MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive (UMO) announced that its Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
According to UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom, CACREP accreditation is the “gold standard” in graduate counseling education, ensuring that programs meet the highest academic and professional training requirements. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs are eligible to pursue licensure as clinical mental health counselors in most states, including North Carolina, which mandates this accreditation for licensure. With this accreditation, current and recent graduates from UMO can begin the application process for licensure.
“This designation affirms UMO’s commitment to providing a top-tier education that prepares students to meet the rigorous standards of the counseling profession,” said Croom.
The extensive accreditation process included a comprehensive self-study, requiring detailed examination of program management, curriculum, admissions, faculty credentials, practicum and internship experiences, and more. “Meeting all 177 standards required by CACREP, UMO’s program demonstrated excellence in every evaluated category,” Croom said.
UMO Counseling Department Chair/Program Director Dr. Deborah Buchanan said, “Meeting all CACREP standards is a rare achievement during an initial accreditation site visit, and it reflects the exceptional caliber of our program. Our students can be confident that they are receiving a top-quality education that not only meets but exceeds the requirements for the counseling profession.”
Critical time
The accreditation comes at a critical time as the need for mental health professionals continues to rise across North Carolina and the nation. Graduates of the CACREP-accredited program will be eligible to work in diverse settings, including military and veterans’ services, and will be able to bill Medicare and TriCare for services. Furthermore, the program’s graduates can take advantage of the Counseling Compact, which allows licensed counselors to practice across participating states without needing additional licenses.
“Our graduates will be on the front lines, helping to close the gap between the mental health needs of communities and the availability of qualified professionals,” Buchanan said.
UMO’s M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program currently enrolls 98 students, with 62 graduates having completed the program to date. UMO’s CACREP accreditation is effective for eight years, lasting until October 31, 2032. A mid-cycle report will be submitted in the program’s fourth year, and preparations for renewal will begin in the sixth year.
Looking ahead
UMO’s CACREP accreditation opens new doors for students and alumni alike. Graduates will now be eligible for employment in mental health settings that require CACREP-accredited degrees and will have the flexibility to practice across state lines through the Counseling Compact. “With the skills, education, and support provided by UMO, these future counselors are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the mental health profession,” said Buchanan.
“The University of Mount Olive is proud to contribute to the solution for the national mental health crisis,” said UMO President Croom. “We are placing well-trained, compassionate counselors in the field, ensuring that our graduates will make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities.”
For more information about the M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UMO, visit www.umo.edu.