Completed applications must be filed by February 15 as students are expected to begin their graduate program the following summer session. Applications are screened only once each year following the February 15 deadline. A maximum of 25 students shall be admitted into the counseling areas each year. The 60-credit marriage and family counseling area prepares counselors to address mental health and relationship problems from a family systems perspective. Students are taught a conceptual framework for assessment and intervention which focuses on the multiple systems and family context of individual development.
Emphasis is on a positive, competency-based view of individual and family strengths.
Relationship issues between family members and the family and outer environmental systems is highlighted. In addition to family systems theory, students are well grounded in individual and group counseling theories. Collaboration between marriage and family counselors and other mental health care providers is emphasized. Upon Completion of this program and additional licensing requirements, graduates are eligible to apply for clinical privilege with Montana's mental health centers. Mental Health Counseling Area of Study Mental health counseling involves the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families and groups for the purposes of treating psychotherapy and promoting optimal mental health.