I am proud to be an UMSL M.Ed. graduate (in 13 weeks anyway)!
One of the reasons I choose UMSL's Counseling program is because it is CACREP accredited. Neither SLU, Lindenwood, Wash U, or Webster, or any other Missouri school (I beleive) can say they are CACREP accrediated. Let's not even mention I only spent about a 1/3 of the costs of those schools and got into a highly competitive program...but no time for bragging!
What is CACREP? In short, it is the accrediting body for counseling programs. Both UMSL's Masters and PhD are CACREP programs.
One of the benefits to being in a CACREP program is that those graduates who become licensed can now treat our military families. Click here for more details: New Tri-Care Regulations Will Require CACREP
The main highlight: The IOM recommendations specify that independent practice of mental health counselors (MHCs) in TRICARE should occur under certain circumstances: ‘‘A master’s or higher level degree in counseling from a program in mental health counseling or clinical mental health counseling that is accredited by Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); a state license in mental health counseling at the ‘‘clinical’’ or the higher or highest level available in states that have tiered licensing schemes; the passage of the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling examination (NCMHCE); and a well-defined scope of practice for practitioners.’’
Thank you Department of Defense for your trust in us!
