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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. 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 Science in Faith-Based Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Trauma-Informed Care is a comprehensive 60-credit graduate program designed to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills. The curriculum integrates contemporary counseling methodologies with an ethical framework rooted in servant leadership and stewardship. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry to address the complex psychological and spiritual needs of individuals experiencing trauma and addictive disorders, fostering a holistic approach to care within diverse community settings.

Built upon a foundation of academic excellence and commitment to human flourishing, this program emphasizes the intersection of clinical best practices and faith-based professional ethics. Through evidence-based coursework and intensive supervised practical experiences, learners develop the capacity to serve vulnerable populations with professional competence and a commitment to justice, reconciliation, and community wellness. The program is designed to prepare reflective practitioners who demonstrate excellence in their clinical practice and character.

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 Counseling

• 4
• RES510, COU601
• COU650
• Advanced Clinical Practicum II
• 4
• COU601
• COU660
• Systems and Family Dynamics
• 3
• COU505
• COU670
• Professional Practice and Stewardship
• 3
• MIN630
• CAP699 — Capstone Project in Counseling: Students conduct an original research or clinical implementation project designed to address a critical need in the field. This serves as the final integration of clinical skills and professional ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU650 — Advanced Clinical Practicum II: Advanced supervised field practice building upon skills developed in previous semesters. Focus is on long-term treatment planning and professional collaboration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU660 — Systems and Family Dynamics: An examination of family systems theory and its role in treating individuals with trauma and addictive behaviors. Students learn to navigate relational complexities in therapy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU670 — Professional Practice and Stewardship: Emphasis on the management of counseling resources, stewardship of client relationships, and sustainability in the counseling profession. Includes long-term professional development planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Science Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their clinical knowledge, ethical understanding, and research skills through an original project. Spanning the final semester, this 4-credit requirement challenges students to identify a critical issue in trauma-informed addiction counseling and develop a comprehensive solution that reflects scholarly rigor and practical application. Students are expected to demonstrate how their proposed interventions honor the dignity of the human person and align with principles of biblical stewardship and ethical integrity.
• Deliverables include a formal research paper and a presentation that integrates clinical competency with a faith-informed perspective on social transformation and servant leadership. By defending their project, students demonstrate not only their academic proficiency in the field of clinical counseling but also their character readiness to engage in professional practice. This project serves as a bridge between academic study and the professional call to serve, ensuring graduates are prepared to address the needs of their communities with both technical skill and spiritual maturity.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Counselor in faith-based addiction recovery centers
• Trauma Recovery Specialist in community nonprofit organizations
• Mental Health Program Coordinator for social service agencies
• Clinical Supervisor in residential rehabilitation facilities
• Outreach Minister and Counseling Liaison
• Consultant for faith-based mental health initiatives

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.S. 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 Counseling | 4 | None
• COU505 | Human Development and Lifespan Issues | 3 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Behavioral Health | 4 | None
• THE520 | Ethical and Spiritual Integration | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU515 | Addiction Counseling Theories | 4 | COU501
• COU525 | Trauma-Informed Care Strategies | 4 | COU501
• COU530 | Group Counseling in Recovery | 3 | COU501
• SOC540 | Sociology of Community Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Advanced Clinical Practicum I | 4 | COU515, COU525
• COU610 | Crisis Intervention and Stabilization | 4 | COU515, COU525
• COU620 | Advanced Psychopharmacology | 4 | COU505
• MIN630 | Servant Leadership in Counseling | 3 | THE520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Project in Counseling | 4 | RES510, COU601
• COU650 | Advanced Clinical Practicum II | 4 | COU601
• COU660 | Systems and Family Dynamics | 3 | COU505
• COU670 | Professional Practice and Stewardship | 3 | MIN630