Students within the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program have the ability to choose between two options: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a program, students are prepared to work with diverse populations and receive evidenced based training that supports clients' unique needs and goals.

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC)

The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC) option provides students with training and experiences to serve diverse clients with psychiatric, developmental, cognitive, sensory, substance dependency, and/or physical disabilities. A Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor is a highly trained professional who uses client centered approaches to prepare individuals with disabilities in attaining optimal function in psychological, social, and vocational domains considering their personal goals, abilities, and perception of quality of life. Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling involves eliminating attitudinal and environmental barriers through the use of counseling techniques, technology, advocacy, and support.

The CRC option is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). Graduates also meet the educational qualifications for the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential as well as the educational requirements to apply for license as a professional clinical counselor in the state of California (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - LPCC). 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) pathway prepares students to provide a variety of services that address the mental and emotional well-being of clients with mental health challenges. Students will learn skills related to assessment, interventions and diagnosis of mental health disorders. A Clinical Mental Health Counselor guides clients toward achieving mental health goals and sustaining optimal levels of wellness. 

The CRMHC option is designed to prepare students to serve diverse clients in the counseling process.  Graduates meet the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a professional clinical counselor in the state of California (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - LPCC).

Both concentrations  prepare you to earn your California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials with hands-on experience and cultural competence.

The skills and techniques used by a Licensed Professional Counselor include:

• individual and group counseling
• assessment and appraisal
• case management
• consultation
• advocacy for individuals, groups, and the profession
• program evaluation and research