Accreditation Council Approves Freed-Hardeman University’s M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has announced the accreditation of Freed-Hardeman University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The accreditation is effective for a two-year period, ending March 31, 2022. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
FHU President David R. Shannon was notified Feb. 11, 2020, of the approval in a letter from Sylvia Fernandez, president and CEO of CACREP. The board of CACREP based its decision on an extensive review of FHU’s self-study documents, the visiting team’s report and FHU’s response to that report. “The faculty deserve to be congratulated for the time, energy and commitment they have given through this accreditation process,” Fernandez said.
FHU is required to submit an interim report by Oct. 1, 2021, providing evidence that the university has addressed certain standards noted by CACREP. Upon a favorable review by the board, FHU’s program may be accredited for up to an additional six years.
FHU’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, directed by Dr. James H. Dalton, is designed to meet the needs of college graduates who desire training in counseling- psychotherapy and who wish to provide these services to individuals, couples, groups and families. It integrates elements of the core mental health professions with principles of the Christian faith to produce graduates ready to practice clinical mental health counseling.
This accreditation marks the first time an FHU program has been accredited by CACREP; however, it is the sixth program to receive national specialty accreditation. The other five are: education, social work, business, nursing, and theology.
The program requires students to satisfactorily complete 60 semester hours of course work and pass a comprehensive exam. A practicum and an internship are included in the 60 hours.
Additional information may be obtained at fhu.edu/graduate or by contacting the Office of
Graduate Studies at 1-800-FHU-FHU1, ext. 6101 or 731-989-6101.