Counseling Programs from University of Saint Thomas Houston
The University of St. Thomas Houston helps students become mental health professionals through its counseling programs. These programs blend academic rigor with hands-on experience in the School of Education and Human Services.
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program features a well-laid-out curriculum. Students must earn a B or higher in five core courses to progress, which includes Helping Relationships and the four-part Practicum sequence. The program’s 700+ supervised clinical training hours give students real-life experience they need to grow professionally.
The university’s PsyD in Counseling Psychology takes previous psychology training to prepare students for work settings of all types. Students spend three full-time, in-person academic years and complete an internship in the fourth year. The program earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association in October 2000.
The School Counselor Education program creates professional school counselors through its 48-hour curriculum. Teachers with two years of experience can join this specialized program. Students get a full picture of language dynamics, privilege, oppression, and interpersonal relationships that connect to ethnicity, race, class, gender, and distinctive populations.
The university’s online Master’s in School Counseling program is ranked as the No. 8 Best Online Master’s in School Counseling Program. This fully online program focuses on counseling strategies, school-wide program development, and mental health with special attention to diversity and cultural issues.
Students interested in marriage and family therapy can choose the Counseling Psychology program’s Family Psychology Concentration. This 18-credit addition to the 48-credit MA program meets Minnesota’s requirements to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Students have access to Counseling and Wellness Services at no cost. These services include assessment, consultation, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, academic support, campus outreach, and referral information.
The faculty members are active practitioners with strong professional networks. They help connect students with diverse peers, teachers, and alumni. Students can shape their training experience through many practicum sites to match their career goals.
What counseling programs does University of St. Thomas Houston offer?
St. Thomas Houston offers several specialized counseling programs that prepare you for various professional paths in mental health.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program requires you to complete 20 courses successfully. You need a B or higher grade in five essential courses to move forward in the program:
- Helping Relationships
- Practicum I/Crisis Intervention
- Practicum II
- Practicum III
- Practicum IV
Students complete at least 700 supervised clinical training hours during these practica. The program’s coursework includes:
- Ethical, Legal & Professional Issues in Counseling
- Counseling Theories
- Human Diversity
- Human Growth & Development
- Psychopathology & Atypical Behavior
- Appraisal & Assessment Techniques
Students passionate about research can take two elective thesis courses: Research Thesis I and Research Thesis II. These courses are typically available during summer terms. The university also allows you to take individualized courses in your specific areas of interest under special circumstances.
The School Counselor Education Program needs 48 credit hours to qualify you as a professional school counselor. This program works best for educators with two years of teaching experience. The curriculum examines the dynamics of language, privilege, and interpersonal relationships in various populations while covering professional, ethical, and legal aspects of school counseling.
Students learn counseling strategies, school-wide program development, and mental health concerns in this format.
The faculty makes these programs unique. Every instructor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has worked as a practitioner and maintains strong connections with school districts. They stay current with industry practices and personally write job recommendations for their graduates. Students can complete the full-time program in 12 months at the Houston campus.
The university also offers special topics courses in counseling for students interested in exploring specific areas under certain circumstances.
Internships/Practicum at University of Saint Thomas Houston
Practical training is the foundation of counseling education at University of Saint Thomas Houston. Students must pass a complete practicum sequence of four courses with a grade of B or higher to continue in the program. This requirement will give students professional competence before they enter the field.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling students need 700 or more supervised clinical training hours through four practica. Their experience starts with Practicum I/Crisis Intervention that has at least 100 clock hours with 40+ hours of direct client service. Practicum III builds on this foundation with 200 or more hours and 80+ hours of direct service.
Students receive individual and group supervision for their counseling work throughout these stages. This combined supervision approach helps them refine their clinical skills and provides professional guidance. Each practicum builds in complexity so students can develop confidence in ground settings.
Doctoral students face an intensive internship experience. The Doctoral Internship Program demands a full-time, 12-month commitment with 2,000 hours. The program begins on the second Monday of August each year and emphasizes learning through evidence-based practice application. Students gain excellent training in:
- Psychotherapy and individual/group counseling
- Psychological assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Outreach and consultation
The Counseling Internship demands 600 clock hours in designated program areas after practicum completion. Students must complete at least 240 clock hours of direct service, including group leadership experience. They must attend weekly individual or triadic supervision with an onsite supervisor.
The university’s partnerships with community organizations through the Interprofessional Center provide services to various populations while offering valuable field experiences. Students can work with demographically diverse populations through the North Memorial Health-University of St. Thomas Joint Doctoral Psychology Internship Program.
The faculty and supervisors foster a supportive, collegial atmosphere that promotes professional development, clinical skill refinement, and self-understanding.
What sets University of apart?
The University of Saint Thomas Houston’s counseling programs stand out in several ways. Their faculty brings real-world experience as licensed psychologists and counselors. They specialize in family therapy, counselor education, and mental health counseling. Students benefit from direct mentorship in smaller classes that allow for individual attention.
The university goes beyond theory to emphasize hands-on experience. Their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program shows a steadfast dedication to excellence through intensive practicum work and well-laid-out courses. Students become really prepared for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and graduates show strong performance consistently.
Saint Thomas’s counseling programs line up perfectly with national standards. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets Texas’s requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Students graduate ready to practice and build specialized certifications.
The university places ethics and diversity at its core. Ethical practice runs through all coursework, especially when you have classes like “Ethical, Legal & Professional Issues in Counseling” that are the foundations of responsible clinical work.
Saint Thomas brings something unique with its Catholic identity that blends faith viewpoints with scientific understanding. Notwithstanding that, the program remains available and meaningful to students of all backgrounds.
Small cohorts help promote close professional bonds between students and faculty. This community-based approach creates a supportive environment where students receive personal guidance throughout their learning experience.
Next steps
The University of St. Thomas Houston has a simple three-step application process:
Step 1: Submit Your Application The online application takes about 10 minutes to complete. You’ll be glad to know there is no fee to apply. Clinical Mental Health Counseling applicants should select their specific program on the form.
Step 2: Upload Required Materials After submitting your application, you’ll get access to your personal My UST account portal. You can upload these documents through the portal:
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- 250-300 word essay about your career goals (for M.Ed. School Counseling)
- TOEFL scores (if English is not your primary language)
The School Counselor Education Program also needs:
- Proof of two years teaching experience
- Texas Education Agency Identification Number
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on previous degree
Step 3: Await a Decision Most applicants receive an admissions decision within two weeks, though some cases might take longer. Once accepted, you’ll need to submit your enrollment deposit and immunization records to secure your spot.
Students must complete all Master’s Program requirements within eight years. The university’s Counseling and Wellness Services offers free confidential support to enrolled students.