I man standing before a group of students seated at a table.
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks talks to a class of counseling students. | Photo credit: ETAMU Marketing and Communications

Strong Standards, Bright Futures: ETAMU Counseling Programs Reaccredited

East Texas A&M University's graduate counseling programs have once again earned national recognition for excellence. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has reaffirmed accreditation for both the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, continuing the programs' accreditation through 2031.

The reaffirmation signals that East Texas A&M's counseling programs meet the highest standards of quality and professional preparation in the field. CACREP accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard for counselor education, ensuring that programs provide rigorous academic and clinical training that aligns with national standards.

“The reaffirmation of CACREP accreditation represents more than just a result,” said Department Head Michael Schmit, “it's a reflection of our faculty's ongoing dedication and commitment to students, the counseling profession and to the continued excellence of our department, college and university.”

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to become licensed professional counselors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to provide ethical, evidence-based mental health care in a variety of settings. The program's hybrid format offers flexibility through both in-person and online courses, offering classes at Commerce, Mesquite and Dallas locations.

The Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program is designed for experienced counselors seeking to advance as educators, supervisors, researchers and leaders in the counseling profession. The program emphasizes advanced clinical supervision, teaching and scholarship, preparing graduates to shape the next generation of counseling professionals.

Reaffirmation of CACREP accreditation reflects the university's ongoing commitment to providing quality education and maintaining strong academic and clinical standards. For students, it ensures that their training is recognized across the nation and that they are well prepared for state licensure, professional practice, and leadership roles in counseling.

For more information about the these and other counseling programs, visit the Department of Counseling webpage.