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Graduate Information Session and Brunch
Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Student Center
REGISTER HERE
The Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with art therapy concentration is a uniquely designed 63-credit program that prepares you for a career as a clinical mental health counselor with a concentration in art therapy in a variety of human service settings.

The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The degree fulfills coursework requirements for licensure in New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree with art therapy concentration also fulfills coursework requirements for New Jersey State licensure as a Professional Art Therapist (LPAT). The Degree also meets educational requirements for national credentials (National Certified Counseling NCC and Provisional Art Therapist ATR-P) and may fulfill licensure requirements in other States.
Graduate coursework is a combination of didactic and experiential teaching methods in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior and professional dispositions) learning domains. The program requires that students complete coursework, practicum and internship experiences, and pass a comprehensive examination.
Community Mental Health and Wellness Services
The Mary Jo Rolli Codey Center
The Mary Jo Rolli Codey Center is located on the Caldwell University campus. The Center is a training facility partnered with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy concentration graduate education program, providing confidential, quality services. Members of the local community can access treatment for personal growth or for mental health conditions in group and individual formats. Services to the local community are provided by credentialed mental health counselors with art therapy training and advanced master’s students under the supervision of program faculty.
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
M.A. in Counseling
Combined B.A. in Psychology/M.A. in Counseling
Post-Graduate M.A. in Art Therapy
Post-Master Director of School Counseling
Post-Master Professional Counselor Licensing Credits
Post-Master School Counseling Specialization
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Note – Admission to the M.A. in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy Concentration are:
May 1 – Summer; August 1 – Fall; January 1 – Spring Semesters
In order to complete the Master’s program, students must complete three tiers of coursework (Foundations, Skills and Professionalism), demonstrate a professional presentation and aptitude and an ability to integrate theory and practice by successfully completing a supervised practicum experience, followed by an internship sequence.
The Academic Capstone of the program is a comprehensive examination in the form of a case study supported by peer-reviewed research. The case study provides students with the opportunity to fully integrate clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration perspectives into practice. Students should be able to demonstrate the following competencies on the comprehensive exam:
To satisfy all program requirements as competent entry-level art therapists, competencies in the cognitive/knowledge, psychomotor/skills, and affective/behavior and professional dispositions learning domains are emphasized. Students should consult the Student Course Planning Guide and the Graduate Counseling Student Handbook. In addition, Program Coordinators can provide guidance and will establish advisement days each semester prior to registration. A no credit comprehensive exam is given as a corequisite with CPS 601 Internship I/Concentration Practicum.
*Curricular changes will go into effect the following academic year, unless otherwise noted.
Required Courses
Course Code : CPS 501
Course Description :
This course surveys the historical evolution of the treatment approaches to clinical mental health counseling with art therapy emphasis from its roots in psychoanalytic thought to the present day. This course reviews the breadth of contributions from pioneers for the continuum of applications to practice.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
NONE
Formally CAT 501 Sp 24
Course Code : CPS 507
Course Description :
Offers the student the opportunity to interact experientially with a wide variety of art media as preparation to practice as a clinical mental health counselor with art therapy concentration. Students will discriminate between art media choice and the needs of varying client populations. Techniques of verbal and non-verbal practice, facilitating a therapeutic environment, and development of sensitivity to the unique individual needs will be explored within the context of creativity.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
NONE
Formally CAT 507 Sp 24
Course Code : CPS 509
Course Description :
Explores the understanding and competence necessary for counseling with diverse individuals and groups and their application to clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration. A variety of issues including culture, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, physical challenge, and gender will be explored. Diverse approaches to visual representation and symbolism will be examined.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
NONE
Formally CAT 509 Cultural and Social Diversity Su24 Formerly: CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN COUNSL FOR AT, Spring 2017 and prior. Formerly CAT 509 (Su 2024)
Course Code : CPS 510
Course Description :
Focuses on the application of a systematic and empirical approach to the study of counseling Topics will include: scientific method, pseudoscience, types of experimental research, variable definition, validity threats, control strategies, experimental design, ethical issues, how to present research, statistical application, and additional material. Students engage in discussion, conduct relevant empirical research, and write research reports in the American Psychological Association format (APA).
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 514
Course Description :
This course will examine an overview of foundational clinical mental health counseling theories and therapeutic approaches applicable to the practice of counseling with art therapy concentration. Focus will be on the beginnings of treatment, the therapeutic relationship, and the application of these approaches to specific populations through the presentation of case studies, skill acquisition and experiential learning.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
NONE
Formally CAT 514 Su24
Course Code : CPS 515
Course Description :
Building upon the early traditions and models in CPS514, this course will concentrate on the range of treatment intervention strategies based on specific approaches applicable to the practice of clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration. We will focus on mid-phase treatment and termination skills, the development of a personal, integrated approach to therapeutic practice and the application of these skills to specific populations. Students will also begin to learn treatment planning and documentation skills in the presentation of case studies.
Prerequisites :
CAT 514/CPS 514
Formally CAT 515 Su24
Course Code : CPS 520
Course Description :
An in-depth introduction to the history, roles, functions, and relationships of mental health counselors. Course content is set in the context of the ACA and AMHCA Codes of Ethics and counselors’ work is understood as well in the unique needs associated with culture, spirituality, gender, and other defining client characteristics. Emphasis is likewise given to the importance of counselor self-care. The course introduces the requirements of CACREP Core Standards and the Program Standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 545
Course Description :
Examines the various legal constraints and ethical principles related to the roles, responsibilities and credentialing of counselors in private practice, agencies, schools, etc. In addition to emphasis on the ACA Code of Ethics, students learn to use the codes of ethics of their program specializations (AMHCA, ASCA, AATA) in order to become competent ethical decision-makers.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 562
Course Description :
This course features an overview of individual and group approaches to formal and informal modes of assessment employed by professional counselors. Course participants will evaluate instruments, practice interpreting results, and demonstrate knowledge of psychometric properties.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 545
Course Code : CPS 577
Course Description :
This course is a study of abnormal psychological processes across the lifespan including behavior, etiology, symptomology, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning. Students are prepared to use the DSM-5 and other appraisal measures and tools for understanding client needs in varying settings.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 557, CPS 613, CPS 667
Course Code : CPS 607
Course Description :
Covers the selection, administration and interpretation of assessment tools designed for the use of clinical mental health counselors with art therapy concentration in various clinical settings. Discussion of testing procedures, observational skills, and participation in treatment team evaluations will be included.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CAT 505/CAT 515/CPS 515, CAT 501/CPS 501, CAT 507/CPS 507
Formerly: ART DIAGNOSIS AND ASSESSMENT, Spring 2017 and prior. CAT 607 Art-based Assessment
Course Code : CPS 612
Course Description :
This course examines clinical mental health counseling approaches specific to the treatment of children to young adults and their families with emphasis on applications to clinical mental health counseling with concentration in art therapy. Developmental concepts, assessment techniques, special populations, cultural and environmental influences, and standards of practice will be addressed.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CAT 501/CPS 501, CAT 507/CPS 507
Formerly: COUNSELING-CHILDREN & ADOLES FOR AT, Spring 2017 and prior. CAT 612 Counseling with Children and Adolescents for Art Therapists Su24
Course Code : CPS 614
Course Description :
This course examines the key organizations and credentialing associated with the practice of clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in art therapy. This includes professional roles, identity, standards of practice, advocacy, licensure, national standards, legal and ethical issues, as well as current and evolving trends. The scope of practice will be explored through study of the range of populations and settings.
Prerequisites :
CAT 505, CAT 515 or CPS 515
Formally CAT 614 (Sp 2024)
Course Code : CPS 617
Course Description :
Examines the theory, dynamics, development, and various models of group therapy in clinical mental health counseling and its application to art therapy concentration. Students will learn via didactic lectures and experiential group exercises.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CAT 501/CPS 501, CAT 505/CPS 515, CAT 507/CPS 507
Formally: CAT 617
Course Code : CPS 633
Course Description :
Undertakes the study of career development theories, career decision-making, career assessment, and occupational and labor market information, as well as basic strategies and instruments utilized by counselors in assisting individuals toward making appropriate career choices. Activities designed to assist clients at all developmental levels and in various settings provide students with practice in helping others in their career development and choices.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 667
Course Description :
Using theory and research regarding human development from infancy through old age, the course examines the impact of life events, developmental factors, and abilities, and their implications for individuals, families, and for counselors and art therapists. While this broader scope provides the context for the course as a whole, a selective focus on childhood and adolescence is emphasized for students preparing to be school counselors. Research projects reflect and enhance students’ chosen emphases and professional goals.
Credit : 3
Required Practicum/Internship Experiences (9 credits)
Course Code : CPS 590
Course Description :
Requires a minimum of 100 hours to be spent in an advanced level of supervised practical counseling experience in a professional setting. Students will gain knowledge and practice in the performance of the work of counselors, providing direct service in agencies, hospitals, or schools. Success in the Practicum is a requirement for graduation. Weekly class meetings provide input and group supervision by faculty and a shared learning process. Prior to initiating this course, students will be informed of practicum policies and will indicate their agreement to uphold practicum standards. A Manual for the Practicum Experience is available online and every student should download that document. Each student obtains professional liability insurance from the college. Students are responsible to comply with site requirements for health screening or background checks. Advisor approval is required. Prerequisites: Indicated on Practicum Application.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 520, CPS 545, CPS 557, CPS 577, CPS 613 OR CPS 500, CPS 545, CPS 557, CPS 613 OR CPS 510, CPS 520, CPS 545, CPS 557, CPS 577, CPS 667, CPS 501, CPS 507, CPS 514, CPS 515, CPS 633, CPS 617
Course Code : CPS 601
Course Description :
This course is designed to offer supervised opportunities for direct client contact hours in clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration. Students’ supervisors meet the credentialing requirements outlined in the practicum internship manual and are vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior permission is required from the academic advisor to assess readiness in the areas of knowledge, skills, self-awareness and professional dispositions. Prior to taking 601, students must first successfully complete CPS590 Counseling Practicum as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies as outlined in the Practicum/Internship manual and will indicate their agreement to uphold internship standards. Students complete the comprehensive exam during the time registered in CPS 601.
Credit : 1
Prerequisites :
CPS 590
Formerly: INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY I, Spring 2017 and prior. CAT 601 Internship I Su24
Course Code : CPS 602
Course Description :
This course is designed to offer supervised opportunities for direct client contact hours in clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration. Students’ supervisors meet the credentialing requirements outlined in the practicum internship manual and are vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior to taking 602, students must first successfully complete CPS 601 as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies as outlined in the Practicum/Internship manual and will indicate their agreement to uphold internship standards.
Credit : 1
Prerequisites :
CPS 601, CAT 601
Formerly: INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY II, Spring 2017 and prior. CAT 602 Internship II
Course Code : CPS 603
Course Description :
This course is designed to offer supervised opportunities for direct client contact hours in clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration. Students’ supervisors meet the credentialing requirements outlined in the practicum internship manual and are vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior to taking 603, students must first successfully complete CPS 602 as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies as outlined in the Practicum/Internship manual and will indicate their agreement to uphold internship standards.
Credit : 2
Prerequisites :
CPS 602
Formerly: ADV INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY I, Spring 2017 and prior. CAT 603 Advanced Internship I Su24
Course Code : CPS 604
Course Description :
This course is designed to offer supervised opportunities for direct client contact hours in clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration with increasing responsibility. The emphasis is on transitioning from student to professional. Students’ supervisors meet the credentialing requirements outlined in the practicum internship manual and are vetted by the Clinical Coordinator. Prior to taking 604, students must first successfully complete CPS 603 as a course prerequisite. To enter the internship courses, students must have demonstrated compliance with the practicum and internship policies as outlined in the Practicum/Internship manual and will indicate their agreement to uphold internship standards.
Credit : 2
Prerequisites :
CPS 603
Formerly: ADV INTERNSHIP IN MH/ART THERAPY II, Spring 2017 and prior. CAT 603 Advanced Internship I Su24
Electives with Advisement (6 credits)
Course Code : CPS 535
Course Description :
An advanced overview of the physiological processes relating to human behavior. Topics include the central nervous system, neurotransmitter and neurohormonal functioning, the biological bases for emotions, perception, motivation and brain disorders.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 600
Course Description :
This course explores the psychological impact of trauma on individuals and cultures including intergenerational trauma. The affective, behavioral, cognitive, social, cultural and spiritual challenges faced by survivors are examined. Resiliency factors, treatment approaches, trauma-focused interventions and the concept of vicarious traumatization experienced by mental health professionals who work with survivors are considered.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
Formally: CAT 510
Course Code : CPS 613
Course Description :
An examination of and practice in the process and techniques of individual counseling with adolescents and adults. Students learn and exercise a variety of intervention strategies, tailored to the counselor's role in particular settings as well as clients developmental level and needs. The full range of treatment from Intake to Termination provides the basis for learning about counseling at every stage.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 520, CPS 545 OR CPS 500, CPS 545
Course Code : CPS 615
Course Description :
Explores the role and impact of values, spirituality and religious beliefs in treatment. The clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration integration is presented with emphasis on the spiritual aspects of creativity in psychological well-being and healing. Students learn to assess and work with clients' belief systems and explore the importance of spiritually based healing rituals.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 501
Formally: CAT 615 Spirituality in Counseling for Art Therapists
Course Code : CPS 620
Course Description :
This course provides knowledge and skills on advanced levels of clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration in practice. Coursework builds on foundational learning to deepen competencies and explore applications to current trends.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 607, CPS 617
Formally: CAT 620
Course Code : CPS 621
Course Description :
An examination of and practice in counseling roles, responsibilities, and responses to crisis, behavioral emergencies, disaster, or other trauma-causing events. The course reviews current theories and knowledge with regard to suicide, violence, disasters, substance use, legal and ethical issues of crisis counseling, and other current crisis counseling topics. Application of theory and knowledge to the practice of crisis intervention, psychological first aid, and suicide prevention and management are explored and practiced.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 623
Course Description :
Examines theoretical models and current best practice in marriage and family counseling Students are introduced to the specific techniques and skills associated with major approaches, including cognitive behavioral, systems theory, and solution-focused interventions. Observation of expert therapists and in-class practice facilitate understanding of these modalities.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 627
Course Description :
Provides an overview of psychopharmacological interventions, including discussions of drug action and interaction, tolerance, side effects, dependency and withdrawal. Emphasis is placed upon medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of various forms of mental illness. The course will also include an examination of the counselor’s role in educating clients about pharmacological issues
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 637
Course Description :
Studies the phenomenon of addiction (including its psychology, biology, pharmacology) and the treatment of substance abuse. Students will become familiar with a variety of substances of abuse and their effect on the lives of users as well as the impact on others. Currently accepted interventions are studied and practiced.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 640
Course Description :
Offers the opportunity to work at an advanced level to learn about experiential methods in clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration. Through the use of discussion, studio-based art-making, reading, movement, and writing, this experiential class will advance students’ knowledge and skills in experiential methods. Special emphasis will be on the metaphors and utilization of symbolic languages in the arts.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 607, CPS 617
Formally: CAT 640
Course Code : CPS 641
Course Description :
Pre-Arranged, short term study requiring travel to domestic and international geographic locations. Experiences will include a focus in global cultural studies and professional practice comparisons.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
Two of the following: CPS 501, CPS 507, CPS 545, CPS 520, CPS 514, CPS 515, CPS 667, CPS 613, CPS 577, Acceptance through application, seats are limited, additional fees for travel apply
Course Code : CPS 643
Course Description :
Studies the particular assessment and therapeutic skills used when working with children and youth in response to a variety of presenting concerns. Among the topics addressed will be the importance of building rapport and the use of play therapy, art and projective techniques specifically designed for children and teens. Consideration of the role of family is an integral part of learning to work with young people.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 647
Course Description :
Explores the role and impact of values, spirituality and religious beliefs in counseling. The relevance and power of client beliefs as they may relate to presenting concerns and the possible role of utilizing the client's spirituality in the counseling process are explored. Counselor values and spiritual development are examined and recognized as a factor in counselor effectiveness.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 557
Course Code : CPS 657
Course Description :
Reviews major theoretical perspectives on death and dying at various life stages and levels of understanding. The course provides an introduction to the research literature on the bereavement process and on resilience. Students will examine as well the impact of various experiences of loss on the individual and their effect on other persons significant to them. Student research, case studies and in-class practice will facilitate skill development.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 673
Course Description :
This course provides an overview of brief counseling modalities and explores a variety of brief counseling techniques and interventions. The primary focus is on how to effectively use a brief model to help clients find solutions and discover their goals and strengths. Application to case conceptualization and creating a treatment plan within a brief model are explored and practiced.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
CPS 520, CPS 557 or CPS 500, CPS 557
Course Code : CPS 677
Course Description :
An overview of the range of human sexual behavior, with emphasis upon issues of sexuality as they arise in the context of counseling. Students will explore their own comfort level regarding sexual matters and recognize the importance of developing attitudes and skills that will facilitate their work with individuals and couples in the counseling relationship.
Credit : 3
Course Code : CPS 698
Course Description :
Topics related to clinical mental health counseling with art therapy concentration are offered in a seminar class format with readings, experiential methods and discussion.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
Formally: CAT 698
Course Code : CPS 699
Course Description :
Addresses current theoretical and practical issues in counseling which cannot be addressed in depth by other courses. The course provides an opportunity for a comprehensive understanding of particular counseling concerns (e.g., eating disorders, sexual assault, suicide, crisis management, etc.) and for consideration of the research associated with these topics, as well as preferred interventions. The focus of course may in part be determined by current counseling practices, faculty interest and choice and/or student requests.
Credit : 3
The practicum and internships are the culminating experience in counseling education, preparing students to apply classroom learning to real world concerns. Success in these courses is a requirement for graduation. The Program Coordinator or Clinical Coordinator can assist in identifying practicum/internship sites. Some placement sites require health or drug screenings and/or criminal background checks. All screenings are the student's responsibility.
Faculty observe students' behavioral performance beyond GPA (knowledge and skills) to assess professional dispositions. Important components of professional dispositions include cultural competency, self awareness, interpersonal skills, professional boundaries, emotional stability, adaptability and flexibility, openness to feedback, self-awareness and commitment to self-growth. In addition to performance on assignments, faculty members will annually review each student in light of professional dispositions based on performance in class, practicum and internship evaluations and consultation with site supervisors for practicum and internship. Following this annual review, the student receives a score of: Meets Expectations (M), Emerging/needs feedback (E) or Unsatisfactory/needs intervention (U) on the Professional Disposition Assessment Rubric (PDAR is available upon request from the academic advisor). If the student receives a score of emerging competency, the student will be contacted by their advisor regarding feedback. If the student receives a score of unsatisfactory, the student will meet with the advisor to initiate a professional dispositions performance improvement plan (PDPIP). Additionally, feedback and PDPIPs related to professional dispositions may be introduced beyond the annual review at any time during the academic year. If there is no improvement the semester following the initiating PDPIP, the student is placed on a departmental probation with advisement support. If the student continues to score in the unsatisfactory range on the PDAR after the second semester that follows the initiation of the PDPIP, the student is referred to a Graduate Academic Foundations Committee (GAFC) subcommittee for review and possible further intervention or recommendations. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for additional probation and dismissal policies governing all graduate programs.
Caldwell University may accept the transfer of up to six credits of graduate work in counseling, or a closely related field, provided the credits were completed within five years of the student’s graduate registration at Caldwell University. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the catalog description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Each request for transfer credit will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and the grade earned in the course, which should be a B or better.


This program seeks to prepare competent entry-level Clinical Mental Health Counselors with Art Therapy concentration in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior/professional dispositions) learning domains, attending to the sustainment of the program guided by the CACREP and CAAHEP standards. Students participate in an active, inclusive learning environment where they foster meaning through the process of self-reflection, become scholar-practitioners, and generate new knowledge and methods. Students mature and develop competencies leading them through the transition from graduate student to a professional prepared to offer healing opportunities to members of society.
The counseling program with art therapy concentration operationalizes its mission through the program goals and objectives. The broad program goals are to attain and develop:
– Medical and Psychiatric Hospitals and Centers
– Mental Health Clinics
– Day Treatment Facilities
– Eating Disorder Settings
– Residential Treatment Centers
– Rehabilitation Centers
– Schools and Preschools
– Child Life Departments
Graduate Counseling Programs
Dr. Annette Vaccaro
Program Coordinator
[email protected]

Job Placement Rate is based on the responses from 68% of the 2024-25 graduates.

Job Placement Rate is based on the responses from 61% of the 2023-24 graduates.

All three of Caldwell University’s Graduate Programs in Counseling have received accreditation from The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP, www.cacrep.org).
The Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy Concentration Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of ACATE, The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.

Caldwell University has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4598. CE Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Caldwell University is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.


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