop self-awareness, sensitivity to others, and skills needed to relate to individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. (No one will be admitted to the course in the event of failure to attend the first session.) 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: a: Principles of therapeutic relationships. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: l. group counseling and group leadership.
Career Development
CCP 639 • 3 credit(s)

This course provides an experiential approach to career development for mental health, school and rehabilitation counselors to support clients with and without disabilities across the lifespan in both individual and group settings. Orientation to key assessment instruments, online resources, labor market information, transferable skills analysis, job placement strategies and work-related supports will be made to support the career guidance process and to develop comprehensive plans of action for clients.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: i. Career counseling.

Term 3
12
Credits

For Rehabilitation concentration, take a concentration course instead of CCP638.

Students may take both CCP522 Pre-Internship Clinical Skills and CCP524 Pre-Internship Supervision Laboratory instead of CCP520.

CCP698A must be taken in the term prior to enrolling in CCP792A.

Mental Health Counseling Jurisprudence Seminar
CCP 699

Registration in this course is a prerequisite to field experience. This 0-credit course triggers Tevera fee and student access.

Field Experience I
CCP 520 • 3 credit(s)
This initial field experience course must be taken concurrent with a field placement. Documentation of practicum requirements in accordance with 262 CMR 2.00 must be completed between the 8th week of class and the end of the semester and before any internship hours begin. Prerequisite: CCP550 Basic Counseling Skills: Rogerian Therapy. This course is a prerequisite for CCP792A School Adjustment/Mental Health Internship Seminar A.
School Adjustment Counseling/School Social Work
CCP 617 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the role of school adjustment counselors in assisting students facing emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties. It highlights personal, family, and group counseling, with a focus on utilizing both school and community resources. Special emphasis is placed on the support systems available from schools and communities for students in challenging situations, covering prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies. 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.
Psychological Testing
CCP 636 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an overview of psychological testing including a review of projective testing and techniques for individual and group administration for understanding personality development and pathology, basic administration, scoring and diagnostic skill development. This course reviews instruments including TAT, MMPI and Rorschach as well as language and alternative non-language-based intelligence tests, achievement tests including the WISC-IV, the Woodcock-Johnson III, tests of nonverbal intelligence, and other state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Emphasis is on clinical integration of the testing materials, useful intervention strategies and recommendations for the counselor, treatment team and/or referral agent. Test reliability, validity, standard deviations, scaled scores, percentiles and interpretation of significant differences are taught. This course 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. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Counseling: b. Understanding and interpretation of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and other academic test results to students, teachers, and peers.
Group Work with Children and Adolescents
CCP 638 • 3 credit(s)

This course is designed to prepare students in the Mental Health, School Adjustment, and School Counseling programs to lead psychoeducational and/or counseling groups for children and adolescents. Class lectures and experiential activities will provide a theoretical and practical framework for organizing and leading theme-oriented counseling groups in school and community mental health settings. Readings will provide students with different theoretical perspectives on working with groups as well as the practical tasks in managing and working with school age youngsters in a group setting. Designing curriculum for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and violence as well as numerous other topics will be reviewed. The course explores counseling issues and provides specific techniques and strategies that are developmentally appropriate and applicable to the school/community settings. Application of ethical standards and legal requirements unique to counseling children and adolescents is included.
This course addresses the following Massachusetts state standards for school adjustment counseling: a. principles of therapeutic relationships. b. theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social and emotional development. 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 counseling: f. knowledge of strategies used for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, the spectrum of mental illnesses, and violence in PreK-12 students. e. theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social and emotional development. l. group counseling and group leadership.
 

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

Registration in this course is a prerequisite to field experience. This 0-credit course triggers Tevera fee and student access.

Term 4
9
Credits

Please note: Take CCP 561 or CCP 715.

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.

Perspectives in Cross Cultural Counseling
CCP 754 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the role of culture in the development of psychological health and in psychopathology. Variations among diverse cultures in defining mental health and deviant behavior are discussed. The importance of understanding the cultural context is emphasized, both in the prevention and in the resolution of psychological problems. Students become aware of their own cultural beliefs regarding mental health issues, and the impact of their perspective in working with culturally different people. Techniques for working with families and schools are also discussed. 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: Standard f: Techniques for communicating and working with families and school and community personnel. b: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development. This course addresses the following Massachusetts State Standard for School Guidance Counseling: e: Theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Counseling Techniques with Multi-Problem Families in Changing Communities
CCP 561 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on effective techniques for communication and collaboration with families in school and community settings. Emphasizing practical skills, students systematically learn assessment, contracting, and counseling procedures, with a focus on evaluating resources and addressing family needs. Special attention is given to collaborating with external helpers and handling conflicts within family dynamics. The course covers sensitive topics like family violence and substance abuse, promoting an inclusive approach to address cultural diversities.
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.
Term 5
9
Credits

Two SOPC elective or concentration courses and the following:

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
 

Term 6
6
Credits

Also required:

  • One SOPC elective or concentration course
Field Experience IV
CCP 701 • 3 credit(s)
Enrollment limited to 10. This the third in a sequence of distinctly defined, post-practicum, supervised co-curriculuar experience and runs concurrent with field placement. Documentation of internship requirements in accordance with 262 CMR 2.00 will be completed until 600 total hours. An elective may be substituted for this course if all field experience requirements are met by the completion of CCP700.
Download Program Sheet

Admissions

  • Admission Test:

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

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

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 about transferring credits.

 

Tuition

  • Credits for Licensure:
    60
  • Credits:
    60
  • 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

See all fees

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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