Mission Statement, Goals, & Objectives

Mission statement

The Counseling and Development program facilitates the development of counseling competencies in an inclusive environment for students which enhance the quality of lives of individuals and their communities in a diverse global society. By preparing caring and creative practitioners as school and clinical mental health counselors in the twenty-first century, the program promotes excellence in the practices of counseling, advocacy, research, and service. Our mission aligns with the mission statement of the Department of Human Development Family Studies and Counseling and is facilitated through the goals and objectives listed in each of the syllabi.

Goals

1. To instill in each student an understanding of the process of human and family growth, development, and change within the context of counseling with individuals, groups, families and communities.
2. To encourage a mindset of self-reflection and self-awareness in support of professional and clinical development to uphold ethical standards in counseling practice.
3. To assure that each student develops knowledge of interpersonal skills as related to counseling individuals, groups, and families.
4. To prepare students to provide counseling services to diverse populations in educational settings, clinical mental health settings, private practice, managed care facilities, and other related counseling settings.

Core objectives

1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of normal human growth and development which includes: the process and stages of human intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development from prenatal origins through old age.
2. The student will apply and evaluate knowledge of appraisal or assessment techniques useful in the counseling process including the principles, concepts, and procedures of systemic appraisal or assessment of an individual’s attitudes, aptitude, achievements, interests, and personal characteristics which may include the use of both non-testing and test instruments. 
3. The student will demonstrate and apply knowledge of the major theories of counseling.
4. The student will demonstrate and apply knowledge of research in individual and group methods of counseling.
5. The student will demonstrate knowledge of research and statistical methods used in education and counseling.
6. The student will demonstrate understanding of lifestyle and career development including theories of vocational choice, career and lifestyle choice, sources of occupational and educational information; and career decision-making processes.
7. The student will apply knowledge of social, cultural, and family issues as they relate to the counseling process and the counseling relationship.
8. The student will demonstrate a commitment to cultural competence and self-awareness, and will analyze scholarly multicultural material when necessary to effectively treat clients from diverse identities and backgrounds.
9. The student will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to diagnosis and treatment planning for clients in their counseling practices through the creation of treatment plans. 
10. The student will apply and evaluate knowledge of the objectives of professional counseling organizations, codes of ethics, legal aspects of practice, standards of preparation, and the role identity of persons providing direct counseling services.
11. The student will demonstrate skills in counseling and case management in practicum and internship placements appropriate to their counseling interests, and will appropriately seek supervision during their field experiences. 

Page last updated 12:51 PM, November 7, 2023