Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Program Outcomes

The Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program is a 60-unit graduate program that admits approximately 30 students per year and is designed to be completed in an average of six semesters. The estimated average cost to complete the program is approximately $25,000 over the duration of the program.

Student Learning and Program Evaluation

Student outcomes are evaluated annually through field placement evaluations, course-based learning assessments, and program-level outcome measures. These evaluations support continuous program improvement and alignment with professional counseling standards.

The following program learning outcomes reflect the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students are expected to demonstrate upon completion of the program. These outcomes are aligned with CACREP standards and are assessed throughout the program.

Learning Goals

Professional Counseling Skills
You will build the skills needed to work effectively with clients in ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-based ways.

Use strong listening and interviewing skills in counseling sessions
Apply ethical and culturally responsive approaches in assessment
Create treatment plans using counseling theories and multicultural perspectives

Professional Identity, Research, and Collaboration
You will develop your identity as a counselor and learn to work with others in professional settings.

Plan and lead group counseling experiences
Understand and apply research to your counseling practice
Recognize professional roles and ethical responsibilities across settings

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC)
You will gain skills to support individuals with disabilities.

Understand how disability impacts daily functioning
Include family and community supports in planning
Address barriers that affect access and well-being

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
You will develop skills to support clients with mental health concerns.

Create case conceptualizations and treatment plans
Understand diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions
Advocate for individuals and communities

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

The program prepares graduates to meet educational requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure in California. Licensure requirements are established by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), and students are encouraged to review current regulations directly through the BBS: http://www.bbs.ca.gov/

Student Outcomes

Student Success and Completion
During the 2023–2024 academic year:

29 students graduated from the program
79% of students completed the program within 2.5 years
100% of students passed all clinical coursework
92% passed the comprehensive examination on the first attempt

Approximately 92% of graduates secure employment within three months of graduation. Alumni report employment across a range of settings, including:

Vocational rehabilitation
Community and public mental health services
Educational settings
Behavioral health centers
Case management and support services

Currently, the graduate program has a total of 69 students. Admission rates have been healthy over the past five years taking in 24 students in 2023-2024.

During the 2023-2024 academic year (AY), a total of 29 students graduated from the program with 79% of students completed the program within two and a half years.

All students passed their clinical coursework (100%).

2023-2024 , AY, 92% of students passed the comprehensive examination on the first attempt.
Approximately, 92% of graduates from the program find employment within three months of completion. Of the 25 alumni who returned the survey, 5% were seeking employment specifically in the counseling field and 93% were employed in the counseling field.

Alumni reported employment in vocational rehabilitation, education settings, mental health services, behavioral health center, and case management services.

Professional Development

Students are encouraged to engage in professional development activities, including presenting at regional, state, and national conferences related to counseling and rehabilitation. Faculty support student involvement in professional organizations and scholarly activities as part of professional identity development.

Accreditation

Fresno State’s Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), through October 31, 2023.