Clinical Mental Health Counseling (ASC)
Advanced Studies Certificate
Designed as a pathway for experienced school counselors to complete the educational requirements to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Iowa. Earn your Advanced Studies Certificate from an accredited institution.
This program is for students holding a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Delivered entirely online
- Next cohort begins Summer 2025
- Still accepting applications - apply now!
Features
Entirely Online | 18 Credits
- Cohort offered every summer — build a network and study with the same group for the duration of the program (4 semesters of courses, internships, and practicum)
- Gain extensive training from an accredited institution in brain-based, evidence-based, and holistic mental health counseling interventions
- Learn mental health diagnosis, psychopathology, and psychopharmacology
- Understand rural culture and changing demographics within this population
As a UNI Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation, and much more.
Nikole Pauli
Program Coordinator & Instructor
nikole.pauli@uni.edu
319-273-2141
Lisa Jaeger
Enrollment Contact
lisa.jaeger@uni.edu
319-273-2504
Licensure & Certification Requirements by State: www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements
For further information about whether or not this program meets the licensing requirements in your state, please contact your state board.
Request Information
Delivered Entirely Online
Courses are offered entirely online via Zoom and Blackboard, dynamic platforms that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates. Courses will meet Tuesday evenings via a combination of synchronous and asynchronous meetings times.
View course sequences:
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Gain skills related to mental health diagnosis and treatment planning
- Serve the mental health needs of your school and community
- Improve access in rural mental health services
- Utilize skills related to developmental theory and wellness and prevention practices
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the UNI Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Delivered Entirely Online
Courses are offered entirely online via Zoom and Blackboard, dynamic platforms that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates. Courses will meet Tuesday evenings via a combination of synchronous and asynchronous meetings times.
View course sequences:
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Gain skills related to mental health diagnosis and treatment planning
- Serve the mental health needs of your school and community
- Improve access in rural mental health services
- Utilize skills related to developmental theory and wellness and prevention practices
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the UNI Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
To be admitted:
- Applicants must have two years post master's counseling experience.
- A master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program is required.
Along with the application, students must submit:
- An Applicant Statement - In your statement, please respond to the following:
- Share an example of a time when you demonstrated flexibility.
- What skills and abilities do you bring to the certification program that makes you a good candidate?
- What made you decide to apply for this program and how will gaining this certificate serve the mental health needs of your community?
- 2 Letters of Recommendation (with one from an individual familiar with your counseling skills)
- Official graduate degree transcripts, sent directly to the UNI Office of Admissions
A listing of CACREP accredited programs can be found here: cacrep.org/directory/
Note: All students will need to complete a CCE transcript review before starting classes.
Express interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Submit your application
Along with the application, students must submit the required additional application materials listed above.
Contact us
Our team of support staff is available to help you throughout your UNI journey.
Contact us with any questions at 319-273-7206 or online@uni.edu.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.