What is the primary focus of the HCMHC program?
The program prepares students to become Holistic Clinical Mental Health
Counselors. Training focuses on working with the whole system. This includes:
teaching students about the helping relationship; human development; social
justice; working with diverse clients; client and counselor wellness; professional
counseling orientation; meaning making; counseling theory; assessment; group
counseling; working with couples and families; research; and career counseling.
What is the 60-credit HCMHC Program?
The HCMHC Program is for students who want to seek licensure within the
Mental Health Counseling field. This program has a mind/body/spirit focus that
is incorporated throughout the program. Mental Health Counselor Licensure
exam requirements vary state-to-state.Students should review current
licensure laws for the state(s) in which they would like to become licensed.
What is the difference between the 60-credit HCMHC program and the 48-
credit + 12 credit CAGS Holistic Counseling program?
To sit for licensure, a student must have 60-credits in a Mental Health
Counseling academic program. In some states, this can be a 48+CAGS program,
and in others, it must be a 60-credit program. Several state licensure boards
have decided to only license students who have graduated from a 60-credit
program (this number continues to grow). Our decision to create the 60-credit
program was, in part, due to this change. As an example, students who start a
Mental Health Counseling Program after July 1, 2017, MUST be enrolled in a 60-
credit program to apply for licensure in the state of Massachusetts. Those who
started a program prior to July 1, 2017, can apply for licensure in MA having
completed a 48+CAGS program. The requirements for licensure vary state-to state.Students should review the state licensure laws to see about licensure
eligibility.
What are the advantages of doing the 60-credit program over the 48-credit
+ 12 credit CAGS program?
The primary advantage of making this decision is that there will be less
speculation about your ability to get licensed within various states. Currently,
all states require a student to have 60-credits of academic classes to be eligible
for professional counseling licensure. Most states still allow 48+CAGS, but there
is movement towards accepting 60-credit degrees only. The requirements for
*Updated January 2018 page 2 licensure vary state-to-state. Students should review the state licensure laws to see about licensure eligibility.
What are the advantages of doing the 48-credit +CAGS program over the
60-credit program?
The primary advantage of doing the 48+CAGS program is that, specifically within
RI, students can obtain a Master’s degree at 48-credits, which means they can
theoretically start working after they have completed their practicum field
experience and graduated from the program. After September 2017, we
recommend the 60-credit program. It will be imperative that students consider
what state(s) they want to practice in and thoughtfully review the licensure laws
for that state. State regulations are subject to change. If students are not interested in obtaining a license as a mental health counselor, the 48+CAGS may be an option economically.
How long will the 60-credit program take?
This depends on the pace the student takes to finish the program. For students
who are going full time (3 classes each semester, with summer courses) the
program typically takes three years. For students going part-time or slower, it
will take longer.
What are my elective options?
Elective options are listed in the Graduate Catalogue and are discussed with
faculty and staff during advising.
Is this a CACREP accredited Program?
We are not currently a CACREP accredited Program. However, we are actively
planning on applying for CACREP accreditation. Currently, our courses follow a
CACREP-like curriculum.
What is clinical fieldwork?
Clinical fieldwork is your opportunity to work as a practicum and internship
student within the field. You will enroll in a weekly seminar course as well as
have field hours and supervision at an organization that provides mental health
counseling services.
Is the HCMHC program religious based?
Although this program is housed at Salve Regina University, a Sister of Mercy
school, we welcome students from all different religious traditions as well as
those who identify as agnostic, atheist, secular humanists, non-practicing, and
spiritual but not religious.