Master of Arts in Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Addictions Track) Specialization in Trauma-Informed Care

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Trauma-Informed Care is a comprehensive 60-credit graduate program designed to integrate clinical counseling rigor with the ethos of servant leadership. Students engage in a curriculum that balances advanced psychological theory, ethical decision-making, and specialized trauma-intervention strategies within a framework of stewardship and community service. The program emphasizes the development of professional identity, clinical competence, and the capacity to serve diverse populations through a lens of holistic compassion and ethical integrity. By merging empirical research with a foundational commitment to the well-being of the human person, the program prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary mental health care. Participants explore the intersections of psychological health and social responsibility, fostering an environment where academic excellence is applied to the mission of service. This curriculum is structured to support the holistic development of practitioners committed to the ethical stewardship of those seeking healing and restoration.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based clinical mental health counseling-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based clinical mental health counseling-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Capstone Project in Clinical Counseling

• 4
• All Core and Required Courses
• COU650
• Counseling for Families and Systems
• 4
• COU601
• COU660
• Addiction Recovery and Community Outreach
• 3
• COU605
• COU670
• Career Development and Professional Identity
• 3
• None
• CAP690 — Capstone Project in Clinical Counseling: The culminating project where students integrate clinical research with ethical practice and service principles. This requires a formal manuscript and an oral defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU650 — Counseling for Families and Systems: Analysis of systemic family theories and their utility in healing trauma within the family unit. Students explore the intersection of familial support and community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU660 — Addiction Recovery and Community Outreach: Strategies for community-based addiction recovery and the mobilization of social resources. Emphasis is placed on the role of the counselor as a community advocate. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU670 — Career Development and Professional Identity: Preparation for professional practice, including leadership roles and organizational development. Students reflect on their professional calling and commitment to ethical stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to synthesize their clinical knowledge, trauma-informed methodologies, and ethical grounding into a comprehensive professional study. Students are expected to identify a specific, community-based issue related to addiction or trauma, conduct an extensive literature review, and propose a viable, research-informed intervention strategy. This project necessitates the application of servant leadership and biblical stewardship as students evaluate the efficacy and ethical implications of their proposed interventions within a faith-based or nonprofit context. The project must demonstrate a sophisticated level of clinical reasoning and a commitment to serving vulnerable populations with humility and excellence. As a 4-credit course, the Capstone Project requires students to produce a scholarly manuscript and a formal presentation that reflects their mastery of the program’s core competencies. This process serves as a final integration of academic rigor and character development, ensuring that graduates enter their professional roles with a mature understanding of their capacity for sustained, faith-informed service. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the project confirms the student's readiness to engage in compassionate, ethical counseling in diverse service environments.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Counselor in a Faith-Based Nonprofit
• Trauma Recovery Specialist for Community Organizations
• Addiction Treatment Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Administrator for Social Services
• Community Advocacy and Outreach Liaison
• Clinical Intake Specialist for Behavioral Health Agencies
• Case Manager for Vulnerable Populations

Important Notices

• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | M.A. in Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU501 | Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 4 | None
• COU505 | Theories of Counseling and Personality | 4 | None
• COU510 | Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Counseling for Addictive Disorders | 4 | COU501
• COU525 | Trauma-Informed Counseling Strategies | 4 | COU505
• COU530 | Human Growth and Development | 3 | None
• COU535 | Social and Cultural Foundations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Advanced Trauma Intervention | 4 | COU525
• COU605 | Group Counseling in Addiction Settings | 4 | COU520
• COU610 | Assessment and Appraisal in Counseling | 3 | RES500
• COU615 | Crisis Intervention and Management | 3 | COU525
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone Project in Clinical Counseling | 4 | All Core and Required Courses
• COU650 | Counseling for Families and Systems | 4 | COU601
• COU660 | Addiction Recovery and Community Outreach | 3 | COU605
• COU670 | Career Development and Professional Identity | 3 | None