Section 2.04 - Education and Degree Requirements: Pre-July 1, 2017(1) Eligible applicants who matriculated into their degree program pre-July 1, 2017 must demonstrate the completion of a minimum of 60 semester credit hours of Graduate Level Courses in Mental Health Counseling or a Related Field; this includes a minimum 48 semester credit Master's degree.(2) If the candidate does not have a minimum 48 semester credit Master's degree, the candidate must have: (a) a Master's degree with an advanced certificate;(b) a second Master's degree; or(c) a Doctoral degree. All degrees and certifications must be from Recognized Educational Institutions.
(3) As components of the 48 semester credit Master's degree and the degrees and certificates listed in 262 CMR 2.04(2) candidates must meet the following requirements: (a)Required Course Areas. The successful completion of Graduate Level Courses in each of the ten content areas listed in 262 CMR 2.04(3)(a)1. through 10. Candidates must successfully complete a minimum of ten Graduate Level Courses, covering the specific content area as each course can be used to fill only one requirement. All courses must focus on Mental Health Counseling. The ten content areas are as follows:1.Counseling Theory. Examination of the major theories, principles and techniques of Mental Health Counseling and their application to professional counseling settings. Understanding and applying theoretical perspectives with clients.2.Human Growth and Development. Understanding the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental stages of life. Understanding major theories of physical, cognitive, affective and social development and their application to Mental Health Counseling practice.3.Psychopathology. Identification and diagnosis and mental health treatment planning for abnormal, deviant, or psychopathological behavior, includes assessments and treatment procedures.4.Social and Cultural Foundations. Theories of multicultural counseling, issues and trends of a multicultural and diverse society. Foundational knowledge and skills needed to provide Mental Health Counseling services to diverse populations in a culturally competent manner.5.Clinical Skills. Understanding of the theoretical bases of the counseling processes, Mental Health Counseling techniques, and their therapeutic applications. Understanding and practice of counseling skills necessary for the mental health counselor.6.Group Work. Theoretical and experiential understandings of group development, purpose, dynamics, group counseling methods and skills, as well as leadership styles. Understanding of the dynamics and processes of Mental Health (therapeutic, psychosocial, psycho-educational) groups.7.Special Treatment Issues. Areas relevant to the practice of Mental Health Counseling, i.e. psychopharmacology, substance abuse, school or career issues, marriage and family treatment, sexuality and lifestyle choices, treating special populations.8.Appraisal. Individual and group educational and psychometric theories and approaches to appraisal. Examination of the various instruments and methods of psychological appraisal and assessment including, but not limited to, cognitive, affective, and personality assessment utilized by the mental health counselor. The function of measurement and evaluation, purposes of testing, reliability and validity.9.Research and Evaluation. Understanding social science research, and evaluative methodologies and strategies, types of research, program evaluation, needs assessments, ethical and legal considerations.10.Professional Orientation. Understanding of professional roles and functions of Mental Health Counselors, with particular emphasis on legal and ethical standards. Ethical case conceptualization, analysis and decision making as it relates to clinical practice. Knowledge and understanding of the standards set by the code of ethics of the American Counseling Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Understanding of licensure and regulatory practices.(b)Electives Areas. Graduate Level Courses other than required Graduate Level Courses must be elective Graduate Level Courses which include knowledge and skills in the practice of Mental Health Counseling. Appropriate Graduate Level Courses may include but are not limited to, any of the content areas listed under 262 CMR 2.04(3)(a)1. through 10., as well as: 1. best practices for maintaining and terminating counseling and psychotherapy;3. outreach and prevention strategies;4. diagnosis and treatment issues;5. working with special populations;6. professional identity and practice issues, including historical perspectives;7. mental health regulations and policy; and8. management of community mental health programs.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1288, eff. 6/5/2015.