Achievements in the Graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
The 2024-2025 school year began with excitement as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program welcomed a new cohort of students and launched Theta Alpha Omega, a new chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) at Trinity Christian College. CSI is an academic and professional honor society for counseling. Students were invited to join the chapter in recognition of their exceptional academic achievements and exemplary ethical judgment and behavior. In December, a group of students and alumni were inducted into the honor society, with students Brooke Berry and Jenae Henao serving as president and secretary-treasurer.
Additionally, the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA) campus chapter at Trinity has actively fostered connections among students and alumni while exploring counselor identity and the work of counselors. Trinity’s ICA chapter members presented wellness workshops this past fall at the Palos Heights Library. The chapter is also working to partner with a local nursing home to offer wellness support to residents and staff.
Furthermore, the CMHC department participated in the 76th annual Illinois Counseling Association conference as volunteers and presenters. Breanna Cordova and Jenae Henao presented a poster on “Enhancing Tomorrow’s Counselors: A Study on the Perceived Benefits of a Wellness Counseling Course.” Brooke Berry and Assistant Professor of Counseling Dr. Crystal Zanders co-facilitated a content presentation titled “Sis, You Good? Conceptualization and Counseling Interventions for the Strong Black Woman.” Both presentations received positive feedback and are being prepared for publication.
This spring, students are completing their internships at sites that include Balance Counseling and Wellness, Davis-Smith Counseling, Grace Integrated, Raquel Ornelas Counseling & Psychotherapy, and Victress Wellness. Students have received outstanding feedback, and many supervisors are extending offers for students to continue working with their organizations after completing their internships. These students are also preparing for their Case Competency exams in early April, where they will present an in-depth clinical case for a client, utilizing evidence-based practices to ensure client growth and wellness.
Lastly, since receiving CACREP accreditation, Trinity Christian College’s CMHC program has been permitted to participate in the National Board of Certified Counselors’ National Counselor Certification exam process. This enables Trinity graduates to take the exam before graduation, providing them a competitive advantage when seeking employment.
The Trinity Christian College Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program continues to be dedicated to professional development, scholarship, and service, ensuring the wellness, empowerment, and growth of counseling clients and society.
Click here to learn more about how Trinity Christian College is empowering the counselors of tomorrow.
