How rigorous are master’s in clinical mental health counseling programs?

[LeeAnthony93]

Hello, I have been accepted into multiple programs and am curious about how difficult it will be to work and get the academic work done? Does anyone have any experience with these type of programs? Any advice would be appreciated!

[CowpokeMT]

Congrats on your offers! CMHC programs focus more on the practice side, and my impression of CMHC coursework is that assignments are typically more discussion and reflection oriented than being traditionally intellectually challenging. The constructivist nature of counselor education allows different perspectives and explanations of a single issue so as long as you put in the work and can back up your points with logic and evidence you should be able to do well. Research methods and statistics are pretty basic in CMHC programs. However, it could be emotionally tolling at times due to the introspective aspects of counseling work. You should expect to look back on your past, origins, values, and identity during your program and your practice. 

[LeeAnthony93]

Thanks for you insight. I have also been accepted into a clinical social work program. I wonder if the coursework would be on the same level besides being slightly more policy/macro specific. 

[CowpokeMT]

That I do not have much experience with. I think there's a separate panel for social work under "Forum>>The Menu>>Professional programs>>Social Work".