Cultural Competence in Counseling: A Pillar for Mental Health Counseling Education

As we enter into Black History Month, it���s important to think about the importance of diversity in the clinical mental health counseling space.

If you���re considering becoming a clinical mental health counselor, you need to learn about more than just mental health conditions and therapeutic techniques ��� it is essential that you also learn cultural competence in counseling.

Cultural competence is a critical skill set that is needed to effectively help clientele from diverse backgrounds improve their mental health and live happier, more fulfilling lives. Through cultural competence, mental health counselors use cultural awareness and knowledge to better understand and support their clients.

Here is an overview of what it means to be a culturally competent counselor today and how practitioners can use this skill set to better meet the mental health needs of their clientele. It���s also important to choose a mental health counseling master���s program that teaches you how to become a culturally competent counselor.

What is cultural competence in counseling?

When a counselor has cultural competence, that mental health professional understands how a client���s cultural background shapes who they are as a person. They are also sensitive to the unique needs of that client based on their cultural identity, and they can provide counseling responses and therapies that are tailored to those needs.

In terms of cultural competence, a client���s cultural background can refer to a number of different things, including but not limited to their:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Socioeconomic status
• Sexual orientation / gender identity

Below is the definition of cultural competence drafted by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH), which merged several existing definitions (as cited in the report ������):

���Cultural and linguistic competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals that enables effective work in cross-cultural situations. ���Culture��� refers to integrated patterns of human behavior that include the language, thoughts, communications, actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions of racial, ethnic, religious, or social groups. ���Competence��� implies having the capacity to function effectively as an individual and an organization within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by consumers and their communities.���

were initially established for the counseling industry in the early 1990s. Since that time, they have become an important component within counseling literature, and they have been recognized as a critical element to the work of mental health counselors today.

While the modern-day standards for multicultural competence within the counseling industry are
extensive and complex, we���re providing a quick, high-level summary on what this looks like in
practice.

3 Key Elements of a Culturally Competent Counselor

1. Cultural Awareness & Understanding

To be culturally competent, a counselor should have knowledge and understanding of different cultures (e.g., different ethnicities, religions, the LGBTQ+ community, etc.) and the history of cultural oppression in the United States and related social movements.

According to ������ published in the American Counseling Association���s Professional Counseling Digest in 2008, the period of history that is especially important to evaluate spans immediately following World War II continuing through the second half of the 20th Century, which represents a significant change in American society when groups that had been historically marginalized and oppressed started to take a stand for social, economic, and political inclusion.

With historical context, counselors can better understand the attitudes, behaviors, and values of certain groups of people, and they can help their clients address the impact of life experiences such as immigration, racism, oppression, stereotyping, and poverty.

According to the cross-cultural competencies and objectives that have been adopted within the counseling industry: ���Culturally skilled counselors understand how race, culture, ethnicity, and so forth may affect personality formation, vocational choices, manifestation of psychological disorders, help-seeking behavior, and the appropriateness or inappropriateness of counseling approaches.���

It���s also important for counselors to be familiar with the latest research findings on the mental health conditions that are common among specific cultural groups, as this can assist with more informed counseling interventions.

2. Cultural Self-Reflection

In addition to being aware of other cultures, mental health counselors should also have an understanding of their own cultural identities, particularly looking at the values, assumptions, and biases that may be shaped by those backgrounds.

According to ������ published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and sourced from TIP 59, counselors who have a high level awareness of their own cultural backgrounds are more likely to:

• Pay attention to how culture impacts the client-counselor relationship
• Evaluate the ways in which their own experiences, beliefs, and biases affect their classification of what is ���normal��� and ���abnormal��� behavior
• Be more intentional in understanding how a client���s cultural background impacts their mental health condition, their relationships, and the therapeutic process

Counselors who are not self-aware and self-reflecting in terms of their cultural background may have a skewed perspective that affects their impression, diagnosis, and treatment of a client.

3. Removal of Cross-Cultural Barriers in Practice

Cultural competence in counseling is not a box that can simply be checked off ��� rather it���s a skill set that requires . Culturally competent counselors continually strive to expand their cultural awareness and understanding through education, training, and consultation with other experts in order to mitigate any cross-cultural barriers that may exist in their counselor-client relationships.

Additionally, counselors should be able to identify when cross-cultural barriers impede them from providing the proper support that the client needs, such as there is a language barrier or when the client would benefit from working with a counselor of the same cultural background. In these cases, the counselor should refer the client to an appropriate mental health care provider.

Counselors who are culturally aware are able to identify potential gaps in care and address those needs in order to provide clients with the best possible outcomes.

Cultural Competence Training is a MUST for Counseling Education

In a climate of ever-increasing diversity and heightened awareness around social justice, it is imperative for counselors to be equipped with the cultural competencies necessary to deliver quality and equitable mental health services ��� and it starts in counselor education.

As you search for a mental health counseling master���s program, make sure that the program includes education on cultural competence so you are prepared to meet the needs of diverse clientele.

返字心頭���s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides education and training that helps prepare students to become culturally competent, trauma-informed, and stalwart advocates for social justice.

One of our program learning outcomes is to ���Cultivate a Culturally Competent Identity,��� which means the program helps students establish a professional identity as culturally competent clinical mental health counselors. Through this outcome, students learn how to use the therapeutic relationship to promote healing, empowerment, and emotional and mental well-being while working effectively and affirmatively with diverse individuals, couples, families, and communities.

Here is a quick snapshot of the program details:

• Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Instruction Method: Online or Blended
• Program Pace: 29 Months
• Semesters: 6 Semesters
• Credits: 60 Credits

Learn more about the mental health counseling master���s program at WCU, including information about curriculum, tuition and financial aid, and admission requirements.

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If you���re planning on becoming a clinical mental health counselor, a couple critical components of your graduate program will be your supervised clinical practicum and internship, which allow you to apply what you learned in your classes to real clinical settings.

Your clinical practicum and internship are where you get to see firsthand what your on-the-job duties of a clinical mental health counselor will look like, receive training and guidance from a seasoned licensed professional, and gain hands-on practice.

At 返字心頭, we believe in supporting the students in our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program every step of the way, including through their practicum and internship experiences.

���We actually help students with finding the practicum site, and we help them with finding the site for their internship as well,��� said Dr. Colleen Logan, Dean and Program Director of Counseling at WCU. ���Even after graduation, we help them find employment where they can accrue the licensure hours that’s needed under an approved supervisor. Whenever students find out about the level of support we offer, it���s always a huge point of relief for them.���

Continue reading to learn more about WCU���s mental health counseling practicum and internship requirements and how our faculty can assist you.

Counseling Practicums & Internships at WCU

How many practicum and internship hours are required at WCU?

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at WCU requires each student to complete a total of 135 hours of supervised clinical practicum, which must include 60 direct hours and 40 indirect hours under the supervision of a site supervisor and a faculty supervisor.

Students in the program must also complete 600 internship hours, which do not count toward the licensed professional counselor intern hours that they must acquire after graduation and before licensure. The internship hours must include 240 direct hours and 360 indirect hours. Students are usually at their internship site 20 hours per week, though the hours may vary.

Clinical and internship site placements must be approved by WCU.

As part of your Fieldwork Practicum course requirements, you will participate in various activities that are commonly required of a professional counselor, including activities such as:

• Intake interviews
• Client assessments
• Diagnosis
• Prognosis
• Treatment planning
• Individual, group, and family counseling

These practicum experiences allow students to see the key concepts of professional counseling they are learning through their coursework applied in real-life clinical settings. Students are able to learn through application of:

• Theoretical knowledge and skills
• Communication/counseling techniques
• Professional dispositions

Teaching and learning through the student���s clinical practicum may be completed online, in-person, or through a blend of the two modalities.

What will I do in my internship?

Your internship is where you will gain more hands-on experience with direct clinical practice. Not only will you have the chance to interact more directly with clients, but you will get to practice case conceptualization, help develop clinically relevant interventions for groups, and much more.

You are required to have individual supervision with your site supervisor for a minimum of 1 hour per week in both your practicum and internship. You will have the opportunity to work with your assigned faculty member in a group setting in the course itself.

Similar to your practicum, teaching and learning for your internship may be completed online, in-person, or through a blend of the two modalities.

Leveraging Partnership & Deep Industry Connections

While we cannot guarantee placements, we are committed to providing assistance and guidance wherever we can in the practicum and internship site selection process. Our instructors are veterans in the mental health counseling field who are well-connected within the industry.

Between WCU���s formal partnerships and our faculty���s personal networks, we leverage as many resources as we can to help connect our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students with strong fieldwork and internship opportunities that match program requirements as well as their interests.

We also gladly offer students guidance along the way to help them overcome any hurdles they���re experiencing as they complete their supervised clinical practicum and internship hours.

���Coordinating clinical practicum placements and internships can be a really overwhelming process,��� Dr. Logan said. ���We have been able to take some of the stress off students by saying, ���We’re here for you from the beginning of the program through your courses, through your immersive learning experiences, through fieldwork, and beyond. Because one day, you’re going to be our colleague.���

WCU���s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at WCU is a 29-month program that is offered both online and in a blended format, meaning it combines both online and regular in-person instruction. Students in the program learn from well-established leaders within the field of counseling and benefit from innovative learning tools, whether they���re learning online or in the classroom.

Learn more about our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or read our recent post about what a mental health counseling career looks like.

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Clinical mental health counselors help clients work through a wide array of mental health conditions and disorders that affect them in their everyday lives, whether that has to do with stress, anxiety, depression, grief/trauma, addiction, relationship conflicts, and more. Mental health counselors help clients understand their challenges and learn new behaviors and coping methods that allow them to live happier and healthier lives.

What Areas Can Mental Health Counselors Specialize in?

When choosing an occupational path, there are many factors to explore when determining if a certain career is right fit for you, from daily schedules and routines to work environments to pay range and more. If you���re thinking of a career in mental health counseling, you should first get some key questions answered so you���re fully aware of what the job entails. We explore these questions and answers below.

What Do Mental Health Counselors Do?

Clinical mental health counselors help clients work through a wide array of that affect them in their everyday lives, whether that has to do with stress, anxiety, depression, grief/trauma, addiction, relationship conflicts, and more. Mental health counselors help clients understand their challenges and learn new behaviors and coping methods that allow them to live happier and healthier lives.

What Does a Mental Health Counselor���s Work Schedule Look Like?

While the majority of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors work full-time hours, part-time work is also common in this field. Some work environments such as residential or inpatient facilities may allow for evening or weekend hours.

Private practice can provide greater flexibility in scheduling, allowing the mental health counselor to be in control of their own schedules (i.e., only seeing clients certain days of the week or during certain hours). It should be noted that private-practice mental health counselors typically need to set aside more time for administrative tasks, such as handling business paperwork and investing time in marketing their practices.

What Is the Typical Caseload for a Mental Health Counselor?

The number of clients that clinical mental health counselors see each week varies widely with some seeing 15-20 a week.

There is no true industry average, as caseload size can be determined by many factors such as specialty area (general counselors might see more patients than those who focus on an area like trauma counseling), level of experience (more experienced counselors may be more comfortable taking on more clients), whether the counselor works for an employer or runs their own practice (private-practice counselors may spend more hours completing administrative tasks), and how much time per week a counselors wants to spend working.

Because of the nature of the job (it can be mentally and emotionally draining work), it���s important for clinical mental health counselors to find a caseload that provides the right level of balance so they don���t experience burnout.

Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work?

Clinical mental health counselors can work in a wide array of settings, from private practices to
drug rehabilitation centers to nonprofit mental health clinics and more. Here are some of the
most common work environments for mental health counselors:

• Residential mental health and substance abuse centers
• Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
• Individual and family service agencies
• Private practice
• Hospitals and clinics
• Community organizations
• Nonprofits
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Correctional facilities
• Telemedicine

(Sources: , , )

Which States Have the Most Mental Health Counselor Jobs?

There are a couple ways to think about the answer to this question. There are states with the highest mental health counselor employment numbers (focusing on the number of counselors employed) as well as states with the highest mental health counselor employment rates (the number of mental health counselors employed in relation to the state���s total employment base).

Here���s the breakdown, as provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

States with the Most Employed Mental Health Counselors

(Data is for the category of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health
counselors)

States with the Highest Concentration of Mental Health Counselor Jobs

(Data is for the category of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health
counselors)

The First Step in Your Mental Health Counselor Career Path

If you���re interested in pursuing a career in mental health counseling, you will need to earn a master���s degree in a related field. 返字心頭 offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that can teach you how to help people overcome their mental health challenges so they can cope, heal, and thrive.

WCU���s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is available in both an online and blended format, with blended allowing for both online and in-person instruction. The program, which is taught by leaders in the counseling industry, can be completed in as little as 29 months.

Learn more about WCU���s mental health counseling master���s program.

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Considering becoming a mental health counselor? If so, you���ll join a profession of profound importance and impact.

Before we dive into what the career of a mental health counselor entails and what the typical educational path looks like for this role, let���s gain some understanding of how the counseling industry as we know it today came to be.

Table of Contents

• History of the Mental Health Counseling Profession
• Why Are Mental Health Counselors Needed?
• What Does a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Do?
• Where Do Clinical Mental Health Counselors Work?
• What Type of Degree Do You Need?
• How Long Does It Take to Become a Counselor?
• What Subjects Are Covered in a Mental Health Counseling Master���s Program?
• What Are the Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensure Requirements?
• About Our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
• How to Get Started

History of the Mental Health Counseling Profession

The of mental health is fairly recent. Its earliest known application was in 1793 in Paris where a physician named forbade corporal punishment of asylum inmates and demanded their release from chains and inhumane confinement. Pinel pioneered new thinking that gave rise to the modern definitions of mental illness as byproducts of social and psychological stresses, as well as genetics, rather than ���demonic possession.���

Later, psychiatrists Carl Rogers and Fritz Perls promoted a client-centered approach in which the client is treated as a partner in the process, as opposed to a patient solely on the receiving end of treatment. As of the early 1970s, however, the profession of mental health ���counselor��� remained loosely defined against its professional cousins: psychologist and social worker. Mental health counselors finally received recognition and definition in 1796, with the formations of the and the .

In the time since Phillipe Pinel redefined the way we view mental health, we have seen a healthcare profession emerge that addresses the mental health needs not just of individuals, but of couples, families, groups, and even entire populations. Through this now firmly entrenched and recognized profession, counselors provide critical clinical care that serves the mental health of individuals and communities.

Why Are Mental Health Counselors Needed?

There is an urgent need for qualified, educated mental health professionals. A few mental health statistics help put this into perspective.

• People with depression and other mental health conditions have higher rates of certain diseases and may have .
• in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause for children ages 10 through 14.
• Currently each year.

Despite this alarming need, more than 150 million people currently live in .

Additional need for mental health counselors is largely driven by spikes in mental health conditions as a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since the pandemic. In the years to come, that will require a robust mental healthcare workforce to address.

Other concurrent in the U.S. This means licensed clinical mental health counselors are needed now and well into the future.

What Does a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Do?

Mental health counselors are trained to treat individuals struggling with mental health issues, but they also treat couples, families, and groups. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics��� description of , treating patients involves evaluation (both of a patient���s mental health and readiness for counseling), education of patients on the issues that are affecting their mental health, as well as the coping strategies they can use to overcome challenges in day-to-day life.

These professionals treat , including but not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Grief
• Post-traumatic stress
• Addiction
• Relationship conflicts

Where Do Clinical Mental Health Counselors Work?

The need for mental health counselors is widespread, and the environments in which they work are diverse. In addition to traditional health settings like clinics, mental health counselors may opt to treat clients through nonprofits or even private practice. The most common settings in which a clinical mental health counselor may work include:

• Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
• Residential mental health and substance abuse centers
• Individual and family service agencies
• Hospitals and clinics
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Private practice
• Prisons
• Community organizations
• Nonprofits
• Private practice
• Telemedicine

(Sources: , , )

What Type of Degree Do You Need to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

While by state and the specific type of counseling role, mental health counselors usually need a master���s degree and an internship followed by licensure. To apply to a clinical mental health counseling master���s program, you first need a completed bachelor���s degree. Some programs require your undergraduate degree be in a related field such as psychology. WCU���s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program does not require a specific type of bachelor���s degree for admission.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor?

Once you enroll in clinical mental health counseling school, most programs take 2.5 to 3 years to complete. The length of the program depends upon the school (WCU’s comprehensive MS In Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can be completed in less than 2.5 years).

Once you graduate, you���ll typically need to complete a certain number of supervised hours as a licensed professional counseling intern (LPCI), with the requirements varying by state. You���ll then need to pass your licensure exam(s) before you can begin independent practice (more on licensure below).

What Subjects Are Covered in a Mental Health Counseling Master���s Program?

Curriculums vary by program, but a clinical mental health counseling program will typically include coursework in counseling research and methodology, clinical practice, culture and population counseling, research, and psychopathology. We invite you to view WCU���s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum for a comprehensive look at the courses that are offered in our program.

Here is a sampling of the topic you will study in our program:

• Counseling theories and interventions
• Multicultural counseling
• Tests and clinical assessments
• Crisis and trauma response and intervention
• Psychopathology and psychopharmacology
• Group counseling
• Addictions counseling
• Couples and family counseling
• Human sexuality
• Methodologies of research design and statistics
• Clinical practicum

What Are the Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensure Requirements?

The is the specialty licensure test for clinical mental health counselors. It is administered by the (NBCC) and is required for clinical mental health licensure in most states. In addition to the NCMHCE, the NBCC administers the certification for counselors of all types. These exams are designed to test the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective counseling.

Many states have , so it���s important to do your research and prepare for each test that you will need to pass as well as the requirements you need to complete in order to begin practice.

About Our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

返字心頭���s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers flexibility as you can choose to earn your degree online or in a blended format (a mix of online and on-campus study). We do not require your bachelor���s degree to be in a related field, and with the program taking 29 months to complete (less than 2.5 years), you���ll be able to streamline your path to graduation and build the knowledge and skills you need to go out and make a difference.

An education at WCU is always student-centric, and our mental health counseling master���s program is designed for comprehensive, versatile learning that emphasizes intersectionality and mental health advocacy.

As a student in WCU���s clinical mental health counseling master���s program, you will benefit from:

• A combination of classroom (virtual or in-person) learning and clinical practicum experiences
• Engaging educational content that leverages innovative learning tools such as original video content and virtual simulations
• A curriculum that prioritizes relationship, both in counselor training and in relationship-building with classmates and faculty
• Opportunities for online and blended program students alike to experience hands-on, in-person learning through weekend-long, on-site intensives (OSIs) that occur on campus, as well as local events (such as seminars and roundtable discussions) that occur in or near student���s local communities. 
• Job placement assistance and a full scope of career support services that are available for life

How to Get Started

Mental health counseling is a meaningful career path that can have a profound effect on the people and populations you serve. If you���re ready to take the first step, we invite you to learn more about our mental health counseling master���s program.

You can also complete the form on this page to request further information and connect with our admissions team. A representative will help you get started on your path to making a difference!

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返字心頭 is proud to announce the new Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, designed inside and out to help prepare aspiring healthcare professionals for rewarding and impactful careers in the mental health field.

With more than 110 years educating generations of healthcare workers, we at WCU are aware of the importance of mental health in today���s environment. At a time when many are still grappling with the aftermath of COVID-19 and growing social unrest, mental health counselors are uniquely positioned to provide care and support to individuals, couples, and families.

���The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to be culturally competent, trauma-informed stalwart advocates for social justice so you can actively promote equity and access to effective and affirmative clinical mental health care for all. You bring you and we���ll teach you the rest!��� said Dr. Colleen Logan, dean of the program.

The program is now accepting applications for the first available term, which begins Fall 2023.

What to Expect in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Students will have the option of completing their coursework online or in a blended format, which combines both online and in-person learning. Students who choose the blended option will attend some of their classes at either our Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles or the WCU-Texas campus in Richardson. The 60-credit, 29-month curriculum allows students to earn their master���s degree in just under 2.5 years.

Regardless of which option they choose, students have the opportunity to interact in person with both peers and faculty during On-Site Intensives (OSIs) hosted at the university. During these events, students are able to get hands-on practice while receiving immediate feedback from instructors. These will take place over weekends to help accommodate working students.

Online students may also be able to attend local, in-person events such as seminars and roundtable discussions with classmates.

Students in the mental health counseling master���s program will take courses in topics such as crisis/trauma response and intervention, multicultural counseling, legal and ethical issues in counseling, and more.

Additionally, practicum and internship experiences help provide real-world experience before graduation. WCU offers assistance with practicum and internship placement as well as job placement assistance and a full range of career support services for students and alumni.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do mental health counselors do?
, mental health counselors evaluate a client���s mental health, addiction, or problematic behavior and help them develop the skills and tools necessary to recover or modify their behavior. In other words, they help people function better during their time of need. Additionally, they often refer clients to other resources and services, such as job placement services and support groups, and prepare clients to transition out of counseling.

What if my bachelor���s degree isn���t related to mental health counseling?
That���s alright! As long as you have an undergraduate degree in any field, you can apply for the master���s program. We will teach you the skills and tools you���ll need to enter the counseling field.

What is the coursework like in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program?
The program includes a variety of innovative learning tools such as original video content, virtual simulations, and mobile-friendly study materials. Additionally, you���ll learn from leading industry professionals, participating in seminars and roundtable discussions on current topics in the counseling field.

How do I find facilities where I can complete my practicum and internship?
At WCU, we foster relationships with different healthcare facilities and can help you find a placement that meets requirements.

Is WCU���s mental health counseling master���s program CACREP-accredited?
WCU desires to obtain CACREP accreditation. Therefore, the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has been designed to align with CACREP accreditation standards so that the pursuit of accreditation can be facilitated. 

Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify! You can explore our scholarship and grant options or get general information about financial aid.

Learn more about WCU���s mental health counseling master���s program and its admission requirements on our website, or fill out the form on this page to request more information.  

WCU distance education programs are delivered out of the California and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

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