2025-2026 Academic Catalog

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Art Therapy (60 credits)

On-Campus and Low-Residency Options

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Art Therapy is a 60-credit program that integrates coursework, clinical work and supervision in art therapy and mental health counseling.

  • The program can be completed in three years of study.
  • A first field placement of 450 supervised hours, and a second field placement of 700 clinically supervised hours are required.
  • On-Campus and Low-Residency students follow the same program of study.

Program Prerequisites

  • 12 credits in psychology, including abnormal psychology and developmental psychology with grades of B or better.
  • 18 credits of studio art courses with grades of B or better. Applicants must send a minimum of 15-20 slides, or digital copy, of their art work along with their application. The slides should represent a variety of media, including two- and three-dimensional work, self-expression, and a range of technical abilities.

Program of Study

Core Courses (30 credits)

GEXTH 5032Orientation to Expressive Therapies

3

GEXTH 5113Group Counseling: Art Therapy

3

GEXTH 6032Human Development Across the Lifespan

3

GEXTH 6102Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice

3

GEXTH 6105Examining Power Privilege & Oppression in Clinical Practice

3

GEXTH 6106Research and Program Evaluation

3

GEXTH 6415Psychopathology and Clinical Practice

3

GEXTH 6416Theories of Mental Health Counseling

3

GEXTH 6417Assessment and Testing in Mental Health Counseling

3

GEXTH 6418Vocational and Career Counseling

3

Field Experience Courses (12 credits)

GEXTH 5119Clinical Skills and Applications

3

GEXTH 6430Art Therapy as Trauma-Informed Practice: Supervision I

3

GEXTH 7716Supervision in Art Therapy and Counseling II

3

GEXTH 7720Supervision in Art Therapy and Counseling III

3

Electives (6 credits)

Choose 2 courses from the following list:

GEXTH 6025Marriage and Family Therapy

3

GEXTH 6040Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Addictions

3

GEXTH 5010Principles and Practices of Expressive Arts Therapy

3

Students must choose GEXTH 6025 and GEXTH 6040, if required for counseling licensure as determined by student location.

Students can also complete a 3-credit specialization or non-specialization elective course in consultation with their advisor.

Specialization Courses (12 credits)

GEXTH 5112Theories in Art Therapy

3

GEXTH 6015Art Therapy Assessment

3

GEXTH 6367Art Therapy Studio

3

GEXTH 7017Thesis Seminar

3