Counseling Programs offered at Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons University creates a community that delivers educational excellence guided by Christian faith and values. The university’s Psychology and Counseling department runs distinguished counseling programs from its location at 2200 Hickory Street in Abilene, Texas.

The HSU Community Mental Health Clinic serves as the cornerstone of counseling education at Hardin-Simmons. Students develop their clinical skills under licensed professionals’ supervision in this modern facility. The clinic, located on the west side of the Houston-Lantrip building at 2411 Pine Street, welcomes clients with an inviting atmosphere and gives students an improved learning environment. Its location has boosted community visibility by a lot.

The university’s service commitment reaches beyond traditional classroom learning. Graduate student clinicians provide affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families at the Psychology and Counseling Center with faculty supervision. This hands-on approach has led to the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program achieving a 100% job placement rate for its graduates.

Hardin-Simmons sets itself apart through its unique blend of faith and psychology. The program treats patients as complete individuals: biologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Counselors learn to address various needs with compassion and professional excellence through this combination of Christian ethics and complete psychological training.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program follows standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This ensures students receive a respected, high-quality academic degree. Students gain 700 hours of clinical experience through on-campus practice and community agency internships.

Recent statistics highlight the university’s diverse community. The 2021-2022 graduating class in mental health services included:

• 67% women and 33% men
• 58% white students
• 25% Hispanic or Latino students
• 8% Black or African American students
• 8% students of other racial backgrounds

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program began the mission to prepare students to deliver professional counseling services of the highest standard to diverse populations. The program encourages collaboration between faculty and students as they pursue knowledge, develop clinical skills, and achieve personal growth—all within a faith-enlightened environment.

What counseling programs does Hardin-Simmons University offer?

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is the foundation of Hardin-Simmons University’s counseling education. This complete 60-hour residential graduate program opens doors to careers in mental health services. Our graduates have achieved a remarkable 100% job placement rate, which shows how well the program prepares counselors for real-life practice.

After you complete the CMHC program and pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE), you can become a National Certified Counselor (NCC). The program meets all requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials. You can also pursue licensing as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) by taking one extra elective and meeting specific internship requirements.

Your career opportunities with this degree include:

• Clinical settings (both in-patient and out-patient)
• Church counseling centers
• University counseling centers
• Community mental health agencies
• Social services organizations
• Private practice

The CMHC program at Hardin-Simmons University teaches you to provide mental health services to people of all ages, couples, and families. You’ll learn clinical skills that work with different types of clients in various settings.

Students must complete the curriculum, finish required clinical experience, advance to candidacy, perform well on the Counseling Performance Evaluation, and pass the comprehensive examination to graduate. You’ll get hands-on experience at the university’s Psychology and Counseling Center, which offers everything from individual therapy to family counseling and career guidance.

Hardin-Simmons runs a residential-only program. This creates better in-person learning experiences and helps develop stronger clinical skills. Such an approach shows the university’s steadfast dedication to producing exceptional counseling professionals.

The CMHC program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This ensures your degree meets national standards of excellence. Graduates earn respected credentials nationwide and can enter a growing job market or pursue doctoral studies.

You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to apply. A committee of CMHC faculty reviews all applications thoroughly before making admission decisions.

Internships/Practicum at Hardin-Simmons

Clinical training at Hardin-Simmons University pairs on-campus practice with community-based internships to give students hands-on experience. Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will complete 700 hours of clinical experience through different activities. This practical experience is essential to your professional development.

You’ll train in two main settings. The Psychology and Counseling Center on HSU campus serves as your first practice location. Your internship at an approved community agency follows as the second location. This approach will give a rich mix of client populations and counseling environments.

Your internship will involve these professional activities:

• Individual, couple, family, and group counseling
• Assessment and consultation
• Supervision and case review
• Various other clinical responsibilities

Many programs expect students to find their own placement sites. Hardin-Simmons takes a different path. The program matches you with local clinics, organizations, and mental health facilities that encourage engagement to maximize your growth. This careful selection helps maintain the program’s 100% field work placement rate.

You’ll receive detailed supervision and feedback as you progress. This includes 1.5 hours of weekly group supervision and 1 hour of weekly individual supervision. The Counseling Performance Evaluation tool will assess your professional counseling skills and behaviors.

Background checks are required by some practicum and internship sites before placement. State licensure boards also need background checks to determine eligibility for licensure after graduation.

Field experience at Hardin-Simmons University helps turn your academic knowledge into practical skills. This intensive training builds your confidence and competence to excel as a licensed mental health professional after graduation.

What sets Hardin-Simmons University apart?

Hardin-Simmons University stands out among counseling education providers with several unique features. The university’s emphasis on ground learning makes it a leader among top clinical mental health counseling programs nationwide. Students learn beyond theory and apply their knowledge in authentic settings.

HSU has managed to keep academic excellence at its core. Expert scholars teach small classes that create interactive learning spaces where you get tailored attention. This approach works – graduates excel in their careers consistently.

The university’s distinctive balance of faith and psychology sets it apart. HSU integrates Christian ethics and values into its counseling curriculum, unlike many secular programs. You’ll learn to treat patients with an all-encompassing approach that considers biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. This complete method recognizes everything in human experience that aids healing.

The counseling program at HSU builds a remarkable community spirit. You become part of a family of scholars, researchers, and professionals who share your passion for psychology and service. These connections with peers and community members often last through internships and missionary work.

There’s another reason that makes HSU special – its deep community involvement. The Psychology and Counseling Center offers affordable counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in Abilene. Students gain ground experience while serving community needs, going beyond classroom learning.

The program follows standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This will give your degree national recognition for excellence. HSU appears among institutions with specific program accreditations from various professional bodies, including CACREP for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. program.

Next steps

Hardin-Simmons University is a top choice for future counseling professionals. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program delivers exceptional value through its CACREP accreditation. Your degree will meet nationally recognized standards of excellence. The program’s effectiveness and reputation are evident in its 100% job placement rate.

This program shines with its all-encompassing approach to counseling education. Students learn to blend Christian faith with psychological principles to help clients with their biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. You’ll gain 700 hours of clinical experience through on-campus practice and community internships. These hands-on experiences give you the practical skills you need to succeed professionally.

Students get ground experience at the university’s Psychology and Counseling Center and state-of-the-art HSU Community Mental Health Clinic. These facilities are a great way to get experience serving people from all walks of life while developing clinical skills under expert guidance.

Small classes led by experienced scholars create an environment perfect for individual-specific attention. Students build lasting relationships with faculty and peers that continue long after graduation.

This detailed program gives you both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise you can use in clinical facilities and private practices of all sizes. The program’s residential nature demands commitment but leads to deeper in-person learning experiences that enhance your professional growth.

Students who choose Hardin-Simmons University join a community focused on excellence, compassionate service, and faith-informed practice – key qualities for anyone called to counseling.