Welcome to Day 6!

By the end of the course, your learning outcomes (LO) are to:

Describe important ways to engage with prospective students
Present correct information about TCS and its degree programs.
Create a personal communication strategy

In support of LO #2, by the end of the module, you will be able to:

Define and discuss the program overview for the Clinical Mental Health and Forensic Psychology counseling programs.
Explain the program specifications (credit requirements, fieldwork requirements and residencies) of each program.
Explain possible career outcomes for each of the areas
Develop persuasive talking points for each program.

In the field of counseling, it is important to get familiar with accreditation. Read on to learn more about CACREP.

What is CACREP?

CACREP stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs. Established in 1981, its mission is to help educational programs meet high standards, evolve with the changing landscape, and adequately prepare individuals for their careers.

In order for a counseling program to receive CACREP accreditation, the program must submit a report on how it meets each of CACREP’s standards. These standards include:

Having regional accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Accreditation Commission
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges)

A curriculum that is based on CACREP’s eight common core areas:
- Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationships
- Group counseling and group work
- Assessment and testing
- Research and program evaluation

To get a full picture of all standards, check out the CACREP website.

CACREP accreditation can last for up to eight years. When that eight-year period is up, programs must apply again.

The American Psychological Association (APA) only accredits primarily on-ground Psy.D. programs. Are there CACREP accredited online programs?

Yes, CACREP does grant accreditation to online programs.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s online Clinical Mental Health program is a CACREP accredited online program. In February 2018, the program received an eight-year accreditation, which will last until March 31, 2026.

This online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling takes three years to complete part-time and includes hands-on residency experience.

TCSPP Programs

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology Counseling
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology – Non Licensure
Certificate in Forensic Psychology – Bridge program.

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