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a.b.c.d.e.f.g.h.i.j.k.l.m.7historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment and testing in counseling;methods of effectively preparing for and conducting initial assessment meetings’;procedures for assessing risk of aggression or danger to others, self-inflicted harm, or suicide;procedures for identifying trauma and abuse and for reporting abuse;use of assessments for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes;basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized testing, norm-referenced and criterionreferenced assessments, and group and individual assessments;statistical concepts, including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices ofvariability, shapes and types of distributions, and correlations,reliability and validity in the use of assessmentsuse of assessments relevant to academic/educational, career, personal, and social development;use of environmental assessments and systematic behavioral observations;use of symptom checklists, and personality and psychological testing;use of assessment results to diagnose developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders, andethical and culturally relevant strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment andtest results.8. RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATIONa. the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession, including how to critique researchto inform counseling practice;b. identification of evidence-based counseling practices;c. needs assessments;d. development of outcome measures for counseling programs;e. evaluation of counseling interventions and programs;f. qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods;g. designs used in research and program evaluation;h. statistical methods used in conducting research and program evaluation;i. analysis and use of data in counseling, andj. ethical and culturally relevant strategies for conducting, interpreting, and reporting the results ofresearch and/or program evaluation.Clinical Mental Health CounselingStudents who are preparing to work as clinical mental health counselors will demonstratethe knowledge and skills necessary to address a wide variety of circumstances within the contextof clinical mental health counseling. Counselor education programs with a specialty area in clinicalmental health counseling must document where each of the lettered standards listed below iscovered in the curriculum.1. FOUNDATIONSa. history and development of clinical mental health counseling;b. theories and models related to clinical mental health counseling;c. principles, models, and documentation formats of biopsychosocial case conceptualization andtreatment planning;d. neurobiological and medical foundation and etiology of addiction and co-occuring disorders, ande. psychological tests and assessments specific to clinical mental health counseling.2. CONTEXTUAL DIMENSIONSa. roles and settings of clinical mental health counselors;

8b. etiology, nomenclature, treatment, referral, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders;c. mental health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care, such as inpatient, outpatient,partial treatment and aftercare, and the mental health counseling services networks;d. diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis and the use of current diagnostic classificationsystems, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and theInternational Classification of Diseases (ICD);e. potential for substance use disorders to mimic and/or co-occur with a variety of neurological, medical,and psychological disorders;f. impact of crisis and trauma on individuals with mental health diagnoses;g. impact of biological and neurological mechanisms on mental health;h. classifications, indications, and contraindications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacologicalmedications for appropriate medical referral and consultation;i. legislation and government policy relevant to clinical mental health counseling;j. cultural factors relevant to clinical mental health counseling;k. professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of clinicalmental health counseling;l. legal and ethical considerations specific to clinical mental health counseling, andm. record keeping, third party reimbursement, and other practice and management issues in clinicalmental health counseling.3. PRACTICEa. intake interview, mental status evaluation, biopsychosocial history, mental health history, andpsychological assessment for treatment planning and caseload management;b. techniques and interventions for prevention and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues;c. strategies for interfacing with the legal system regarding court-referred clients;d. strategies for interfacing with integrated behavioral health care professionals;e. strategies to advocate for persons with mental health issues;School CounselingStudents who are preparing to specialize as school counselors will demonstrate the professionalknowledge and skills necessary to promote the academic, career, and personal/socialdevelopment of all P–12 students through data-informed school counseling programs. Counseloreducation programs with a specialty area in school counseling must document where each of thelettered standards listed below is covered in the curriculum.1. FOUNDATIONSa.b.c.d.e.history and development of school counseling;models of school counseling programs;models of P-12 comprehensive career development;models of school-based collaboration and consultation, andassessments specific to P-12 education.2. CONTEXTUAL DIMENSIONSa. school counselor roles as leaders, advocates, and systems change agents in P-12 schools;b. school counselor roles in consultation with families, P-12 and postsecondary school personnel, andcommunity agencies;c. school counselor roles in relation to college and career readiness;

9d. school counselor roles in school leadership and multidisciplinary teams;e. school counselor roles and responsibilities in relation to the school emergency management plans, andcrises, disasters, and trauma;f. competencies to advocate for school counseling roles;g. characteristics, risk factors, and warning signs of students at risk for mental health and behavioraldisorders;h. common medications that affect learning, behavior, and mood in children and adolescents;i. signs and symptoms of substance abuse in children and adolescents as well as the signs and symptomsof living in a home where substance use occurs;j. qualities and styles of effective leadership in schools;k. community resources and referral sources;l. professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of schoolcounseling;m. legislation and government policy relevant to school counseling, andn. legal and ethical considerations specific to school counseling.1. PRACTICEa. development of school counseling program mission statements and objectives;b. design and evaluation of school counseling programs;c. core curriculum design, lesson plan development, classroom management strategies, anddifferentiated instructional strategies;d. interventions to promote academic development;e. use of developmentally appropriate career counseling interventions and assessments;f. techniques of personal/social counseling in school settings;g. strategies to facilitate school and postsecondary transitions;h. skills to critically examine the connections between social, familial, emotional, and behavior problemsand academic achievement;i. approaches to increase promotion and graduation rates;j. interventions to promote college and career readiness;k. strategies to promote equity in student achievement and college access;l. techniques to foster collaboration and teamwork within schools;m. strategies for implementing and coordinating peer intervention programs;n. use of accountability data to inform decision making, ando. use of data to advocate for programs and students.Academic RequirementsMaster of Science in Clinical Mental Health CounselingProgram Director and Student Advisor: Dr. Christina ByrneThe Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation ofCounseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This program requires a minimum of 96credits for the thesis option, and a minimum of 90 for the non-thesis option. The requirementsare outlined below (all courses are in the Department of Psychology):

10Counseling curriculum courses: All students must take Psychology 502 (Adult Psychopathology),Psychology 532 (Seminar in Cross-Cultural Counseling), 542 (Seminar in DevelopmentalPsychopathology), 550 (Research Methods in Counseling), 553 (Theories of Counseling andPsychotherapy), 555 (Occupations & Career Development), 557 (Testing and Appraisal inCounseling), 558 (Family and Community Systems), 561 (Professional, Legal, and Cultural Issues),564 (Individual Counseling Techniques), 565 (Group Processes in Counseling), 567 (ProfessionalPractice of Counseling), 568 (Crisis Interventions), 570 (Practicum), and 670 (Internship)In addition to the above requirements, thesis students must register for a minimum of 6 thesiscredits (690); non-thesis students must take an area comprehensive examination. For moreinformation on the comprehensive exam, please see the section headed “ComprehensiveExaminations” on page 18 of this handbook.Master of Education in School CounselingProgram Director and Student Advisor: Dr. Diana GrumanThe M.Ed. School Counseling program prepares professional counselors for employment ineducational settings and is designed for those students intending to apply for the state certificatein guidance and counseling at the elementary and secondary levels. Certification as a publicschool teacher is not required for admission to the program. Our School Counseling program isaccredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs(CACREP).The School Counseling Program requires a minimum of 90 credits for non-thesis students. Theprogram contains a thesis option for those students interested in pursuing a research projectrelated to the degree program. Students who choose the thesis option must register for 6 creditsof 690 (Thesis) in addition to the courses below. The requirements are as follows:Counseling curriculum courses: All students must take Psychology 532 (Seminar in Cross-CulturalCounseling), 542 (Seminar in Developmental Psychopathology), Psychology 550 (ResearchMethods in Counseling), 551 (Developmental School Counseling), 553 (Theories of Counseling andPsychotherapy), 555 (Occupations and Career Development), 557 (Testing and Appraisal inCounseling), 558 (Family and Community Systems), 561 (Professional, Legal, and Cultural Issues),564 (Individual Counseling Techniques), 565 (Group Processes in Counseling), 568 (CrisisInterventions), 570 (Practicum), and 670 (Internship)

Student Group Experience11One of the central values of our program is group cohesion and collaboration. Further, we strive tohelp students develop experiential understandings of group purpose, development, dynamics,theories, methods, skills, and group approaches in a multicultural society. To support thedevelopment of both group cohesion and important knowledge/skills related to group counseling,we hire an experienced facilitator to lead group activities over the course of the fall quarter.Plan of StudyAs a degree seeking student, graduate students are responsible for knowing the requirements for theirdegree program. Beginning with the first quarter, all students can access their own plan of study throughDegree Works, an academic planning and degree progress tool that reflects academic progress towardsdegree completion. To access Degree Works in Web4U, navigate to the Students tab, select StudentRecords and select Degree Works. For more information on how to access Degree Works students mayvisit: http://www.wwu.edu/registrar/degreeworks/student instructions.shtmlThe University Catalog lists all policies and requirements for each graduate program:https://catalog.wwu.edu/.Registration for ClassesStudents register for classes at Western Washington University on the /web registration.shtmlInformation regarding how to use this system is included at the website indicated above. Studentswho are accepted into the master’s programs within the Department of Psychology areguaranteed a position in each required class. The Web registration system must be used toregister for all classes, with one exception: Independent study classes (Psychology 500). See thisGraduate School link for the required online independent study forms, which are to be submittedand routed electronically for all rad School/ dir ind study and contract 2.aspxPrior to registering for thesis credits (690), the Graduate School must approve your thesis topicand committee via the Thesis Topic Approval form, submitted online at their website (see ThesisRequirements).After you receive Graduate School approval of your Thesis form, contact both the psychologygraduate programs coordinator in AI 453 and the Graduate School office in Old Main 530 torequest an override code for 690 (thesis) credits. The override code is required in the university’scomputer system so that the Web registration system will allow you to register. You must requestan override code from both offices for each quarter that you register for thesis credits (690).Academic LoadThe maximum credit load for a graduate student is determined in consultation with the student'sgraduate program advisor, within the policies set by the Registrar. The Graduate School definesfull-time enrollment as 8 or more credits per quarter. If you have submitted a FAFSA and been

awarded Financial Aid, your award amount will be determined by your level of enrollment.Contact the Financial Aid office for specific requirements. For purposes of loan deferment, thedefinition of full-time status may vary. Students should contact their lending agency forinformation.12Teaching assistants are governed by other regulations and will receive information from theGraduate Office. All teaching assistants must enroll for a minimum of 8 credits (with someexceptions at the end of a student’s second year; consult the Graduate School for exceptions).Scholarship StandardsA maximum of 10 credits of C is allowed toward the completion of your basic program as definedon the Plan of Study. More than 10 credits of C or lower and U grades, combined, disqualifies astudent from the master's program (please note: no graduate credit is allowed for D or lower, orfor U grades). A grade of C or lower or a U grade count toward the 10-credit limit even if thecourse is retaken and a grade of B or better, or S, is earned.Master's students are not allowed to repeat courses to improve their GPA, but they may berequired by the Department of Psychology to retake a course to document attainment of a certainlevel of competence or knowledge. Pass/No Pass grades are not applicable toward a graduatedegree. S grades are applicable, but not computed in the GPA.An incomplete grade (K) may be assigned in accordance with the regulations outlined in theAcademic Policies section of the University catalog. If, after a calendar year, the courserequirements have not been met, the K grade lapses to a Z. Such Z grades are computed as failinggrades in a student's grade point average and may affect retention in the master's program.Exceptions to the K grade rule are K grades that are received for thesis credits. In this case, the Kgrades are allowed to stand until the thesis is completed, whereupon the K is changed to theearned grade.To remain a candidate for the master's degree, a student must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA incourses listed on the plan of study. The GPA is calculated on letter grades earned (on record) atthe time grades are posted. Students must also be making satisfactory progress in the graduateprogram to which they have been admitted, including continuous demonstration of counselingskills and competencies appropriate to the profession.Under no conditions will a student be allowed to begin Internship (Psychology 670) until they havesuccessfully completed Psychology 565 and both quarters of 570.Student Evaluation, Retention, Remediation, and DismissalEvaluationThe Counseling Faculty at Western has selected six essential dispositions, drawn from establishedcounseling student evaluation tools (e.g. PDCA-RA; CCS-R), to guide the development of workhabits, behaviors and personal characteristics leading to effective professional practice. Thesedispositions are expected of counseling students at the university and in their placements.According to CACREP (2015), dispositions are defined as, “commitments, characteristics, values,

beliefs, interpersonal functioning, and behaviors that influence the counselor’s professionalgrowth and interactions with clients and colleagues.”13We believe that dispositions and behaviors, like skills and knowledge, can be strengthened whenstudents are given regular feedback and support. Our goal is to have every student who isrecommended for graduation demonstrate these dispositions on a consistent basis.At the end of each quarter, faculty meet to review the progress of all students in the program andprovide feedback in the form of a progress letter. Students who demonstrate consistent evidenceof the dispositions will receive a letter to indicate they are in good standing. Students who receivean inconsistent in one or more areas will receive a letter to indicate how to improve their behavioror habits to remain in good standing. The student will then arrange a meeting with the programdirector to develop a plan for improvement for the next quarter. Students who receive anunsatisfactory in any area will be asked to schedule a performance review meeting with theprogram director and two faculty members before proceeding to the next quarter. The expectedoutcome of the performance review meeting will be development of a remediation plan ordismissal from the program.If a student is demonstrating unsatisfactory performance, faculty may initiate a performancereview meeting at any point in the quarter.The following chart provides definitions for each of the six dispositions and examples ofunsatisfactory performance that will impede progress in the itment to academic and clinicalresponsibilities, including: reliableattendance and timeliness; advancepreparation for assignments andabsences; effective management ofappointments and schedule; followthrough on tasks; and adherence tostandards of physical appearance inthe work setting.Displays warmth, respect, positiveaffect, and empathy when interactingwith peers, professors, andsupervisors. Contributes effectively togroups. Supports the growth of othersby providing feedback andencouragement.Maintains personal and professionalwellness, energy and focus bypracticing healthy habits, settingboundaries, managing health issues,and seeking professional help whenneeded.InterpersonalSkillsSelf-CareSome Examples of UnsatisfactoryPerformance-Frequently late or misses class with nowarning-Poorly organized clinic records,presentations or papers-Unprepared for counseling orsupervision sessions or class-After receiving feedback from asupervisor, continues to dress in anunprofessional or unkempt manner-Interacts in an aloof, negative or harshmanner-Displays difficulty in coll

Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) since 1993 and are accredited through 2023. Created in 1981, CACREP is the accrediting body of the American Counseling Association. CACREP works with institutions of higher education to ensure that graduate programs in counseling meet established preparation standards. (www.cacrep.org)