Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admission Requirements

Procedure for Admission to the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Admissions criteria for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are consistent with those required in other master's degree level programs at South University. As the admissions process also takes into consideration the characteristics deemed essential to becoming a clinical mental health counselor, material is also required which will enable a determination to be made of the applicant's personal integrity, maturity, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively. The criteria used in determining admission to the graduate program include:

1. Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. A grade point average of at least 2.7 (on an Admissions scale of 4.0) for the last 60 semester hours/90 quarter hours of coursework (including relevant graduate work), or, a bachelor's degree with an overall CGPA of 2.7, or, an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution with a CGPA of 3.0 or higher.
3. A minimum score on a South University preapproved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose "first" language is not English as specified in the English Language Proficiency Policy.
4. Interview with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling department chair/program director or designated faculty member.
5. Approval of the campus program admissions committee.
6. Completion of an application for admission.
7. Submission of a personal/professional statement addressing the applicant's interest in counseling, professional goals, along with a self-appraisal of academic and professional qualifications.
8. Submission (within 5*/10 weeks of class start dates) of official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended. *Effective March 22, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Montgomery campus or High Point Off Campus Instructional Site will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. ​*Effective April 1, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Richmond and West Palm Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.  *Effective May 31, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Tampa and Orlando campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective July 12, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Austin and Columbia campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective August 16, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Savannah and Virginia Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.
9. Current résumé (or career summary).
10. Background Check

All required admissions documentation and criteria will be reviewed and evaluated. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance. Applicants should review the published general graduate requirements listed in the South University catalog. Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should also refer to the section in the South University catalog entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Provisional Admission

Applicants with an undergraduate degree CGPA of less than a 2.70, but not lower than 2.30, for the last 60 semester hours/90 quarter hours of coursework (including relevant graduate work), or, a bachelor's degree with an overall CGPA of 2.70, but not lower than 2.3, or, an earned graduate degree from an accredited institution with a CGPA of less than 3.00, but not lower than a 2.70, will be considered for provisional admission.  Students who do not attain a 3.00 GPA in the first quarter will be dismissed. Students cannot appeal the dismissal from the university as a result of failure to meet the conditions of provisional admission.

The applicant will need to provide evidence of academic and professional potential demonstrated by career and/or personal accomplishments indicated in a personal statement of academic and professional goals, a career resume or curriculum vita, and two letters of academic and/or professional recommendations.  The Program Chair in consultation with the Campus Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations and College Dean or designee must approve exceptions. The College Dean serves as the final decision maker. Students are required to complete the provisional admissions form for entry as a provisional admission student.

Program Course Requirements

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 10 Quarter Program (MA)

Curriculum for Columbia, Richmond, Savannah, and Virginia Beach campuses only. 

Quarter 1:8.5 Credits
• CNS6002 Counseling Theory 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6425 Clinical Mental Health Counseling 4 credit hours

Quarter 2: 8.5 Credits
• CNS6018 Psychopathology 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6161 Counseling Techniques 4 credit hours

Quarter 3: 9 Credits
• CNS6050 Lifespan Development 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6051 Diagnostics of Psychopathology and Treatment 4.5 credit hours

Quarter 4: 9 Credits
• CNS6313 Professional Orientation and Ethics 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6565 Multicultural Foundations 4.5 credit hours

Quarter 5: 9 Credits
• CNS6509 Group Dynamics 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6535 Clinical Mental Health Appraisal I 4.5 credit hours

Quarter 6: 5.5 Credits
• CNS6529 Research and Statistical Evaluation 4.5 credit hours
• CNS7010 Pre-Practicum IA (100 clinical hours) 1 credit hour

Quarter 7: 9.5 Credits
• CNS6602 Lifestyle and Career Development 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6850 Psychopharmacology 4 credit hours
• CNS7011 Practicum IB (100 clinical hours) 1 credit hour

Quarter 8: 8 Credits
• CNS7510 Internship IA (200 clinical hours) 4 credit hours
• CNS7907 Clinical and Professional Development Seminar 0 credit hours
• CNS7950 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Treatment 4 credit hours
• CNS8202 Comprehensive Examination 0 credit hours

Quarter 9: 12 Credits
• CNS6901 Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Disorders 4 credit hours
• CNS7610 Internship IIA (200 clinical hours) 4 credit hours
• CNS7970 Crisis and Trauma 4 credit hours

Quarter 10: 12 Credits
• CNS6709 Couples, Marital, and Family Dynamics 4 credit hours
• CNS6775 Counseling Administration, Advocacy, Supervision and Policy 4 credit hours
• CNS7611 Internship IIB (200 clinical hours) 4 credit hours

Notes:
________________________________________
*Students wishing to move to North Carolina will be able take additional .5 seminar courses to fulfill the State of North Carolina requirements. Students taking these additional courses must follow the Coursework Taken Outside a Student’s Degree Program policy found in the Academic Affairs Section of the Academic Catalog.

• CNS6006 Counseling Theory Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6056 Lifespan Development Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6317 Professional and Ethical Issues Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6504 Group Dynamics Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6532 Research and Evaluation Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6538 Clinical Mental Health Appraisal Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6568 Multicultural Foundations Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6605 Lifestyle and Career Development Seminar 0.5 credit hour


Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 8 Quarter Program (MA)

Curriculum for Columbia, Richmond, Savannah, and Virginia Beach campuses only. 

Quarter 1: 13 Credits
• CNS6002 Counseling Theory 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6050 Lifespan Development 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6425 Clinical Mental Health Counseling 4 credit hours

Quarter 2: 13 Credits
• CNS6018 Psychopathology 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6161 Counseling Techniques 4 credit hours
• CNS6565 Multicultural Foundations 4.5 credit hours

Quarter 3: 13.5 Credits
• CNS6051 Diagnostics of Psychopathology and Treatment 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6313 Professional Orientation and Ethics 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6535 Clinical Mental Health Appraisal I 4.5 credit hours

Quarter 4: 10 Credits
• CNS6509 Group Dynamics 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6529 Research and Statistical Evaluation 4.5 credit hours
• CNS7010 Pre-Practicum IA (100 clinical hours) 1 credit hour

Quarter 5: 9.5 Credits
• CNS6602 Lifestyle and Career Development 4.5 credit hours
• CNS6901 Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Disorders 4 credit hours
• CNS7011 Practicum IB (100 clinical hours) 1 credit hour

Quarter 6: 8 Credits
• CNS7510 Internship IA (200 clinical hours) 4 credit hours
• CNS7950 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Treatment 4 credit hours
• CNS8202 Comprehensive Examination 0 credit hours

Quarter 7: 12 Credits
• CNS6850 Psychopharmacology 4 credit hours
• CNS7610 Internship IIA (200 clinical hours) 4 credit hours
• CNS7970 Crisis and Trauma 4 credit hours

Quarter 8: 12 Credits
• CNS6709 Couples, Marital, and Family Dynamics 4 credit hours
• CNS6775 Counseling Administration, Advocacy, Supervision and Policy 4 credit hours
• CNS7611 Internship IIB (200 clinical hours) 4 credit hours

Note(s):

*Students wishing to move to North Carolina will be able take additional .5 seminar courses to fulfill the State of North Carolina requirements. Students taking these additional courses must follow the Coursework Taken Outside a Student’s Degree Program policy found in the Academic Affairs Section of the Academic Catalog.

• CNS6006 Counseling Theory Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6056 Lifespan Development Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6317 Professional and Ethical Issues Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6504 Group Dynamics Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6532 Research and Evaluation Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6538 Clinical Mental Health Appraisal Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6568 Multicultural Foundations Seminar 0.5 credit hour
• CNS6605 Lifestyle and Career Development Seminar 0.5 credit hour

Mission, Goals & Outcomes

Mission & Goals

The mission of the South University Master of Arts degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is to prepare students to meet the local and regional need for qualified counselors. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counselling is designed to provide advanced and broad training for South University graduate students regarding theories, principles, and dynamic applications in the field. Students develop the skills necessary to engage in effective assessment and treatment practices, achieve competence for ethical, legal, and professional issues, and understand the significance and utility of research to the field. Faculty members are dedicated to maintaining high teaching standards, developing intellectual curiosity, advancing critical thinking, and engaging in service to the University, community, and profession.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to -

1. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice:  Demonstrate knowledge and application of all aspects of professional functioning, to include ethical standards, legal implications, advocacy and social justice, counselor roles, and professional credentialing.

2. Social and Cultural Diversity: Demonstrate the ability to apply multicultural research and core theory to issues and relationships in the context of culturally competent counseling.

3. Human Growth and Development Through the Lifespan: Apply research and core theory to the needs of diverse individuals across the lifespan, to include atypical personality and neurological development, addictive disorders, family and social relationships, and crisis response.

4. Lifestyle and Career Development: Demonstrate implementation of research and  core theory related to the processes of decision-making in career development and planning in the context of the psychology of work.

5. Counseling and the Helping Relationship: Demonstrate knowledge and skill application of the major theories of change, consultation practices, diagnostic impressions, and evidence-based interventions to a diverse clientele for the delivery of effective and ethical treatment.

6. Group Dynamics and Group Work: Apply culturally appropriate group skills, techniques, and theory-based interventions in the context of group counseling dynamics while exploring effective facilitation styles.

7. Assessment and Appraisal: Analyze historical and current testing and assessment methods for implementing ethical and accurate appraisal of diverse clients by individual or group methods.

8. Research and Program Evaluation: Apply needs assessment, program evaluation, and research methods to ethical and effective practice and to add to the body of literature in the counseling profession.

Courses are taught according to the matriculation sequences provided by each campus and at the discretion of the school. Courses must be attempted in the curriculum sequence as defined by each campus. Curriculum content and sequence are subject to change with notification.

Core Faculty

Columbia Campus Core Faculty

Katherine H. DeWitt, PhD
Program Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Dr. Katherine DeWitt is an Associate Professor and the Program Director for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at South University in Columbia, South Carolina. Spending most of her professional life working in higher education as an academic and career counselor, Dr. DeWitt has worked closely with at-risk populations developing programs and resources to help first generation, under represented, and low income- college students persist to graduation and, for many of her students, on to graduate programs.  Dr. DeWitt’s clinical experiences have been working with adolescents in the juvenile justice system, as a case manager for teen dug court, and leading parent/family psychoeducational groups as part of a behavior intervention program for Richland County District II schools in Columbia, SC.  Dr. DeWitt’s research in Social Media engagement stemmed from her observation of the increasing integration of social media platforms in every aspect of daily lives, from the digital documentation of daily activities to becoming the primary sources of global news and information.  In helping professions where the relationship between the clinician and the client is the foundation of service and care, how the clinician is perceived digitally is as important as how they are received in person.  Dr. DeWitt’s research is expanding from examining social media engagement of counselors in training to practicing clinicians and supervisors.

Lanita Jefferson, PhD, LPC, LPCS
Full-time Faculty, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Dr. Lanita Jefferson, Ph.D., LPC, LPCS is an assistant professor for South University Columbia SC campus. Dr. Jefferson also co-owns a mental health private practice in downtown Columbia SC. Dr Jefferson holds a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of South Carolina, a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from USC School of Medicine. Dr. Jefferson specializes in working with persons that have trauma, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Jefferson also specializes in clinical supervision to enhance the professional development in counselors in training. Her research interest includes implementing the use of hip hop in clinical counseling and single case research in counseling.

David Leach, PhD, LPC, CRC
Clinical Coordinator, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Dr. Leach is an Associate Professor and Clinical Coordinator for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at South University in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Leach has a clinical background in Rehabilitation Counseling having worked for South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Services with individual with profound hearing loss or deafness. Dr. Leach has also worked in programs sponsored by Mental Health America like Bridges Club House, a day program for individuals with mental health issues providing community integration services in the form of various groups in an effort to facilitate understanding of coping skills, independent living skills, and interpersonal skills. Dr. Leach has spent the last several years working with counseling students in the field mastering their clinical skills and preparing them for their futures as professional counselors.  Dr. Leach has research interests in Community integration services for individuals with disabilities and persistent mental health issues and vicarious trauma for helping professionals.

Dan Lawther, PhD
Full-time Faculty, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Dr. Lawther’s background and experience are diverse.  His BA degree is in History and English from the University of Indianapolis, he holds a MA in General Experimental Psychology from Indiana State University, and a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina.

He has variously worked as the Director of Housing at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Director of Cottage Life for the Midlands Center (SCDMR), the Director of the Charleston Evaluation Center (SCDJJ), Psychologist III for the Intensive Behavior Modification Program (SCDJJ), Assistant Coordinator for the Intensive Care Units (SCDJJ), Director of Staff Development (SCDJJ), and Training Director for First Corrections Corporation.  He has previous teaching experience at Limestone College and Webster University before beginning employment with South University.  Dr. Lawther is coauthor of “Institutional Programs” in L. Villeponteau and D. Kirkpatrick (Eds) The Correctional Learning System.

Dr. Lawther’s major area of interest has been developing programs for the oppositional and conduct disturbed adolescent.  To that end, he has presented programs for the Southern States Correctional Association and consulted with various program entities in Arizona, Alabama, Georgia, and the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix.