Experience High-Quality, Culturally-Inclusive Learning
The mission of the Webster University Department of Professional Counseling is to provide high-quality learning experiences to students, helping them become expert professional counselors who strive for individual excellence and contribute to an enhanced quality of life in local, national and global societies. Curriculum is culturally-inclusive, training students with a strong base of knowledge and skills to practice effectively in a variety of careers in the field of mental health and human service, educational institutions, private practice and government, as well as in business and industrial settings.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a professional orientation and identity as a counselor by applying sound ethical, legal, advocacy and supervisory practices which lead to success as a mental health counselor.
- Identify the cultural context of relationships, issues and trends in a multicultural society that impact the counseling process.
- Synthesize theories of human growth and development to develop culturally responsive counseling practices.
- Apply theories and models of career development to related life factors in multicultural contexts appropriate to an individual's work, family and lifestyle.
- Develop an empirically based approach to counseling that emphasizes wellness and prevention by integrating theory and best practices.
- Apply theoretical and experiential understandings of group approaches to counseling to develop targeted interventions within a multicultural society.
- Apply individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation in a multicultural society.
- Utilize statistical concepts, research methods, needs assessment and program evaluation skills commonly used in the counseling profession.
In addition to the Counseling core program learning outcomes, this emphasis has the following learning outcomes:
- Apply ethical and legal standards, as well as knowledge of public mental health policy, financing and regulatory processes to mental health counseling.
- Implement mental health counseling principles and practices associated with education, prevention, consultation and intervention.
- Describe how living in a multicultural society impacts clients and apply effective advocacy strategies to enhance mental health services.
- Employ various assessment techniques associated with professional mental health counseling to appropriately intervene in meeting the needs of diverse clients.
- Apply evidence-based research literature associated with professional mental health counseling to meet the needs of clients living in a diverse society.
- Implement diagnostic tools appropriate for mental health counseling professionals to diagnose disorders in diverse clients.
Small Classes
Maximum of 24 students to create an ideal environment for learning, interaction and discovery.
Hands-On Training
All students complete a 15-month clinical counseling field experience.
Proven Record
30-year track record preparing students for successful careers in the counseling profession.
Aligned with Professional Standards
The department’s philosophy encompasses a commitment to the development of a professional identity as professional counselors, oversight of curriculum and field experience, and uniformity through implementation of and adherence to one curriculum with the flexibility to provide counselor education and supervision at various national and global campuses. The department continually works to enhance the counseling curriculum in order to provide a counselor education and supervision experience that promotes social justice using a global approach. The program curriculum is aligned with individual state educational requirements, national professional standards and the American Counseling Association (ACA) Ethical Code.
Graduate Programs
Webster University offers a pre-counseling program which combines the BA in Psychology with an Emphasis in Mental Health and the MA in Counseling at our main campus. In this program, students who complete all of their undergraduate requirements for the bachelor's degree and university requirements within the first 108 credit hours can complete the remainder of their elective credits (12 hours) as a student in the master's program. Once students complete 120 hours, they can petition to graduate with the BA. The students then work to complete the remaining 48+ hours toward their graduate degree in Counseling. They need to complete at least 48 hours at the graduate level once they receive their undergraduate degree.
Psychology (BA) with an Emphasis in Mental Health/Counseling (MA)
Webster's MA in Counseling supports the development of students as competent counselors, and is designed to prepare individuals for a career in this growing profession. The innovative curriculum combines classroom education and hands-on field experience to provide you with the theory and skills you need to work with individuals, couples, families, and children in a variety of mental health settings.
Master of Arts in Counseling
- with an Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- with an Emphasis in Community Counseling (only available in Geneva)
Locations for MA in Counseling Program
Our Master of Arts in Counseling program is available at several Webster campuses, online in select states, as well as internationally in Geneva, Switzerland. Accreditation and availability of degree emphasis vary by campus.
Webster Institute for Clinical Scholarship (WICS)
The Webster Institute for Clinical Scholarship houses professional development initiatives in the department, supporting clinical scholarship among faculty and students, and providing professional development opportunities for mental health professionals. The Institute also seeks to increase the number of professional counseling MA graduates who have a commitment to working in high-need areas to improve health outcomes for under-served and marginalized populations.
“The master's degree in Counseling at Webster was an excellent program where one would find oneself exposed to diversity and depth in both learning and living.”
MA in Counseling
Webster Geneva CampusProfessional Counseling Department Academic Resources
- Recommended Plan of Study: Full-time Fall start
- Counseling Student Handbook
- Course descriptions
- Financial Aid
- Petition to Graduate
- Webster University Student Counseling Center
Field Experience
All clinical documentation is completed in Tevera Management System. Students can view various forms such as Weekly Hour logs, Agreement to Supervise, Site Supervisor evaluation form and Professional Skills Evaluation.
Highlights from Professional Counseling Department
Faculty and Staff Highlights: Assner-Alvey, Belo, Chase, Chaudhuri, Christeson, Corrigan, Hayes, Martin, Pichaske, Turaeva
April 14, 2025
Faculty and Staff Highlights: Cables, George, Hoover, Indjikian, Juenger, Martin, Smith
October 16, 2024
In the News – Gorga, Smith, Roberts, Belo, Hall, Hinson, Chakaryan, Cooper, Mahfood, Le, Dixon, Rankings, University Programs, and Alumni
October 2, 2024