Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Our Mission
The mission of the Wingate University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health is to cultivate skilled and adept counselors through a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience that inspires growth and transformation. The program is committed to developing professionals who serve diverse communities with compassion and integrity, emphasizing experiential learning and integrating contemporary therapeutic practices.
The program equips counselors to address trauma and other mental health challenges with cultural competence and sensitivity. By empowering students to advocate for marginalized populations, the program fosters an inclusive approach to counseling that respects and celebrates diversity. Through immersive experiences and a forward-thinking curriculum, students are prepared to lead in promoting mental health and well-being in a multicultural and global society.
Program Objectives
- Cultivate a diverse student body.
- Develop ethical decision-making skills.
- Enhance cultural competence.
- Acquire knowledge and skills in trauma-informed care.
- Foster advocacy skills for marginalized populations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in applying contemporary therapeutic pracrtices.
- Utilize counseling research in practice.
- Develop assessment skills.
- Master career and group counseling techniques.
- Master diagnostic and treatment planning competencies.
- Engage in reflective practice.
- Acquire knowledge and skills to work with clients across the lifespan.
Cultivate a diverse student body.
Develop ethical decision-making skills.
Enhance cultural competence.
Acquire knowledge and skills in trauma-informed care.
Foster advocacy skills for marginalized populations.
Demonstrate proficiency in applying contemporary therapeutic pracrtices.
Utilize counseling research in practice.
Develop assessment skills.
Master career and group counseling techniques.
Master diagnostic and treatment planning competencies.
Engage in reflective practice.
Acquire knowledge and skills to work with clients across the lifespan.
Program Goals
- Prepare Students to Become Licensed Mental Health Counselors: Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for licensure and effective practice.
- Develop Culturally Competent and Ethical Practitioners: Ensure students can work ethically with diverse populations.
- Teach the Latest Counseling Methods and Techniques: Provide training in evidence-based and experiential therapeutic approaches.
- Promote Advocacy and Leadership in Mental Health: Encourage students to advocate for marginalized communities and lead in the field.
- Support Lifelong Learning and Career Development: Foster a commitment to continuous professional growth and learning.
- Engage with Community and Global Mental Health Needs: Prepare students to meet the mental health challenges of diverse and global communities
Professor Jennifer Jordan is a national board-certified counselor, licensed professional counselor, licensed professional counselor supervisor and a certified clinical trauma professional. She currently serves as the president of the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors, and Psych-Educational Specialists.
Jordan has been instrumental in making changes to SC licensure laws and regulations for professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and addiction counselors. She also serves as the executive director of the South Carolina Counseling Association and oversees the annual conference.
Founder of the Winthrop Community Counseling Clinic, Jordan has created a counseling clinic devoted to serving the mental health needs of the community free of charge. She trains and supervises students to empower them to become effective and competent counselors. Her expertise is in the area of directing counselor-training clinics, supervision, and counseling children and adolescents using play therapy and sandtray therapy.
At Winthrop University Dr. Jordan received the 2015 LaRoche Graduate Faculty Award for Excellence in graduate instruction and for her collaboration with students. She has edited two books with former students, written nine book chapters with students, and presented with more than 30 students at state and national conferences.
She holds a Ph.D., in counselor education from Mississippi State University; an M.A. in psychological counseling from Nicholls State University; and a B.A. in psychology from University of Central Florida.
Licensure & CACREP Disclaimer Statement
Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is currently undergoing the accreditation process with CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). We anticipate receiving accreditation retroactively by the program's end, but this timing may result in a short delay for students seeking licensure in North Carolina, as NC law requires CACREP accreditation for licensure eligibility. We expect only a brief delay and are working diligently to ensure a smooth process.
Please note that upon program completion, students will be immediately eligible for licensure in other states, such as South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Since each state has its own licensing requirements, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in the state where you plan to practice.
Questions?
Jennifer Jordan
Founding Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
j.jordan@wingate.edu