The mission of the counseling program is to prepare interpersonally skilled and culturally attuned professional counselors who facilitate the psychological growth and well-being of those they serve. These counselors also help those who experience difficulties in overcoming or resolving interpersonal, vocational, and emotional processing issues associated with modern living. The program prepares students to be employed as counselors in schools, community/mental health agencies, and private practice. The major goals of the program are to train practitioners who-<br>Promote students personal, clinical, and professional development<br>Teach students to conceptualize clients and apply concepts from the eight common core areas in their work with clients. <br>Facilitate student acquisition of knowledge in the foundations of counseling. <br>Facilitate student development of a primary counseling theory, and an ability to integrate with cultural and developmental considerations, and apply to clients.<br>Encourage student exploration of cultural humility, social justice, and the role of advocacy in the counseling profession.<br>Prepare students for acquiring comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to fulfill mental health counseling roles in Montana's mental health care and education systems. <br>Develop and maintain a healthy learning environment that promotes respectful engagement and courageous dialogue. <br>Enhance the worth, dignity, and positive development of themselves and of individuals and groups within their employment and community context.