AU’s master's of arts in clinical mental health counseling earns accreditation from CACREP

Ashland Theological Seminary's master of arts in clinical mental health counseling degree has been accredited through March 31, 2030, by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The two-year, peer-reviewed accreditation process included a self-study of the program and the institution. The self-assessment CACREP requires of programs is focused on planning, goal setting and measurement against self-designed goals and objectives of the program, as well as the professional standards.

The ultimate purpose is to improve the educational effectiveness of the program, according to the CACREP website.

“The faculty and staff of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program have worked together diligently to not only provide a strong degree, but also transform the lives of their students and the future clients,” said Yvonne Glass, Ph.D., executive dean of Ashland Theological Seminary. “CACREP programs provide the academic excellence that prepares qualified students to be professionals. I know how well our graduates are prepared for the field of counseling, and now, others will continue to know.”

As one of eight master’s degree programs administered by the Ashland Theological Seminary, the M.A. in clinical mental health counseling is offered from within a Christian worldview and strives to develop counselors with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide compassionate care to people from diverse backgrounds.

Ashland students in the program have achieved an 89.6% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination. Alumni have gone to careers in community mental health, college counseling, trauma, addiction, private practice, hospitals an schools.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Masters in clinical mental health counseling earns accreditation