Brooklyn College, City University of New York (CUNY), Psychology master's (MA) degree program in Mental Health Counseling - Brooklyn, New York in New York City
Admission status info - If you have already submitted an application for Fall 2008 and are seeking info regarding the status of your application, click here.
Are you interested in becoming a mental health counselor?
This 60-credit MA program emphasizes experiential learning with counseling practicum experience in mental health settings, along with comprehensive course work designed to prepare students for mental health counseling practice: Human development, psychopathology, counseling theory, professional foundations and the three major streams of current counseling and psychotherapeutic practice: cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and experiential/humanistic counseling. The focus is on preparation for a career in mental health counseling. The MHC program focuses primarily on clinical work with adults and families—not specifically on work with children. (Information on the school counseling program is at http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/schooled/ed-guide.htm.)
The MHC program is currently completing the second year of operation with the first class of students graduating this June 2008. The program, like all programs in NY State, is registered (approved) by the NYS Education Department and meets all NYS standards. These standards are based on national accreditation standards. The program has not yet applied for accreditation, since programs must operate for three years before applying for accreditation. The overall eduational and graduate progams of the college are, of course, accredited (by Middle States).
What kind of jobs would you be able to apply for with this master's degree? Entry level counseling positions in mental health clinics and other settings. After 3,000 hours of supervised, post-degree experience (in an entry-level position) you would be eligible to take an exam for licensure permitting private/independent practice of counseling. Information about New York State licensing for Mental Health Counseling is here: http://www.op.nysed.gov/mhp.htm
If you are interested, fill out and return the form at the bottom of this page and we will place you on a mailing list to keep you informed about the program.
Advising for potential applicants
We regret that we are unable to meet or speak individually with potential applicants concerning the program due to the volume of inquires. Periodic group information meetings are scheduled (and posted here) for potential applicants. All information and updates will be posted here as available.
As a public university we simply don't have the resources to provide personalized
guidance to every one of the hundreds of potential applicant who may or may
not apply or attend. We do it on this group / meeting basis (as well as trying
to provide comprehensive written info which answers most common questions).
It's much more efficient, as many prospective students have similar questions,
and effective, since other prospective applicants ask a number of questions
that you wouldn't necessarily have thought to ask. So we think that this is
the best approach all around. You'll have an opportunity to ask about your individual
situation at the end of the meeting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please print and read this web page carefully before attending info meetings or applying.
This page has the most complete, recent and accurate program information; other college web pages are not updated as frequently.
Most questions are answered here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information meetings for potential applicants
There will be periodic informational meetings for prospective applicants to the Brooklyn College Mental Health Counseling psychology masters program. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and answer questions about the program. Meeting are held in 5117 James Hall (fifth floor, Psychology Lounge) unless otherwise noted.
Travel directions (including campus map, Google/Yahoo area maps, etc.) are here: http://pc.brooklyn.cuny.edu/TRAVEL.HTM
Informational meetings are tentatively scheduled on:
Monday, October 20, 2008, 6 - 7:15 pm
Monday, December 1, 2008, 6 - 7:15 pm
Telephone conference calls for those outside the NY metro area are tentatively scheduled on:
Monday, October 20, 2008, Noon - 1 pm
Monday, December 1, 2008, Noon - 1 pm
In order to participate in a conference call session, you must send your name, best email to receive instructions, the city and state you will call from, and the phone number you will use to participate at least 3 business days (and preferably at least 7 days) in advance to PGross@brooklyn.cuny.edu . State clearly if you reside in the NYC metro area and are requesting to participate on a space-available basis. Conference call participation is limited and preference is given to those from outside the NY metro area, so if you reside here you may not be able to participate unless there is surplus open capacity on the call. Often there is.
Any changes or cancellations will be posted here, so please check here to confirm. Please check here for program changes immediately before the information session or call that you plan to attend.
Additional dates, if any, when scheduled, will be posted here and sent to all e-mail addresses on the mailing list. See below to add your address.
Attendance at the information meeting is NOT required in order to apply.
Employment Outlook
According to New York State Department of Labor data, employment in related
occupations for the New York City region will grow by 22 - 26 percent in the
current decade (over and above replacement of retiring workers, etc., for total
additional annual job openings of approximately 2,500).
Occupational Outlook 2000-2010
New York State and Labor Market Regions in
Data Source: Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
New York City Region
|
SOC |
Title |
Employment |
Change |
Annual Average Openings |
||||
|
2000 |
2010 |
Level |
Percent |
Total |
Growth |
Replacement |
||
|
21-0000 |
Community
and Social Services Occupations |
64,080 |
78,250 |
14,170 |
22.1 |
2,480 |
1,420 |
1,070 |
|
21-1000 |
Counselors,
Social Workers, and Other Community and Social Service Specialists |
47,890 |
60,590 |
12,700 |
26.5 |
2,000 |
1,270 |
730 |
Insurance
payment for services: Services provided by licensed MHC practitioners are
covered by some insurers; this is governed by the policies each insurance provider.
Applicants must offer a minimum of 15 credits in undergraduate courses in psychology, with at least one course in each of the following areas: child or adolescent (developmental) psychology; general or introductory psychology; abnormal psychology, personality or psychopathology; and statistics or evidence of appropriate comparable background in related fields.
You can apply with some gaps in your undergraduate psychology preparation,
but you should be aware that you may be competing with other candidates who
may have more complete formal preparation. If you are admitted, you may be required
to complete some additional undergraduate course work before or during your
graduate study. Even if you have few or no prerequisite psychology courses,
if you are a strong student (GPA > 3.3) with good understanding and motivation
related to mental health counseling (explain in your personal statement), you
can apply to start in the fall if you are able to complete intro, developmental
and abnormal psych courses over the spring and/or summer. Statistics can often
be completed during the summer between the first and second program years.
Applicants must provide a personal statement, including discussion of related work, internship and/or personal experiences. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with applicants' professional and academic experience. The program invites selected applicants to participate in an interview and to complete an on-site writing sample.
Related internship and/or work experience and/or participation in personal counseling or psychotherapy are not required, but are all considered very desirable.
GRE, etc.: While standardized tests are not required, applicants are encouraged to submit GRE (including psychology area exam), MAT and other test scores, especially if their undergraduate record does not represent their academic ability.
Grade average standards: There is no minimum GPA required for admission, however almost all successful applicants have a GPA well over 3.0--in fact usually over 3.3. While we understand that GPA does not always reflect academic ability, ability alone is not sufficient if an applicant did not absorb the undergraduate background needed for the MHC program which is demanding. Poor grades usually reflect, to some degree, not having mastered the course content for whatever reason. Having a sympathetic explanation for poor performance doesn’t really change the fact of not having fully absorbed the required knowledge and understanding of the background material. Of course, there are always exceptional circumstances: People who performed poorly years ago, but have since performed well in subsequent academic and/or work experiences; students who performed poorly for a period, but subsequently sustained a much higher level of performance, particularly in upper-level psychology courses; etc.
Applicants with sub-par academic records need to demonstrate sufficient academic preparation in psychology (in addition to being intellectually able to handle MHC program courses). Preparation can be demonstrated by performing well on the Psychology GRE, doing well in some graduate-level courses, and addressing preparation in the personal statement, etc. You can apply without being able to demonstrate appropriate preparation, but should be aware that you will be competing for admission with relatively large numbers of well-prepared applicants.
See also the general matriculation and admission requirements of the Division of Graduate Studies. Info on the general graduate admissions process, including on-line application, at http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/BC/offices/admit/grad.php?link=gwelcome&layer=3
Fall 2008 Admission
We are currently still accepting and encourage Fall 2008 admission
applications to be submitted asap on a waiting list basis. We have a
full class for next year, but there is usually some attrition over the summer.
If it is more than we expect a few places may open up.
Waiting list application instructions: IMPORTANT - Submit your application materials directly to the MHC admission committee by e-mail (PGross@Brooklyn.cuny.edu AND SRance@Brooklyn.cuny.edu) or fax (7718-951-4814):
-- You must also complete and submit an MHC Applicant Summary Sheet (click here for form).
-- All transcripts: Most colleges issue a student copy of your transcript to you at or before graduation or they arrange for (former) students to access their academic records thru a web site if you haven't retained any of your academic records.
-- Your essay (3 pages maximum) describing your interest in and preparation for this field and any special experiences or circumstances related to your application.
-- Often the people who write reference letters for you will keep a copy that they can fax or e-mail directly to us.
(We will verify unofficial copies of letters and transcripts when official documents are received if you are admitted.)
** You can wait to apply officially, pay the application fee and submit official transcripts until we notify you that we will be able to consider your application.
Apply asap.
If you're going to apply for fall at least send (email or fax per below instructions) an application summary, unofficial transcript(s) and a (draft) personal statement asap. You can submit letters, official transcripts, etc., and update your statement as you are able.
If you apply for the waiting list, we may not know whether we will be able
to consider any waiting list applications until very late in August or early
in September. Remember, you'll only be considered if places become available.
If you don't receive communication from us, it means that we are unable to consider
your application. We will not be sending or providing any formal notification
concerning your status, unless you have formally applied and paid an application
fee.
Admission status info - If you have already submitted an application for Fall 2008 and are seeking info regarding the status of your application, click here.
Fall 2009 Admission
Application due date: We usually are able to consider applications submitted beyond the formal deadline. The important issue is that applicants wanting to have a decision from us regarding their admission by approximately mid-April when some will be hearing from other programs to which they have applied, need to submit their application early enough for us to receive all their materials, schedule an interview and consider whether to admit them. In order to get a decision from us by the time you need to react to other admission offers, you need to get your application in by February 1, 2009. Unless we receive your application by that date, we can't guarantee to be able to give you a decision by April.
On-line application: Applicants are encouraged to file an on-line application. In some cases, on-line application is mandatory. Direct link: https://websql.brooklyn.cuny.edu/admissions/graduate/
Very important: You must also complete and submit an MHC Applicant Summary Sheet (click here for form).
All materials, including recommendation letters and transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work (even if that work is reflected on another transcript) must be received asap. Please realize that it often takes many weeks for your official transcripts and other documents to be processed and reach us. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to submit a complete duplicate of your official application AND ALL supporting material by e-mail (to PGross@Brooklyn.cuny.edu AND SRance@Brooklyn.cuny.edu) or fax (718-951-4814) to ensure that your application receives the fullest, promptest possible consideration. We also urge that you assemble ALL of your official application materials yourself, then submit these all together in a single package to Graduate Admissions. We frequently receive very delayed applications from applicants who believed that their application was complete months previously, but which, unbeknownst to the applicant, were missing a recommendation letter or transcript.
So, in addition to filing your official application with graduate admissions, e-mail (best) to PGross@Brooklyn.cuny.edu AND SRance@Brooklyn.cuny.edu or fax to 718-951-4814 a copy of your official application AND ALL supporting material:
- You must complete and submit an MHC Applicant Summary Sheet (click here for form).
- Your essay (3 pages maximum) describing your interest in and preparation for this field and any special experiences or circumstances related to your application.
- Most colleges issue a student copy of your transcript to you at or before graduation or they arrange for (former) students to access their academic records through a web site, if you haven't retained any of your academic records.
- Often the people who write reference letters for you will keep a copy that they can fax or e-mail directly to us.
(We will verify unofficial copies of letters and transcripts when official documents are received if you are admitted.)
If you only file an official application, it will take some time (often many weeks or even months!) for your official application to arrive in admissions and to be processed, then forwarded to the actual admissions committee through official bureaucratic channels. It will be too late to be considered.
No spring or part-time admissions for this program. Currently, we give priority to applicants who are able to attend full-time starting in the fall semester, since the course sequence that a part-time student would need for the spring is not currently offered. The program may be offered on a part-time basis and/or with spring admission in future years. See under Course Schedule, below. Check here for updates.
Transfer of graduate credits: Only credits for courses that are directly equivalent to program course requirements (see curriculum below) may be applied toward this degree (with the possible exception of one advanced elective). A maximum of 24 credits may be transferred from other institutions and/or from outside the Psychology Department. Courses that have already been applied to an awarded degree may not be transferred. It's impossible for us to 'pre-evaluate' which of your credits would be eligible for transfer, just keep in mind the above standards (directly equivalent, not already applied to a degree).
Transfer from another MHC or related graduate program: It's a bit difficult to apply as a transfer student here, since most other MHC programs are not ‘interchangeable’ (directly equivalent) with the one here and it’s very unusual for students to have ALL of the courses needed to start the second-year program here. If we have a full incoming class, there may not be room in any first-year courses that you'd need to make up. And since there's only one elective in the program, there's not much room for us to give you credit for any courses you've taken that don't match up well with courses in the program here.
If you want to try to understand whether it makes sense to apply: Read this program web page completely. Compare the courses you've completed with those in the program here, especially in the first-year. If you think you've completed a directly equivalent course for (almost) all first-year courses here: File an official admission application. Email or fax a complete copy of your application per above instructions, including an unofficial transcript copy and a description of each course (better yet a syllabus for each), so we can understand what work you've completed.
Potential applicants holding related master's degrees - The MHC program here is not especially well-suited to your situation in the sense that you can transfer only a maximum of 24 credits (and then only if the courses are a very close equivalent to the MHC required courses here). Those wanting to just "fill in" a few "missing" courses in order to qualify for licensing won't find the current MHC program here a good fit for this purpose. This may change in the future. Fill out a mailing list form if you'd like us to keep you posted.
Non-matriculated students are not permitted to take program courses.
Program size - number of applicants - probability of admission
Approximately 50 - 60 applicants are admitted for each fall class to fill 40 places (which are divided into two sections for each course, so there are two peer cohorts of approximately 20 students each year).
Over 200 applications have been received each year in recent years. Many of these are deficient in some significant way though, so good quality applicants (those who have most prerequisites and a good academic record, etc.) stand a good chance of being admitted.
MHC program curriculum
You move through the program taking most courses together with the same (approximately 17 - 20) students in your cohort. You start with an introduction to the profession in the first semester with foundation courses in development and psychopathology. You also begin your practical experience with intake assessment--first with instruction and role-play practice, then around mid-semester starting work with intake clients at the college's personal counseling program.
An intensive January course covers cultural or ethical issues in counseling.
In your second semester, your practical experience with intake assessment continues. You also explore ongoing counseling through role-play practice and you have the opportunity to counsel a relatively uncomplicated client at the college's personal counseling program. In depth coursework focuses on psychodynamic and CBT approaches to counseling, as well as cultural or ethical issues.
Over the summer, you participate in a group counseling course. You also continue your practicum at the college's personal counseling program and may begin your internship.
In your third semester, internship experience is the primary focus with supervision at your site, as well as in a group supervision internship course. In depth coursework focuses on experiential and couple and family counseling.
An intensive January course covers career development counseling.
Your internship continues in the spring. Coursework covers research and program evaluation, along with an advanced elective.
This is a very demanding, full-time, daytime, year-round program: While it may be possible to work (very part-time) during the first-year, by the second year it's not possible to do so. The combination of practicum, internship and course work makes it impossible to work while attending the program. Do not apply to this program if you need to work in order to support yourself while attending. This is a good program for those who want quality, intensive training completed over a two year period. It's not the right program for everyone.
The following courses (60 credits) are required:
First semester:
Psychology 744.10G Foundations of Mental Health Counseling
Psychology U720G Developmental Psychology
Psychology U755G Psychopathology
Psychology 788.21G Assessment Techniques
Psychology 788.31G Assessment Practicum
January:
Psychology U771G Ethical and Legal Issues for Psychologists
Second semester:
Psychology 754.10G Social, Linguistic and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
Psychology 754.20G Psychodynamic Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy
Psychology 754.30G Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy
Psychology 754.11G Mental Health Counseling Practicum
Summer:
Psychology 772G Group Process
Mental health counseling practicum and/or internship.
Third semester:
Psychology 754.40G Experiential Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy
Psychology 754.50G Assessment, Counseling and Psychotherapy with Couples and
Families
Psychology 795.10G Mental Health Counseling Internship I (6 credits - 300 hours,
20 hours per week)
January:
Psychology 788.22G Career Development
Fourth semester:
Psychology 779G Research and Program Evaluation Methods in Applied Psychology
Psychology 795.20G Mental Health Counseling Internship II (6 credits - 300 hours,
20 hours per week)
Elective - Graduate-level psychology course (3 credits) approved by program
director.
Some possible electives include: Psychology U740G Advanced Psychology of Personality; Psychology U741 Psychoanalytic Theory I
Students must pass a comprehensive examination after completing 48 credits.
Internship
A 600 hour unpaid internship doing mental health counseling is completed in the second year. These hours may be completed during the academic year in three days per week or over a longer period in two days per week. Students apply for internship at mental health agencies, clinics, hospitals and other sites (e.g., domestic violence, substance abuse, and other specialized programs) that interest them. There is an interview and mutual selection process after which you choose a site from among those that have accepted your application. While we maintain a listing of approved sites interested in applications from MHC students, we also encourage students to apply to other sites that might be of interest. The internship is an opportunity to specialize in a particular treatment approach and/or a specific client population or to select a more general setting. The internship must be completed at an appropriate mental health related agency setting. Private practice settings or current or former job sites are not appropriate for internship. Again, the combination of internship and course work makes it impossible to work while attending the program.
Important Note Concerning NYS MHC Licensing Changes in 2010
Effective January 1, 2010, persons must have completed a 60-credit program to meet the education requirement for licensure as a mental health counselor in NY State.
Information about New York State licensing for Mental Health Counseling is here: http://www.op.nysed.gov/mhp.htm
In addition, many other states require a 60-credit degree for licensure.
Course schedule
Courses are scheduled on Monday and Wednesday, 9:25 - 4:20 pm, and Tuesday or Thursday, 9:25 - 12:05 (first-year courses).
In addition, students are expected to be available for substantial (unpaid) practicum and internship work. Outside employment cannot interfere with your ability to participate in these requirements.
We anticipate that the course schedule for full-time students will be similar in future years.
The program is offered only on a full-time basis for 2007 - 2008, since the
course sequence that a part-time student would need for the spring will not
be offered during spring 2008. The program may be offered on a part-time basis
and/or with Spring admission in future years, depending on program funding and
other considerations--not in 2008 - 2009; possibly, but not probably in 2009
- 2010. Any information on part-time offerings for future admissions will be
posted here.
Tuition
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid info: http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/offices/finaid/index.php?link=apply07G
First-year students may apply for financial aid, but are usually not eligible to apply for scholarships.
Scholarships info: http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/pub/scholarships.htm
Occasionally a small amount of additional aid funds are available through the
Psychology Department. Last year, approximately four students received aid grants
of approximately $500 - $800 through this program.
Teaching and other work opportunities
While it may be possible to work (very, very part-time) during the first-year, by the second year (with a 20 hour internship, plus course work) it's not possible to do so. It wouldn't be advisable to take 4 - 5 graduate-level courses, including practicum clinical work, and also try to teach or do other demanding outside work.
Occasionally there are a small number of part-time clerical / reception support staff positions available in the personal counseling program office and/or the psychology department office. These positions generally pay approximately $10 per hour.
While there are undergrad teaching opportunities, generally first-year master's students do not have the necessary academic background and experience. It might be possible for an exceptional student with appropriate background and experience to be considered.
Research opportunities
There are some opportunities to participate in research projects, although this
is a practice program, not primarily a research program. There is a research
course in the final semester and clinical research is addressed in many courses.
If you intend to pursue research (or university teaching) as a significant part
of your career, you should attend a doctoral program.
MHC Student Demographics
We haven't been formally tracking these, but here are some rough estimates:
Geographic - Mostly NYC metro area, a few from out of area.
Gender - Approx. 80 percent female.
Age range - Approx. 70 percent in 20's.
Housing
Housing / dorm info is here: http://pc.brooklyn.cuny.edu/housing.htm
Additional information
You can also review course descriptions, faculty bios, class schedules, etc., through:
http://websql.brooklyn.cuny.edu/course_search/acad/dept_info.jsp?div=G&dept_code=74&dept_id=96
http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/psych/index.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please print and read this web page carefully before attending info meetings or applying.
This page has the most complete, recent and accurate program information; other college web pages are not updated as frequently.
Most questions are answered here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MHC Student Info Rev 07j2
Mailing list for Brooklyn College Psychology
master's degree program in Mental Health Counseling
Your Name _______________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
City ____________________________ State _________ Zip ________________
E-mail address: ____________________________________________________
(Very
important to print legibly.)
Best phone to contact you: ___________________________________________
Best time(s) to contact you at this phone: ________________________________
Alternate phone, if any: ______________________________________________
Best time(s) to contact you at this phone: ________________________________
Most interested in admission date: ___ / 20___ (Currently no spring or part-time admission.)
Most interested in:
[ ] Full-time
[ ] Part-time[ ] Day courses
[ ] Evening courses[ ] Have graduate degree; want to complete a few additional courses for licensing
Any other information / comments: ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
E-mail to (best): PGross@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Or fax to: 718-951-5734
Or return to:
Psychology Department
Attn: MHC
5401 James Hall
Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210