Counseling

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491B Pawley Hall • (248) 370-4179 • Fax (248) 370-4141   (map)
http://www.oakland.edu/counseling/    
 

Chair:
Lisa D. Hawley
435F Pawley Hall 
(248) 370-2841
hawley@oakland.edu

Advanced specializations

The Master of Arts in Counseling program provides a strong foundation for professional counseling. However, some students, alumni, and counselors in the community seek advanced training and skill development. Historically, we have offered a variety of advanced specializations. In past semesters, students have completed intensive coursework and specialized fieldwork in Addictions Counseling, Child & Adolescent Counseling, and Mental Health Counseling. Students typically apply for these specializations and commit to taking one course per semester for one year (12 semester hours) in addition to their master’s curriculum. Although we do not offer these specializations on a regular basis, if enrollment supports it, we can schedule a specialization course sequence. 

Ethical standards and counselor fitness

Oakland University’s CACREP accreditation obligates the program to comply with and to ensure that its students comply with the American Counseling Association’s 2014 Code of Ethics. The Code holds counselors and counseling students accountable for their competence and acknowledges times when “physical, mental, or emotional problems are likely to harm a client or others …” (Section F.5.b). It requires that “Counselor educators, throughout ongoing evaluation and appraisal, are aware of and address the inability of some students to achieve counseling competencies” and requires faculty to “assist students and supervises in securing remedial assistance when needed, seek professional consultation and document their decision to dismiss or refer students for assistance …” (Section F.9.b).

Applicants to Oakland’s counseling program are assessed for interpersonal competence in the admission process, and those rated unacceptable on academic or personal fitness for counseling will not be admitted. Students are assessed for fitness throughout their coursework, including practical experience courses in which performance is an essential part of the grade. A student whose ethical behavior or psychological health is questionable will be reviewed according to published departmental policies and may be referred for external evaluation. Such evaluation may lead to a remediation plan or dismissal from the program.

Programs

• Education: Counseling, Doctor of Philosophy

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts
• Counseling, Master of Arts

• Play Therapy, Graduate Certificate

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