A course that focuses on therapeutic skills teaches techniques such as active listening, reflection of feelings and providing feedback on themes discovered in therapy.
Those interested in mental health counseling must learn to identify pathological signs and symptoms. Different types of counseling and treatment are effective for specific conditions; courses in this area will increase comprehensive treatment in practice.
Ethical standards courses encompass a variety of issues ranging from personal boundaries in the counseling relationship to how to bill properly for services.
A course that focuses on research methods in psychology will enhance a mental health counselor's knowledge of trends in the profession. Students learn how counseling techniques are developed and employed based on evidence acquired through research.
Mental health counseling programs offer specific courses as electives and students may choose what interests them. Such courses might focus on cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, grief counseling or group counseling.
Students typically enter a year-long internship or practicum working with clients under the supervision of an instructor or on-site practitioner. This experience helps ensure that the students has the knowledge and skills needed to provide care to mental health clients.