Dr. W. Matthew Shurts
Coordinator, Addictions and Clinical Mental Health concentrations
Phone Number: 973-655-7190
Email: shurtsm@montclair.edu
Overview
Counselors work in multiple community-based settings, including clinical mental health facilities, hospitals, community service agencies and private practice. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides the necessary coursework to prepare counselors to work in these settings with a diverse population. Our graduates work in the settings listed above and with special issues including family and couples work, eating disorders, mental health transition, and other related issues of developmental challenges.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under the 2016 standards through 2025.
Courses in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meet the academic requirements for initial counselor licensure (Licensed Associate Counselor, LAC) and eventually towards an independent license (Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC). Faculty assist students with the application for licensure upon completion of the degree. The program consists of 60 credit hours, including three semesters of fieldwork. Full-time and part-time study are available for students, with most courses offered in the evenings and other arrangements to accommodate work schedules. Please note that students must have flexibility to complete the fieldwork experiences at an approved site during the latter portion of their time in the program. Full-time students can generally complete the 60 credit hour program in 2½ to 3 calendar years depending on the number of courses taken each semester. Many core courses are offered in the summer session to facilitate timely completion of the degree.
Admission Information
All candidates must meet application and admission requirements as defined by The Graduate School.