Canisius programs in School Counseling and Community Mental Health Counseling are accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), the most rigorous accrediting body in the field of counseling education.
CACREP accreditations are in School Counseling and Community Counseling and in effect through March 2017.
Counseling
To make a positive impact on another person through counseling is a remarkable experience. Whether you plan to become a school counselor, a mental health counselor, a substance abuse counselor, a rehabilitation counselor or a general agency counselor, the master’s programs in Counseling and Human Services provide you with the necessary background and training.
School Counseling
When you complete the school counseling program you will qualify for initial certification as a K-12 school counselor in New York State. Although certification to be a school counselor varies in different states, your background at Canisius will allow you to pursue a career throughout the country. The program at Canisius has a reputation for having an orientation toward practical and applied skills. In addition to direct counseling skills, future school counselors are prepared to work collaboratively in the roles of leadership, advocacy, and consultation. These areas of focus have grown out of our association with the Education Trust’s Transforming School Counseling Initiative. Leadership, advocacy and consultation skills allow our graduates to influence schools on a systemic level in addition to the traditional counselor’s role with individuals and groups.
Mental Health Counseling
New York State has a mental health counseling license (LMHC). This license is the most important credential for mental health counselors and other agency counselors in New York State. We are currently in a “transitioning period” while agencies and existing professional practices begin to recognize and require this credential. Candidates who follow the academic program for mental health counseling will qualify to take the state exam and pursue the necessary post-master’s work experience required for this credential.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Students in our program have the option of preparing to become a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (C.A.S.A.C.). The C.A.S.A.C. is a state certification that requires both academic and work experience. Canisius is accredited by New York State to provide academic preparation for the C.A.S.A.C.
Rehabilitation Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling is directed toward persons who have a disability, which includes persons with mental health concerns and developmental concerns. Our program allows students to gain the academic background necessary to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (C.R.C.). Students will also need to acquire appropriate work experience and take an exam to qualify for this credential.
For more information about this program, please contact the Graduate Office at (716) 888-2545, or toll free at 1-800-950-2505, or GradEd@canisius.edu.
