Counseling Programs offered at Keiser University

Keiser University is pioneering counseling education with programs that turn students into skilled mental health professionals. Students can choose from accredited counseling programs with complete curricula that prepare them for successful careers in counseling and related fields.

The university’s dedication to creating a vibrant learning community sets it apart. Students who join their psychology programs become part of an environment where practical coursework leads to ground application. This approach shines through in their flagship program—the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Keiser University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This respected accreditation will give graduates an education that meets the highest professional standards in counseling.

Keiser University stands out with its mission to give traditional and non-traditional students an available, innovative, and flexible learning experience. Their “Students First” philosophy shapes every part of the educational journey, from course design to student support.

Students can choose between on-campus and online learning options. This flexibility lets them study in a way that fits their personal and professional lives. But online students still get valuable face-to-face interactions through required residencies that encourage community spirit and professional growth.

These residencies give students great chances to network and find mentors by connecting with faculty and classmates in person. Students practice and become skilled at techniques learned in each course while joining workshops about internship preparation and licensing requirements.

The program combines mental health counseling theories with hands-on practice to help students tackle various mental health challenges. Students learn to help clients with issues from depression and anxiety to trauma and PTSD.

On top of that, Keiser’s programs build cultural awareness, social advocacy, and counseling skills that promote wellness. Students develop their professional identity as counselors while learning critical thinking and respect for different worldviews.

Graduates leave with more than just a valuable degree – they gain practical skills needed to excel in counseling settings of all types. They can work in private practice, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, or group therapy environments.

What counseling programs does Keiser University offer?

Keiser University’s specialized counseling programs will give you everything you need to succeed in the mental health field. You’ll find both undergraduate and graduate psychology programs that provide detailed education paths for future counseling professionals.

The heart of counseling education at Keiser is the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This 60-credit hour curriculum prepares you to practice as a counselor in settings of all types. You’ll learn mental health counseling theories alongside practical approaches, diagnosis principles, evidence-based treatments, and strategies to handle referrals, prevention, and advocacy.

The master’s degree requires 60 graduate semester credit hours, and you’ll need to complete 54 program hours at Keiser University. The curriculum breaks down into three main parts:

• Core Counseling Courses (36 credit hours) – Including foundations of counseling, counseling across the lifespan, counseling skills and techniques, ethical issues, group theories, career counseling, and crisis counseling
• Specialization Courses (15 credit hours) – Covering psychopathology and diagnosis, counseling in community settings, couples and family counseling, addiction foundations, and counseling and sexuality
• Clinical Experiences (9 credit hours) – Comprising practicum in counseling and two internship courses

The undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program teaches you about behavior, mental processes, communication, research, and writing skills. You can choose from six different tracks/concentrations (availability varies by campus):

• Human Services
• Developmental Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Health Care/Fitness
• Business
• General Psychology

The bachelor’s program helps you develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and ways to apply psychological knowledge in different settings. The curriculum builds your understanding of core theories, research methods, and ethical principles in psychology.

Master’s program courses run for 16 weeks. While most classes are asynchronous, some activities like group supervision sessions might need your attendance at specific times. You’ll also need to attend three on-campus residencies before starting your practicum and internship courses.

Both programs prepare you to pursue relevant licensures and accreditations that open doors to various career opportunities in counseling and related psychological fields.

Internships/Practicum at Keiser University

Keiser University’s counseling programs make classroom learning come alive through practical application. Students receive unmatched real-life training from experienced professionals during their clinical experiences at Keiser.

The clinical training component in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program consists of 9.0 credit hours. The program splits into three sequential courses: Practicum in Counseling (3.0 credit hours), Internship in Counseling I (3.0 credit hours), and Internship in Counseling II (3.0 credit hours). Students take these courses in their final three semesters after building strong theoretical foundations.

The program requires attendance at three mandatory on-campus residencies. These sessions help students transition smoothly from classroom learning to professional practice.

Experienced counselors supervise students during their practicum and internship as they apply their newly acquired skills. This supervision is vital to student development, providing guidance when they start working with clients in actual therapeutic settings.

Students must have professional liability insurance while participating in clinical experiences. This coverage protects both the students and their clients as they build confidence in their professional capabilities.

Students must document their direct client service hours through detailed practicum and internship logs. These experiences show what professional counseling practice looks like and help students learn about both technical and administrative aspects of the field.

Keiser University values these hands-on experiences beyond mere degree requirements. They create opportunities to build lasting professional relationships. Site supervisors must meet specific qualifications to mentor students effectively during this significant phase of their education.

The job market demands candidates with practical experience beyond academic credentials. These supervised clinical experiences give students a competitive edge, letting them showcase their practical abilities and theoretical knowledge when they enter the workforce.

What sets Keiser apart?

Keiser University’s counseling programs stand out because of their outstanding faculty. Their instructors have doctoral degrees and bring real-life experience from the fields they teach. Students benefit from both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.

The faculty at Keiser brings expertise in several mental health areas:

• Trauma-informed therapy and treatment, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy
• Behavioral analysis with Board Certified Behavior Analysts on staff
• Crisis counseling and first responder training
• Family systems therapy and couples counseling
• Addiction treatment and recovery strategies
• Equine-assisted psychotherapy

Many professors run their own clinical practices. Dr. Dominguez works as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She brings 15 years of field experience to her classes. Dr. Keith Brown has worked in mental health since 1997. He previously co-chaired the Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga County.

Keiser’s approach is different from traditional universities. Students focus on one class at a time for four weeks and take the final exam before moving to the next course. Small class sizes give students better access to faculty and customized instruction.

Each campus has active advisory boards for every program. These boards bring together industry experts, community leaders, alumni, faculty, and staff. They meet twice a year to review curriculum, equipment, and facilities. This helps programs line up with current industry standards.

The university puts students first through dedicated admission counselors, financial aid advisors, and student services staff. They help with resumes, interview preparation, and job connections. This support system gives students a unique educational experience throughout their counseling program trip.

Next steps

Keiser University’s counseling education offers the most important advantages that go beyond typical academics. Their CACREP-accredited Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is evidence of their excellence. On top of that, the Bachelor’s in Psychology program with six specialized tracks are the foundations of many career paths.

Keiser’s balanced approach to education makes them stand out. They blend theoretical knowledge with ground application. Students develop both understanding and skills needed in counseling situations. This becomes clear during the required practicum and internship experiences where students work under professional supervision.

The substance of Keiser’s educational philosophy is flexibility. Your learning experience adapts to your life circumstances instead of forcing you into rigid schedules. You can choose between on-campus learning or online study with strategic collaborations. The accelerated format lets you focus on one subject at a time. This leads to better retention and understanding.

Keiser University’s exceptional faculty brings something special to the table. These professionals combine doctoral-level education with years of clinical experience. They gave an explanation that textbooks alone can’t provide. Their expertise ranges from trauma therapy to addiction treatment. This exposes students to various counseling approaches.

Without doubt, Keiser University prepares you academically and professionally for counseling careers. Their “Students First” philosophy, detailed support services, and well-laid-out curriculum help you graduate ready for various mental health settings. If you want an education that changes theoretical knowledge into practical expertise while respecting your needs, Keiser University’s counseling programs are worth thinking over.