Dr. Amy T. Banner, Director
570-941-4129
bannera2@scranton.edu
The Community Counseling program prepares professional counselors for direct entry into and/or advancement in counseling-related positions in private and public human service organizations and systems.
The program is designed to: 1. Enhance knowledge of counseling concepts and practices; 2. Provide individuals with the counseling skills necessary to function in agency settings; 3. Prepare individuals for certification/licensure in counseling; and 4. Enhance individuals employability in entry-level or advanced positions in human services. The program offers a learning environment whereby the student acquires the academic competencies of the profession, refines them through practical experience, and increases self-understanding, self-confidence, and personal effectiveness.
The Community Counseling program is designed to meet the legislated educational requirements of Pennsylvania Act 136 of 1998 - The Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act. According to the provisions of Act 136, the applicant must have successfully completed a planned program of 60-semester hours of graduate course work in counseling or in a field determined by the board of regulation to be closely related to the practice of professional counseling, including a 48-semester hour master’s degree in counseling or in a field determined by the board of regulation to be closely related to the practice of professional counseling, from an accredited educational institution. [(Sec.7(iX2)(ii))].
The Counseling Profession
According to the American Counseling Association, counselors are skilled professionals who are trained to help others gain a perspective on their lives, explore options, make decisions, resolve problems, and take action. Counselors work with individuals, couples, families, and groups of persons who experience academic, behavioral, career, emotional, interpersonal, and social problems. By establishing an effective and trusting helping relationship, a counselor assesses a client’s strengths and resources, and helps the client increase life-management skills so that mutually agreed upon goals may be achieved. Professional counselors provide counseling to individuals across the continuum of psychological functioning. When necessary, they are able to diagnose and treat emotional disorders in conjunction with other mental health professionals. In addition, the professional counselor designs prevention and clinical intervention programs for communities of varying sizes.
Curriculum
The Community Counseling program is a 60-credit curriculum leading to the Master of Science degree. 54 required credits include 45 credits of course work in principles and practice of counseling, three credits of practicum (100 hours of supervised counseling experience), three credits of internship (600 hours of supervised counseling experience), and three credits of advanced internship (300 hours of supervised counseling experience). Six credits of electives are offered to provide students with opportunities for additional study in individual areas of interest and for development of skills in dealing with specific client populations. Professional experience in a counseling-related field is not required for entry into the program.
Accreditation and Certification
The Community Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Hence, graduates meet all educational requirements for certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Graduates may apply to the National Board of Certified Counselors to take the National Counselor Examination prior to graduation from the program. Every student who passes the certification examination will be granted recognition as an NCC. Students who wish to explore other types of counselor certification should consult with the Program Director. All inquiries regarding certification as an NCC and application for same should be directed to:
National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc.
3-D Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 547-0607
Refer to General Information under the Department of Counseling and Human Services for policies and procedures applicable to all Departmental programs.
Return to: