Northwestern College’s master’s program in clinical mental health counseling has received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
The Orange City college announced the accreditation Wednesday. CACREP is a nationally recognized accrediting organization for counseling education programs.
The accreditation process evaluates areas including curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support, clinical training and continued program improvement. Northwestern says each area of its program meets or exceeds CACREP’s national standards.
“This accreditation is an important milestone for our program and our students,” said Dr. Julie Merriman, Northwestern’s director of counseling programs. “It affirms the dedication of our faculty and staff to preparing counselors who are clinically competent, ethically grounded and equipped to care for the whole person.”
Online Coursework with Local Clinical Training
Northwestern’s clinical mental health counseling program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in two years. Coursework is offered entirely online, while practicum and internship experiences provide hands-on training in supervised settings within students’ local communities.
The program prepares graduates to work with individuals, couples, families and communities. Northwestern says the curriculum combines clinical training with a biblical worldview and an emphasis on counselor identity and whole-person care.
“Receiving CACREP accreditation reflects our vision for counselor education that brings together clinical excellence, whole-person care and our mission to pursue God’s redeeming work in the world,” said Dr. Jill Swisher, dean of graduate and professional studies.
Focus on Rural Mental Health
Northwestern’s program places a particular focus on preparing counselors to address mental health needs in underserved rural communities.
The college says CACREP accreditation provides additional assurance to students, employers and clients that graduates have received training that meets nationally established standards for the counseling profession.
More information about the program is available at
nwciowa.edu/master-mental-health-counseling.
