New Programs Emphasize Importance of Mental Health

San Diego State University is offering two new online programs for educators and counselors — an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Recovery and Trauma-Informed Care, and a Master of Arts in Education with a counseling concentration, starting in August.

The 12-unit certificate develops professionals’ abilities to learn the latest theories and practices used to assist children, adults and families affected by trauma. The certificate is designed to educate professionals in contemporary mental practices that are delivered in ethnically and linguistically diverse contexts.

The certificate emphasizes the role of trauma-informed treatment models in understanding the causes of mental health issues and seeks to address human suffering caused by familial and environmental trauma. The curriculum can be completed within six months. Each course is offered over a four-week period with a one-week break in between. All of these certificate courses can be applied to the new 30-unit degree program.

Students completing the Masters in Education with a counseling concentration learn contemporary mental practices including integrated recovery and strength-based approaches. The degree builds a foundation for practitioners to be better equipped to work with the mental health needs of a diverse population, and prepared for more advanced training to be licensed professionals in mental health services. This degree is also valuable for meeting entry requirements into doctoral study.

Upon completion of the Masters program, students can gain employment in a variety of roles, including academics, behavior specialists, case managers, drug and alcohol counselors and various positions in the field of health and human services. Graduates can develop knowledge of and background in addressing mental health and trauma-related issues for children in schools.

“Students new to graduate study as well as experienced professionals new to this field will gain a strong grounding in understanding trauma and its effects on health and well-being,” said SDSU professor Gerald Monk, director of the new online counseling programs. “The main emphasis of the training is focusing on post-traumatic growth, resiliency and strength-based practices. The masters provides a great foundation in addressing mental health in multi-cultural contexts.”

The program can be completed in 12 months, with month-long courses. There is a three-day, face-to-face clinical practicum at the SDSU campus scheduled for January 2017.

These new programs are offered through SDSU’s College of Education, in conjunction with SDSU’s College of Extended Studies. Applications are being accepted now through May 1. For more information, visit the program website or call (619) 356-1175.