1. What is a mental health
counselor?
According to New York State regulations (Article 163, Section 8402
of New York State Education Law), a mental health counselor is a
professional who evaluates, assesses, treats or works to ameliorate
a disability, problem or disorder. They employ verbal or behavioral
methods — including assessment instruments, counseling procedures
and psychotherapy — to address developmental, emotional,
personality or relationship problems experienced by individuals,
couples, families or groups. Mental health counselors may
work in private practice, group or organizational settings.
2. Is a license currently required to
practice counseling and psychotherapy in New York State?
Yes. Only a person licensed under NYS regulations (or exempt
by law) can practice
or use the title “licensed mental health counselor.” (NYS Education
Law, Article 163, Sec.8402)
3. What are the educational requirements
to become a licensed mental health counselor?
To be licensed as a mental health counselor, according to Section
8402, an applicant must “receive an appropriate education,
including a master’s or higher degree in counseling, from a
department-registered program or one the department determines to
be the substantial equivalent thereof, in accordance with the
commissioner’s regulations.” Graduate coursework shall
include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
i. human growth and development
ii. social and cultural foundations of counseling
iii. counseling theory, practice and psychopathology
iv. group dynamics
v. lifestyle and career development
vi. assessment and appraisal of individuals, couples and families
and groups
vii. research and program evaluation
viii. professional orientation and ethics
ix. foundations of mental health counseling and consultation
x. clinical instruction; and
xi. completion of a minimum one year supervised internship or
practicum
in mental health counseling
4. Are there any other
requirements that one should know about?
Yes, beyond the education necessary for licensure, an individual
still needs to complete other requirements, including
(a) being 21 years of age,
(b) being of good moral character as determined by the State
Education Department,
(c) completing 3000 hours of post-master’s supervised
experience,
(d) passing an examination satisfactory to the Board of Regents in
accordance with the commissioner’s regulations, and
(e) pay a fee of $175 for an initial license and a fee of $170 for
each following triennial registration period. (Additional
provisions
guiding professionals licensed under Article 163 can be found in
the NYS regulations.)
5. How can the master’s degree
program at St. John’s University help you towards becoming a mental
health counselor?
The 60-credit master’s degree in mental health counseling is
registered with New
York State as a licensed-qualifying program. This means that
students who finish the
program will have completed the educational requirements for
licensure but will still have to complete the other requirements
outlined above. Note: you cannot take the examination until you
have completed the supervised experience requirement and you cannot
complete the supervised experience requirement until you have
completed the
education requirement.
6. What are the requirements for
entering the Mental Health Counseling program at St. John’s
University?
Applicants to the Counseling program at St. John’s University must
be graduates of an
accredited college with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Two
letters of
recommendation are required as well as a successful interview with
the counseling
faculty. Students are expected to have a minimum of 18 credits in
the behavioral and
social sciences and/or professional education courses, but can
complete any deficiencies through additional coursework while
enrolled in the program.
7. Where and when are courses
offered and at what cost?
The master’s degree program in Mental Health Counseling is
available on both the Queens and Staten Island campuses of St.
John’s University. Classes are generally held in the evening.
Financial aid and scholarships are available. For tuition rates:
please go to www.stjohns.edu/admission/tuition.stj.
8. How do I apply?
Queens campus
Kelly K. Ronayne
Assistant Dean
(718) 990-2304
graded@stjohns.edu
Staten Island
campus
Lynn Bosco
(718) 390-4577
boscol@stjohns.edu
To apply online go to www.stjohns.edu and click
Apply Now.
9. Is there a comprehensive
examination required to complete the master’s degree in Mental
Health Counseling?
No. There are two research course requirements within the degree
and the
project requirement of the second course takes the place of the
comprehensive
examination.
10. What field experiences are
required for the degree?
The program is aligned with the requirements of The Council for
Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
(CACREP). Therefore, students take three internship courses
totaling 900 hours of field experience.
11. How long will it take to complete the
program?
Students should be able to complete all program requirements within
three years.
Some will complete the program in two and one-half years. There is
a five-year limit set by the University.
12. Can one work in the field upon
graduation from the master’s degree program at St. John’s
University?
As graduates of a licensed-qualifying program students can work to
obtain the necessary 3000 hours of experience under a credential
called a limited permit. According to Section 8409, the State
Education Department can issue a limited permit to applicants who
meet all qualifications for licensure except the examination and/or
experience requirements, in accordance with specific regulations.
Limited permits last for two years; they may be renewed, at the
department’s discretion, for one additional year. The fee for each
limited permit and for each renewal shall be seventy dollars
($70).
13. How does one qualify for a limited
permit to practice under supervision?
The Education Department may issue a limited permit to an applicant
who:
- has submitted the application (Form 1) and fee ($345) for
licensure
- has been determined by the department to meet the education
requirements for licensure
- is at least 21 years of age
- and is of good moral character, as determined by the
department
14. What is the occupational outlook for
licensed mental health counselors?
The occupational outlook for licensed mental health counselors is
excellent.
Projections suggest a 19 – 27 percent increase in job opportunities
between 2004
and 2014. This projection does not include private practice
figures. Salaries in 2006
ranged between $20,000 and $60,000.
15. Where can I get more information about
mental health counseling?
NOTE: Even if you have graduated from an approved education
program,
you cannot practice until the limited permit has been issued.