Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling a new Program/Degree Proposal

Alignment with State System mission, goals and initiatives

As will be supported in the section addressing need, the MS in CMHC is highly consistent with the State System’s mission of responsiveness to state, regional, and national needs through quality academic programs, research, and service. The PASSHE Strategic Initiatives approved by the Board of Governors on October 13, 2010, are touched upon in many respects by the proposed program. For example, through the development of specialty concentrations in rural mental health counseling and military/veteran mental health counseling, the proposed MS in CMHC exhibits currency in academic programs and aligning [of] academic programs at all levels with the Commonwealth’s strategic needs. The use of online/distance learning and ITV methods reflects a means of employing technology to enhance teaching and learning. Student participation in practicum training and internships will help to enhance community and regional engagement and enhance the quality of life of the citizens of our communities. The development of a program that is aligned with the requirements of the major accrediting body in professional counseling will ensure that the importance of providing evidence of student learning and achievement is kept at the forefront.

The proposed degree program is also aligned with the Mission and Strategic Plan adopted by Lock Haven University for 2011-2015. In particular, the MH in CMHC directly addresses the special emphasis on professional programs in the new mission statement. With its emphasis on producing graduates who will be license eligible and prepared to function independently as mental health practitioners, the program will be highly attractive to students and parents who see college as an important part of career preparation. As noted before, the specialty tracks in rural and military/veteran mental health address[es] critical needs of our region and the Commonwealth. In addition, these areas are noted as special needs areas throughout the nation (Appendix B). Students enrolled in the program will participate deeply and meaningfully in real-world experiences through placement in practicums and internship, where they will carry out the activities of professional counselors under supervision. Research opportunities within the program will further promote student learning and engagement in scholarship.
The PASSHE Strategic Initiatives and the LHU Mission and Strategic Plan were both developed within the past year in a climate of economic uncertainty and decreasing state support for higher education. Both of these documents reflect the critical importance of educational offerings that enrich our students and provide them with the training and experiences that will allow them to obtain and succeed in productive and satisfying careers. The MS in CMHC is such an educational offering.

Need

Need as substantiated by employment trends

An analysis of employment data and trends completed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Center for Workforce Information & Analysis concluded that nationally, “employment of mental health counselors is expected to grow by 24 percent, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Under managed care systems, insurance companies increasingly are providing for reimbursement of counselors as a less costly alternative to psychiatrists and psychologists. In addition, there has been increased demand for mental health services as individuals become more willing to seek help.” The summary further notes that “job opportunities should be favorable because job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs, especially in rural areas.” The demand for practitioners in rural areas is highlighted by statistics showing that as of March 2011, 61 percent of 3,781 federally designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas were located in rural counties.

Table 1: Pennsylvania Employment Projections 2008-2018

	2008 Estimated Employment	2018 Projected Employment	Total 2008-2018 Employment Change	Change 2008-2018
Mental Health Counselors	14,920	17,090	+2,170	+14.5%

Source: Center for Workforce Information and Analysis
Table 2: National Employment Projections 2008-2018

	2008 Estimated Employment	2018 Projected Employment	Total 2008-2018 Employment Change	Change 2008-2018
Mental Health Counselors	113,300	140,400	+27,200	+24%

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
As positive as these employment projections are for clinical mental health counselors, the projections may in fact underestimate the outlook for the profession given recent developments related to the profession. In September 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued a revision of their staffing handbook (VA HANDBOOK 5005/42 Transmittal Sheet, September 28, 2010) to recognize licensed mental health counselors as mental health specialists within the Veterans Health Administration. According to an October 8, 2010 press release from the American Counseling Association, “this is a landmark step forward for the counseling profession as well as an important means of expanding the pool of mental health service providers available to meet the large unmet treatment needs of our nation’s veterans.” On December 22, 2010, Congress passed legislation that directs the Secretary of Defense to implement regulations authorizing counselors to practice independently under TRICARE by June 20, 2011. TRICARE is the health care system for service members and their dependents. Prior to the passage of this legislation, licensed professional counselors were the only mental health professionals still required by law to see beneficiaries following physician referral and under a physician’s supervision. Clearly, momentum is building to provide appropriate and overdue attention to the mental health needs of veterans. The proposed military/veterans specialization is designed to prepare graduates to enter this sector of the profession.

Demand for the program among current and prospective students
A survey of current students and recent alumni in psychology, social work, criminal justice, and education majors was conducted for the purposes of the proposal. Responses were obtained from 122 current students and 210 alumni. The results of these surveys (Appendix A) indicated the following:
Among currently enrolled students:

• 
  Overall, 92% of respondents indicated that they have considered attending graduate school to obtain an advanced degree in counseling. Among undergraduate respondents:
  
  • 
    75% would consider enrolling in the MIL track if Lock Haven University were to offer it
    
  • 
    77% would consider enrolling in the RUR track if Lock Haven University were to offer it
    
  • 
    95% would consider enrolling in the GEN track if Lock Haven University were to offer it
    

• 
  76% indicated that they would enroll immediately after graduating in a degree program in clinical mental health counseling if Lock Haven University were to offer such a degree.
  

Among alumni:

• 
  Overall, 48% of respondents who had not completed a graduate degree and who were not enrolled in a graduate program indicated that they had considered attending graduate school to pursue a degree in counseling. Among alumni who had not yet completed a graduate degree:
  
  • 
    47% would consider enrolling in the MIL track if Lock Haven University were to offer it
    
  • 
    47% would consider enrolling in the RUR track if Lock Haven University were to offer it
    
  • 
    53% would consider enrolling in the GEN track if Lock Haven University were to offer it
    

• 
  56% indicated that they would enroll within one year in a degree program in clinical mental health counseling if Lock Haven University were to offer such a degree.
  

It is worth noting that 44% of recent Lock Haven University graduates who were surveyed had already obtained a graduate degree. This finding underscores that undergraduate students at Lock Haven University not only report a strong interest in graduate education but also that they possess the wherewithal to successfully pursue and complete a graduate degree.

In addition to the survey data indicating strong interest in the proposed degree program, the survey prompted a number of alumni to write to the author of the proposal. These unsolicited contacts reflect a degree of enthusiasm for the proposed degree program that goes beyond the numbers. Some excerpts from a sample of these unsolicited emails are as follows (names redacted to initials):

• 
  Good luck with this. Since I have already completed a counseling degree, the survey questions were not pertinent to me. However, I can say that upon completion of my Psychology degree at Lock Haven, I actually stumbled into the counselor education program at Penn State those many years ago. If Lock Haven has such a program, I believe it would be attractive to many and certainly helpful to future needs of people in need of counseling. J.E. '76
  

• 
  As a '96 Psychology Alum & former Lock Haven Area "townie", I'm excited to hear that LHU is interested MHC Masters program. I happily completed the survey. Please consider structuring the program to meet CACREP standards (as well all PA LPC requirements). I went to Millersville U for my Masters (Clinical Psychology '99). Moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL and was able to become licensed in FL, then completed additional requirements to be licensed in PA & VA. Then earned an EdS at Florida Atlantic University in Counselor Education. Currently I'm team leader for 28 licensed counselors in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Congratulations on LHU investigating this masters program. If there's anything I can do to support this endeavor, please don't hesitate to let me know. R.G., LMHC, NCC
  

• 
  When is this program supposed to be starting? I would have much rather taken this degree than the program I am in..... If it starts soon I would love to look into it!! I currently work in the Mental Health field! M.W.
  

• 
  I graduated from LHU with my BSW then got an MSW from WVU I also received a post master's certification in counselor education from Cal U of PA and currently I am a high school counselor in West Virginia. So I am somewhat employed full time in the field of social work but nobody really looks at my job as a "social worker" If i hadn't attended grad school however and I heard that LHU was having a mental health counseling master's with a focus on rural areas I would definitely be interested. D.T., MSW
  

• 
  I would love it if all or part of the program could be available online. Since college graduation I have relocated to southern Virginia. I have high regard for Lock Haven University and would love to participate in a graduate program there, but cannot relocate at this point in my life. D.A.
  

• 
  As a recent graduate from the psychology program at the university, I would like to show my further support for the development of this program. I can not think of a better faculty for students to learn from. M.B.
  

• 
  Please let me know if this graduate program comes about. I would be very interested. J.M.