FROM OUR STUDENTS

First-Year Experiences in the
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

IU Southeast students in the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program just completed their first year. Part of their training included a practicum at a local service provider, and the students have found it challenging and exhilarating to begin working. We asked the students to share their thoughts with us as they head towards their second year in the program. As you will see, they are learning a lot and forming strong bonds with the community, their classmates, and professors.

Jessica Hayden

My first practicum was at Wellstone Regional Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana. It was a great place to go to gain a solid foundation working with diverse populations. I was able to interact with patients from 5 to 80 years old! I learned a lot about psychological assessment in terms of determining the level of care for those seeking treatment. I also became efficient at conducting psychosocial intakes for inpatients. The hands-on interaction was probably the area I am most grateful to have grown in, though!


I have now started my new internship with Associates in Counseling and Psychotherapy. I am currently spending half my week working in the prisons and the other half working in an elementary school that provides therapy for the students. I am loving the diversity of this new experience as well.


Thank you IU Southeast for the continued encouragement and follow up! It means a lot.


Courtney Morgan

In my first year of the Master of Mental Health Counseling program at IU Southeast I learned how to be culturally competent and how to ask questions about a client’s culture.


I am completing my practicum at New Beginnings Family Services. One valuable skill that I have learned while being an intern therapist at New Beginnings is the value of play therapy with young children. I have also gotten the opportunity to implement play therapy.


Justin Campbell

For me, the greatest information I have received is from the talented professors, who have shown us techniques that go beyond the book. I am a visual learner, so I love how they have allowed us to try them on each other and work on them in class.


I am at Wellstone Regional Hospital for my practicum. Being at a regional hospital I have gotten to see first-hand a wide range of diagnoses to better prepare me for my own practice.

Michelle Adams

I am completing my practicum at Rock Creek Academy, in Sellersburg, Indiana. Since being there, I’ve learned that children can be surprisingly insightful and articulate about naming their feelings and goals for therapy.


Balancing the responsibility of my current job, my family and other unexpected life events while meeting the expectations of the program is difficult. My success is possible with the support of my director, Dr. Kimberly LaFollette, the other professors, and classmates.