CACREP Accreditation
The WNMU Counseling Program is not CACREP accredited, but the program’s current CACREP accreditation status is “In Process.”
The program has been scheduled for a virtual CACREP site visit that will take place February 12-14th (Wed-Fri), 2025.
If during the site visit, the program is found meeting all CACREP standards, the program will receive CACREP accreditation the summer of 2025.
All students who graduate up to 24 months prior to the program receiving CACREP accreditation, are recognized as students who have graduated from a CACREP accredited program.
Although, the program is not yet CACREP accredited, the university and program are accredited by other accrediting entities, and students who graduate from the program are eligible for counseling licensures in New Mexico.
Counseling Faculty & CSA Officers
Core Counseling Faculty
Dr. William B. Lane Jr., PhD, LPCC, NCC, BC-TMH
Program Lead/Assistant Professor
CACREP Liaison
School Counseling Coordinator
william.lanejr@wnmu.edu
Dr. Kristine Gonzalez, PhD, LPC (TX)
Assistant Professor
CPCE/NCE Coordinator
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Coordinator
Advisor A-K Last Names
kristine.gonzalez@wnmu.edu
Dr. Kacie Dentleegrand, PhD, NCC
Assistant Professor
Practicum/Internship Coordinator
Addiction Counseling Coordinator
Advisor L-Z Last Names
kacie.dentleegrand@wnmu.edu
Other Faculty
Dr. Benjamin C. Jenkins, PhD, CRC
Department Chair/Associate Professor
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator
benjamin.jenkins@wnmu.edu
(575) 538-6415
Professor Daisha Lopez
Adjunct Professor
daisha.lopez@wnmu.edu
Dr. Gina Oswald, PhD, CRC
Adjunct Professor
gina.oswald@wnmu.edu
Counseling Student Association Officers
| Stormie Storm-West | Portia DePina | Abby Nayra |
| President | President-Elect | Past-President |
| Lluvy Martinez | Alex Morales | Sarah Jones |
| Vice President | VP-Elect | Past-VP |
| Joni Haws | Chelsea Jackson | Eric Forrest |
| Secretary | Secretary-Elect | Past-Secretary |
| Chaya Barham-Citrin | All | Cindy Tollen |
| Treasurer | Treasurer-Elect | Past-Treasurer |
| All | Kris Konstantakis | Hannah Thompson |
| Social Media | Social Media | Social Media |
¡Bienvenidos! (Welcome!)
We, the faculty of the Counseling Program, are excited you have visited the program’s website. We have personally chosen the counseling profession because we love helping people. We welcome you to please reach out to any one of us at the contact information above with any and all questions you may have about the field of counseling or the Counseling Program at Western New Mexico University.
We recommend visiting this page often as it is updated regularly to reflect the various improvements and enhancements that we make in an effort to address the ongoing progression of the profession, program, and students.
The Counseling Program
The Counseling Program at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is a three-year, 60 credit online program that prepares students to become professional counselors within a variety of settings including schools, community mental health centers, state agencies, clinics, hospitals, and private practices. The focus of the program is to assist students in developing the skills and nurturing the dispositions needed to provide innovative and effective counseling experiences for diverse clients in multicultural settings. The Counseling Program provides four separate specialties which include Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, and Addiction Counseling. More detail regarding each specialty can be found below, under the Counseling Specialties section of the website. Graduates of the Counseling Program at WNMU are eligible for licensure as School Counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), and Licensed Rehabilitation Counselors (LRC) in New Mexico. The program is also designed to meet the National Board for Certified Counselor requirements for students who wish to become National Certified Counselors (NCC) as well as the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification requirements for students who want to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC).
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Counseling Program Recognitions
- Intelligent Best Counseling Programs 2023
- University HQ Top 50 Most Affordable Counseling Programs 2024
- Most Affordable Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs of 2024
Counseling Program Mission Statement
The principal mission of the Counseling Program in the College of Education at Western New Mexico University is to prepare competent counselors to work with diverse populations throughout the United States and beyond. It is our mission to inspire and educate counseling students to provide effective counseling that will promote growth, wellness, and advocacy among the communities of the world.
Counseling Program Objectives
The overall objective of the Master of Counseling degree is to prepare students to be professional counselors. The Counseling Program faculty believe that the development of a strong professional identity, a rich knowledge base, and expertise in the skills of counseling are essential to functioning as a professional counselor.
The Master of Counseling degree is designed to be a strong foundation upon which graduates enter a lifetime career in the counseling profession. This program prepares counselors to respond to social, psychological, and environmental challenges. In addition to knowledge and experience in the below eight common-core areas, graduates have specialized knowledge and skills as identified in the objectives of the program’s four specialties. For specific details, please reference https://www.cacrep.org.
The Counseling Program has curricular and professional objectives for each student.
Curricular Objectives
- Students will have knowledge of human growth and development in order to understand the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts.
- Students will have knowledge of social and cultural foundations to be effective in a multicultural and diverse society.
- Students will be knowledgeable and skillful in counseling and consultation processes.
- Students will be knowledgeable about group development, dynamics, counseling theory, group counseling methods, and group work approaches.
- Students will be knowledgeable and understand career development and related factors.
- Students will understand and be knowledgeable about individual and group approaches to evaluation, assessment, and documentation.
- Students will be knowledgeable about various research methods and statistical analysis, needs assessments and program evaluation.
- Students will be knowledgeable about the profession of counseling including history, organizational structures, ethics, standards and credentialing.
Professional Objectives
In addition to the above curricular objectives, the Counseling Program has professional objectives specific to each specialty. These include the following:
- All students will become eligible for credentialing National Certified Counselors.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling students will be eligible to pursue appropriate state licensure as professional counselors.
- School Counseling students will be eligible to pursue appropriate state licensure as school counselors.
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling students will be eligible to pursue certification as rehabilitation counselors (CRC) and appropriate state licensure as professional counselors.
- Addiction Counseling students will be eligible to pursue appropriate state licensure as professional counselors.
- All students will receive the necessary training applicable to becoming Board Certified-TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) providers.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Counseling: Our Pledge
Counseling Specialties & Other Program Information
Choose one specialty in which to focus your studies. Each specialty is taught online through synchronous (Zoom) and asynchronous (Canvas) methods. Click on each specialty below to find links to licensure requirements, degree plans, and course sequences.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
Choosing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty will help you become eligible to be licensed in the state of New Mexico as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Those attending the program remotely from other states may also be able to obtain licensure within the state in which they reside. Consultation with your state’s licensing board is required.
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC)
Choosing the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling specialty will help you become eligible to be licensed in the state of New Mexico as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC), and National Board Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Those attending the program remotely from other states may also be able to obtain licensure within the state in which they reside. Consultation with your state’s licensing board is required.
School Counseling (SC)
Choosing the School Counseling specialty will help you become eligible to be licensed in the state of New Mexico as a School Counselor. Those attending the program remotely from other states may also be able to obtain licensure within the state in which they reside. Consultation with your state’s licensing board is required.
Addiction Counseling (AC)
Choosing the Addiction Counseling specialty will help you become eligible to be licensed in the state of New Mexico as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Those attending the program remotely from other states may also be able to obtain licensure within the state in which they reside. Consultation with your state’s licensing board is required.
Course Sequences
For their program of study, students must follow one of the sequences below. Students must follow the sequence that is titled with the semester in which they begin the program. If a student begins the program in the fall, that student should follow the sequence titled “Fall.” If a student desires to specialize in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or Addiction Counseling, they must follow one of the following sequences:
- Fall – CMHC-SC-AC Course Sequence Sheet
- Spring – CMHC-SC-AC Course Sequence Sheet – Starting Spring 2025
If a student desires to specialize in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, they must follow one of the following sequences: Fall – CRC Course Sequence Sheet
Course Rotation
Students should do their best to follow their corresponding Course Sequence Sheet. If they are unable to do so, they can reference the Course Rotation (linked below) to plan their program of study.
Practicum/Internship Experience
Students must complete the Practicum/Internship Application before they can register for Practicum or Internship. Please follow the steps below to access, complete and submit the Practicum/Internship Application:
- Access TK20 within your Mustang Express dashboard
- Click on “Applications” on the lefthand sidebar
- Select “+ Create New Application”
- Click on the drop down menu that says “Please Select”
- Select “Counseling Program Application”
- Select “Next”
- Complete all required fields
- Select “Save” if you are working on it and need to come back to it later to finish it
- Select “Submit” when complete
- Email Dr. Nolte to inform her of your completed application
Below are three documents you must complete and attach to the Practicum/Internship Application.
- Panopto Recording and Viewing Policy (should have been completed in COUN 579)
- Counseling Program Affiliate Agreement
- WNMU Supervision Agreement
Below are two additional documents you may need to complete and attach to the Practicum/Internship Application.
Additionally, you will need all clients who consent/assent to being recorded for training purposes to sign the document below.
Counseling Program Student Handbook
Students and applicants are expected to read and understand the Masters of Arts in Counseling Program Student Handbook
Mental Health Counseling Services Available to Students
Students are encouraged to seek out personal counseling services during their program of study within the Counseling Program at WNMU. Students within the state of New Mexico can access counseling services through Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS). Students are allowed 15 visits per year, paid for by the university. If students need additional services, their insurance will be billed. These services are also provided through telemental health. Students who would like to set up counseling services should contact HMS at (575) 597-2454. Additional information regarding services can be found at https://health.wnmu.edu. Students in the Silver City area may also receive free counseling services from Shelby Wilkie, LCSW. She is currently located in the Juan Chacon building, Suite 139 and can be reached at (575) 538-6888. Students who live outside of New Mexico are encouraged to contact their advisor who can work with them to locate affordable counseling services in their area. Students who live outside of New Mexico are encouraged to contact their advisor who can work with them to locate affordable counseling services in their area.
Telemental Health Counseling Training
CCE QUALIFIED REGISTERED PROVIDER (RTCP) NOTICE
Western New Mexico University has been qualified by the Center for Credentialing and Education, Inc. (CCE) as a Registered Credential Training Provider, RCTP No. 1004-BC-TMH, to provide training courses qualified for credit for eligibility for the Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider. Courses that qualify for CCE credit are clearly identified. Western New Mexico University is solely responsible for all aspects of the training courses.
COUN 584 – Telemental Health Counseling is the 0 credit BC-TMH course offered to all Counseling Program students at no cost. It is a corequisite with COUN 579 – Pre-Practicum in Counseling.
Syllabus – COUN 584 Telemental Health Counseling
The WNMU Telemental Health Counseling Training is the BC-TMH course that is offered to students not within the Counseling Program. This course costs $300 plus the cost of the textbook, which ranges from about $32-$46. Students are required to purchase or rent their own copy of the textbook. Below is the syllabus for the training. For questions about either of these BC-TMH courses, please email Dr. Lane at william.lanejr@wnmu.edu. To register and pay for this training please click on the following link: Register
Syllabus – Telemental Health Counseling Training
Applying to the Counseling Program
Prerequisite to Apply
Conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
How to Apply
Application Process
Applicants hoping to be admitted to the Counseling Program at WNMU must submit a Graduate School application AND a Counseling Program application. These two applications are accessed through different links, but can be completed simultaneously by applicants. You do not have to submit one before the other, but both must be submitted by the deadline (see Deadline for Applications heading below) in order to be eligible to be admitted to the Counseling Program.
The Graduate School Application
The Graduate School application can be accessed at the following link: https://wnmu.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Create. Questions regarding the Graduate School application should be directed to gradadmissions@wnmu.edu.
The Counseling Program Application
The Counseling Program Application can be completed and submitted through the following steps:
- Create a guest account through TK20, which should be accessed at the following link: https://wnmu.tk20.com
- Once you have clicked on https://wnmu.tk20.com, click on the word “Admissions” and then click on “Click here to create your account”
- Create your account by filling in your information
- You will then be able to access the Counseling Program Application through the following click sequence: HomeàAdmission ApplicationsàCreate New ApplicationàPlease selectàCounseling Program Application for (semester in which you desire to begin coursework)àNext
- Complete the Counseling Program Application
- Remember to save your work
- Submit when finished
Questions regarding the Counseling Program Application should be directed to one of the Core Counseling Faculty. Their email addresses can be accessed at https://coe.wnmu.edu/college-of-education/health-science-education/master-of-counseling/
It is important to note that although applicants may receive an admissions letter from the Counseling Program, they are only officially admitted to the Counseling Program once they have received full admissions into the Graduate School.
Deadline for Applications
Applicants wishing to be admitted to the Counseling Program at WNMU must complete the Graduate School and Counseling Program applications by October 15th for the following Spring semester, which starts in January every year. If an applicant believes they may have challenges meeting the deadline, they should reach out to the Program Lead, Dr. William Lane at william.lane@wnmu.edu, and the program will do its best to work with the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Program Admissions Notification and Acceptance
Applicants who are accepted to the Counseling Program will be sent a WNMU Counseling Program Admissions letter to their WNMU email address and personal email address they included in their Graduate School application. Applicants who have met the October 15th deadline should hear back from the program no later than the end of October. Those who wish to accept this offer must respond to the Program Lead, Dr. William Lane at william.lane@wnmu.edu, by the due date given in the letter. Admission to the program and registration for classes may not be guaranteed if the Program Lead is not notified of the acceptance of the offer by the due date.
Annual Report & Program Data
In accordance with CACREP standards and in order to be transparent with our program’s development and progress, the Counseling Program publishes an annual report to provide stakeholders with statistical information about student learning outcomes. Below you can find PDFs of the annual report.
Program Data
2023-2024 Data
- Number of graduates: 18 (1 SC, 15 CMHC, 2 AC)
- Pass rates on NCE: 92% (12 CMHC)
- Completion rates: 55% (1 SC, 8 CMHC, 2 AC)
- Job placements rates: 90% of respondents (1 SC, 7 CMHC, 1 CRC)
2022-2023 Data
- Number of graduates: 14 (2 SC, 9 CMHC, 2 AC & 1 CRC)
- Pass rates on NCE: 27% (no specialty data available from CCE. No students took exam through the GSA program)
- Completion rates: 60% (no specialties)
- Job placements rates: 100% of respondents (2 SC, 5 CMHC, 2 AC)
2021-2022 Data
- Number of graduates: 5 (2 SC, 1 CMHC, 1 AC & 1 CRC)
- Pass rates on NCE: 67% (no specialty data available from CCE. No students took exam through the GSA program)
- Completion rates: 33% (2 SC & 1 CMHC)
- Job placements rates: 100% of respondents (1 SC)
Graduates Page
Financial Assistance Links
- Tuition Costs
- Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- For those willing to work in rural New Mexico schools for 24 months after graduation, see The Expanding Opportunities Project, below.
The Expanding Opportunities Project
Visit website for more details: https://www.nmeop.com/
The New Mexico Expanding Opportunities Project (EOP) is a grant funded organization seeking quality school-based mental health (SBMH) providers to commit to work in high-need schools across New Mexico. The EOP aims to recruit and retain school-based mental health (SBMH) providers to serve the needs of students across New Mexico, focusing on rural and frontier communities with a high percentage of at-risk and vulnerable student populations.
The Expanding Opportunities Project provides an opportunity for graduate students in mental health programs to receive funding for school (from $500 to $10,000!). This funding is available to Counseling Program applicants within any concentration (clinical mental health, rehabilitation, addiction, school). The requirements are as follows:
- Graduate students must be enrolled in a behavioral health program in New Mexico
- Students must be able to confirm that they will work in a rural, high-need school in New Mexico for at least 24 months after graduation (must provide supporting documentation). **The majority of NM cities and communities are considered rural and high-need: Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe do not qualify as rural and high need, but most other schools (K-12) in New Mexico do qualify.
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau, is currently pursuing a USDE grant to increase the number and quality of school-based mental health (SBMH) providers in high-need schools. By partnering with NM schools, universities, Native American communities, and other state agencies, the EOP seeks to increase the number of SBMH providers and access to care for school-aged youth in high need communities.
If you are interested in receiving funding for school and able to commit to 24 months employed in a school setting after you graduate, it is highly encouraged that you fill out the questionnaire provided in the link below. The EOP is currently in the process of acquiring grant funding, and students’ requests for funding (by filling out the questionnaire) help determine the need and amount of grant money allotted to the project.
https://centralregioneducationalcooperative.formstack.com/forms/eop_questionaire
Academic Support Incentive
Students who qualify may receive up to $3000 dollars for the first year with an increase of $500 every year after for academic support. (See website for more details)
Intern/Practicum Placement Stipend
Qualifying students may receive a $5,000 stipend for completing a practicum/internship via a partnering university placement (in an EOP-approved high-need school/district). “EOP participants may claim a maximum of two qualifying stipends for a total of $10,000!”
Licensure Reimbursement
Licensure reimbursement of up to $300 may also be available for first time school-based mental health license applicants. (See website for more details).
If you are interested in this opportunity for funding, please fill out the questionnaire. If you have any questions or need more information, you may contact your advisor.
The Expanding Opportunities Project – For Urban New Mexico
Visit website for more details: https://www.nmeop.com/EOP-Urban-Project
There is funding available to support future and present New Mexico School-Based Mental Health Providers in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces! Qualified school-based mental health positions include school social workers, counselors, psychologists, and applied behavior analysts.
State Licensing Disclosures
- New Mexico
- None at this time
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
NBCC State Board Directory
Access the NBCC State Board Directory to obtain information about your state’s licensing process. This will aid you in figuring out whether the Counseling Program at WNMU meets your state’s requirements.