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. All courses are entirely online with the exception of COU565, Disaster Mental Health, which involves one weekend on the New Paltz campus during the summer. 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.

Apply to a SUNY New Paltz graduate programAdmission Requirements

Minimum admission requirements are as follows:

  1. One official copy of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
  2. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
  3. Successful completion of a graduate-level counseling theories and skills course.
  4. Completed online application.
  5. Statement of professional goals.
  6. Resume or CV (only required for applicants who have already earned an MA, MS or higher degree)

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (9 Credits)
COU565Disaster Counseling and Crisis Intervention 13
COU561Evidence-Based Assessment & Treatment of Traumatic Stress 23
COU562Assessment and Interventions with Children, Adolescents, and Families 33
Electives (6 Credits)
Select two of the following:6
COU563
Assisting Veterans and First Responders 4
COU566
Assisting Vulnerable Populations 4
COU567
Grief, Loss and Bereavement 5
Total Credits15
1
  • Summer: offered online every summer for five weeks plus one weekend on the New Paltz campus. 
  • Spring: offered online every spring
2

Online, delivered every Spring semester.

3

Online, delivered every Summer.

4

Online, delivered alternate Spring semesters.

5

 Online, delivered every Fall semester.