Counseling Programs offered at Trinity Christian College
Trinity Christian College runs a distinctive Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that blends academic excellence with hands-on training. The program’s CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation shows its high standards in counselor education. The Higher Learning Commission’s accreditation adds to its academic credibility.
The counseling program sits in Palos Heights, Illinois, near Chicago. It stands out by exploring human nature at its core. Students learn about real-life experiences, relationship needs, and the basic human desire for healing and reconciliation. This creates an integrated understanding of mental health care.
The program’s Christian point of view makes it special. Faculty members help counselors think about every aspect of their humanity as they work with both strength and pain in their clinical practice. Notwithstanding that, students from all faith backgrounds are welcome. The program focuses on developing well-rounded professionals ready to bring healing and restoration.
Trinity’s counselors provide professional, confidential services that match each person’s goals and challenges. They work from a Christian worldview and can discuss faith during counseling if you wish. The services welcome all students, whatever their faith or beliefs, to have meaningful counseling conversations.
The Counseling and Psychology Department houses the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, where Counselor Education faculty prepare students. This department evolved from its earlier name as the Psychology Department to better match its current work and programs.
The counseling program has earned significant recognition. College Factual ranked the master’s program as #11 in the Great Lakes Region. U.S. News and World Report placed Trinity on several “best” lists for 2022. The college ranked among the Top 20 Regional Colleges Midwest and reached #15 for social mobility.
Graduates can work in settings of all types – from substance abuse counseling and outpatient therapy to residential treatment and school adjustment counseling, plus many more rewarding paths.
What counseling programs does Trinity Christian College offer?
Trinity Christian College’s counseling department helps students start their careers in mental health through multiple programs.
Students can earn a 60-credit Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). The CACREP-accredited program blends theory, research, and hands-on experience to create a detailed educational foundation. Students learn to connect Christian faith with counseling practice, which helps them understand how spiritual life responds to God.
The college offers a unique 5.5-year BA/MA program for students starting their educational experience. Psychology undergraduates can begin graduate-level courses during their junior or senior year. This path lets them earn both degrees in less time than the standard six-year timeline.
The 3+2 track offers an even faster option. Students can complete both degrees in five years by taking 18 credit hours each semester, plus summer classes, followed by two years of graduate work. A 3.0 GPA guarantees admission to the master’s program without GRE requirements.
Students get valuable practical training in all Trinity’s counseling programs. The master’s program includes 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours with flexible scheduling. This helps students gain ground experience and build professional networks. New groups of students start every spring and fall semester, creating a supportive learning community.
Graduates leave the program with these key skills:
- Articulating a professional identity as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- Integrating faith perspectives into counseling practice
- Demonstrating knowledge in core counseling areas including ethics, multiculturalism, human development, career development, helping relationships, group work, assessment, and research
- Developing case conceptualizations and treatment plans
- Delivering competent mental health services
The curriculum meets all educational and internship requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor certifications in Illinois and many other states. This ensures graduates can start their professional practice right after graduation.
Internships/Practicum at Trinity Christian
Practical experience is the foundation of Trinity Christian College’s counseling education philosophy. Your training includes a counseling practicum of 100 hours and a complete internship totaling 600 hours. These real-life experiences complement classroom instruction and provide hands-on training.
Students can complete these practical experiences in flexible formats. You will gain applicable experience and build professional connections within the mental health field simultaneously. The program provides guidance and feedback through individual supervision at placement sites and group supervision on campus.
Trinity has built mutually beneficial alliances with respected mental health organizations. Students have completed successful internships at:
- Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc.
- South Suburban Family Shelter
- Community Counseling Services of Illinois
- Genesis Therapy Center
- Orland Township Youth and Family Services
- Trinity’s own Counseling Center
Trinity creates unique interdisciplinary learning opportunities beyond traditional internships. Dr. Deb Majewski, Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling, added a disaster simulation exercise to her graduate-level Counseling 603 Internship II course. Students worked together with peers from nursing, education, and social work to respond to a simulated community crisis.
Dr. Tina Decker, chair of the nursing department, shared her perspective: “Students got to act in the role of their profession. They were acting as nurses, teachers, counselors, and social workers, and not as students”. These exercises help students build confidence and awareness while applying their knowledge in realistic scenarios.
Trinity’s Career Services team enhances these formal experiences with career counseling and job placement assistance. They organize career fairs and workshops focused on resume building and interview coaching. Students graduate with practical skills and professional tools that help them enter the job market confidently.
Trinity’s structured experiences help students turn theoretical knowledge into professional practice effectively. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for successful counseling careers.
What sets Trinity Christian College apart?
Trinity Christian College’s counseling program stands out through its exceptional results and fresh teaching methods. Their track record speaks for itself – 82% of graduates find jobs at counseling agencies or related positions after graduating, and many students join their internship sites permanently.
The program’s excellence has earned recognition in education circles nationwide. College Factual ranks the master’s program #11 in the Great Lakes Region. U.S. News and World Report places Trinity among the Top 20 Regional Colleges Midwest and #15 for social mobility.
Trinity keeps updating its curriculum to meet the counseling field’s changing demands. The program added a new “Self-Care for Counselors” course that students have embraced enthusiastically. Students learn personal wellness practices and discover ways to teach these techniques to their future clients.
Students get a major advantage – they can take the National Counselor Examination before graduating, thanks to CACREP accreditation. Many graduates enter the workforce with their license ready, which jumpstarts their professional careers.
The campus features a 5-year old Illinois Counseling Association chapter. Faculty members guide this chapter to create strong bonds between counselors, alumni, and current students. This connection helps Trinity produce well-rounded professionals ready to make an impact in mental health care.
Next steps
Are you ready to start your counseling experience at Trinity Christian College? The process to join this enriching program is simple and straightforward.
The first step is to contact the graduate programs office. You can ask for specific information, including sample syllabi and the CMHC Annual Program Report. This will help you learn about the program’s structure and outcomes.
Trinity’s campus near Chicago offers both traditional and virtual visits. You’ll get a chance to explore the learning environment and meet faculty members in person.
The next step is completing the online application once you decide to join Trinity Christian College’s counseling program. After acceptance, log into your application portal to accept Trinity’s admission offer and pay the $150 enrollment deposit. Your first-semester courses will be automatically registered after your deposit.
Submit your FAFSA as early as possible using Trinity’s school code 001771 to receive financial aid. The Financial Aid department is available to help finalize the process – reach out to them with any questions.
A mandatory orientation session awaits you before classes start, based on your admitted term. Your student login details will arrive in your personal email, giving you access to the student portal where you’ll manage your academic information throughout your studies.