The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) graduate program in the School of Health Science and Human Performance at Catawba College has received a CACREP Assistance Grant from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), a credentialing body for professional counseling.
The grant provides funding to offset the costs associated with the development and application phases of accreditation from the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the national accrediting body for counselor education programs. The CMHC program applied for the grant in March 2021, and after three rounds of review, Catawba College’s program was selected as the grant recipient.
“The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Catawba College is honored to receive this award,” states Dr. Chad Betters, Director of the CMHC Program. “We are grateful for the investment NBCC has made in our potential, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with NBCC as our program enhances the counseling profession in North Carolina and surrounding states with our graduates.”
The assistance grant provides the program with $2,500, as well as the opportunity to apply for a second grant of $7,500 for CACREP assistance during the review phase. Dr. Betters and the CMHC program will submit an application for this funding as the program undergoes review starting in January 2022.
The CMHC program launched in August 2020, and currently has thirty students enrolled in the program. A 60-credit hour, fully online program, the CMHC program prepares students for the world of professional counseling, with opportunities to specialize in several clinical areas, including acute mental health, addictions, child/adolescent, and other clinical interests. The program includes experiential learning through fieldwork, including a practicum and a semester-long internship with direct clinical supervision. Applications for the Fall 2022 admissions cycle are currently being received.
Anyone interested in the CMHC program, may contact Dr. Betters at cbetters19@catawba.edu for more information.
About Catawba College
Founded in 1851, Catawba College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college conveniently located in Salisbury, NC. Ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South, Catawba is a learning community providing students unique opportunities to explore their vocation, exploring their calling, passions, and purpose as they prepare to reach their highest potential. The College offers more than 70 academic programs and three graduate programs allowing students to explore diverse interests and create their own academic pathway. Additional information is available at catawba.edu.
