Northwestern earns CACREP accreditation for clinical mental health counseling

Northwestern College’s master’s program in clinical mental health counseling has received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the premier nationally recognized accrediting organization for counseling education programs. 

This prestigious accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to rigorous academic preparation, professional excellence and the development of highly qualified mental health counselors. CACREP accreditation signifies that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support systems, clinical training components and continuous program improvement processes all meet or exceed national standards. 

“This accreditation is an important milestone for our program and our students,” says Dr. Julie Merriman, Northwestern’s director of counseling programs. “It affirms the dedication of our faculty and staff to preparing counselors who are clinically competent, ethically grounded and equipped to care for the whole person. Our emphasis on faith integration, counselor identity and serving clients with both professional excellence and genuine care creates a distinctive and deeply meaningful preparation for the counseling profession.” 

Through comprehensive coursework and supervised clinical experiences, Northwestern’s master’s program in clinical mental health counseling prepares graduates to serve individuals, couples, families and communities with compassion, competence and respect for each person’s inherent dignity. 

“Receiving CACREP accreditation reflects our vision for counselor education that brings together clinical excellence, whole-person care and our mission to pursue God’s redeeming work in the world,” says Dr. Jill Swisher, dean of graduate & professional studies. “We are grateful for the faculty and students whose work made this achievement possible.”

Northwestern’s clinical mental health counseling program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in two years. Coursework is 100% online, and practicum and internship experiences provide hands-on training in supervised local settings. The program integrates a biblical worldview into practice and has a special focus on addressing the unique mental health needs of underserved rural communities. 

For more information about the clinical mental health counseling program, visit nwciowa.edu/master-mental-health-counseling.