Program Overview
| Program Coordinator | Amy Nitza, (845) 257-3479, nitzaa@newpaltz.edu |
| Program ID | 292 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Program Length | Program can be completed in 1 semester if enrolled full-time |
| Modality | Online |
| Full-time/Part-time | Full-time or Part-time |
| Transfer Credits | 0 |
Program Description
The Advanced Certificate in Trauma and Disaster Mental Health consists of 15 credits: three required core courses (Disaster Mental Health; Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment for Trauma; and Assessment and Interventions with Children, Adolescents, and Families), plus two electives to allow students to focus on populations of interest. Students may complete the program completely online or to include a one-weekend summer option. The certificate can be completed within one year or extended to accommodate the student's schedule.
The program is intended for two groups:
- Professionals who have already earned a Master of Arts, Master of Science, or higher degree in counseling, social work, or a related field
- Students who are currently enrolled in master's- or doctoral-level counseling or social work program and who have already completed their first year of coursework or who can demonstrate completion of a graduate-level counseling theories and skills course
Matriculated students enrolled in the SUNY New Paltz M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs may take up to three courses towards the Advanced Certificate in Trauma and Disaster Mental Health while enrolled, with those credits counting towards M.S. requirements. Following the completion of their M.S., they may apply for the certificate program and take the remaining two courses to complete the Advanced Certificate.
Courses are taught by a combination of SUNY New Paltz faculty members who are affiliated with the Institute for Disaster Mental Health and by adjunct instructors with expertise in treating trauma in specific populations.
NOTE: This program does not lead to licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
Admission Requirements
Minimum admission requirements are as follows:
- One official copy of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Successful completion of a graduate-level counseling theories and skills course.
- Completed online application.
- Statement of professional goals.
- Resume or CV (only required for applicants who have already earned an MA, MS or higher degree)
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (9 Credits) | ||
| COU565 | Disaster Counseling and Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| COU561 | Evidence-Based Assessment & Treatment of Traumatic Stress | 3 |
| COU562 | Assessment and Interventions with Children, Adolescents, and Families | 3 |
| Electives (6 Credits) | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Assisting Veterans and First Responders | ||
| Assisting Vulnerable Populations | ||
| Grief, Loss and Bereavement | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
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Possess the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as highly competent counselors.
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Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to continually expanding their counseling knowledge and proficiency.
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Understand and model the professional standards and ethics of their profession.
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Attend to their own personal growth, as well as that of their clients, through utilizing supervision, valuing interpersonal feedback, and engaging in ongoing self-evaluation.
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Show mastery of the research process and understand its central role in counseling practice and conducting program evaluation.
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Are open-minded and respectful of multicultural and intellectual diversity.
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Use their counseling knowledge to function as compassionate and caring practitioners, advocates, and leaders within their profession and within the communities they serve.
