School of Counseling
Richmont Academics
Healing. Restoration.
Transformation.
Equipping students to be spiritually sensitive practitioners.
Master of Arts in Clincal Mental Health Counseling 
Master of Science in Mental Health Care and Christian Integration
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The 
Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Richmont Graduate University is a 66-credit hour program with flexible scheduling and modality options taught by experienced faculty from an integrative, Christian worldview. Students will connect with experts in the field of counseling and have access to extensive internship and clinical training opportunities. This degree prepares students to pursue licensure as a professional counselor and work in a variety of settings including private practices, mental health agencies, hospitals, and more.
Equips students with theoretical and empirical foundations of clinical mental health counseling, in addition to a practical understanding of counseling ethics, law, and professional standards
Empowers students to integrate a sound Christian theology with clinical counseling to address the whole person
Prepares students with skills of interpersonal therapeutic processes, clinical assessment, and treatment interventions among diverse populations
CMHC Program Outcomes
91%
Program Completion Rate
96%
Licensure Examination (NCE) Passage Rate
100%
Job Placement Rate
(180 Days Post-Graduation)
Degree Requirements
Core Counseling Curriculum (42 hours)
Understand the foundations of counseling from an integrative lens, including history, philosophy, ethical and legal standards, and research methods. Examine the DSM and study the major models of counseling through theory and experience.
| CED1010 | Enrich | 0 |
| CED5122 | Foundations in Counseling | 2 |
| CED6112 | Personal and Spiritual Life of the Counselor | 2 |
| CED6113 | Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CED6123 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| CED6133 | Counseling Systems and Interventions | 3 |
| CED6143 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| CED6163 | Clinical Appraisal and Assessment | 3 |
| CED6833 | Addictions: Theory and Clinical Assessment | 3 |
| CED7113 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| CED7123 | Group Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| CED7132 | Theodicy and Trauma Counseling | 2 |
| CED7143 | Lifestyle and Career Development | 3 |
| CED7153 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| CED7713 | Methods of Research | 3 |
| CED7833 | Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy I | 3 |
Clinical Intervention Curriculum (7 hours)
| CED6802 | Trauma in Developmental Context | 2 |
| CED6813 | Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| CED7822 | Psychodynamic Theories and Counseling | 2 |
Integration Curriculum (6 hours)
Examine biblical theology and its impact on the life of the counselor and client. Explore key concepts in spiritual formation, soul care, and the implications of religion and spirituality in counseling
| CED6362 | Practical Integration | 2 |
| CED6352 | Biblical Anthropology | 2 |
| CED7362 | Integrative Theology | 2 |
Clinical Training Curriculum (9 hours)
Learn best-practices in counseling under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals. Clinical training includes on-site internship hours with direct service to clients.
CED6913 | Applied Practicum | 3 |
CED6922 | Counseling Practicum | 2 |
CED7932 | Internship I | 2 |
CED7942 | Internship II | 2 |
Elective (2 hours)
Choose one course from a variety of elective options. Students taking a graduate certificate automatically fulfill the CMHC elective requirement.
Learn more about Graduate Certificates
| CED5612 | Person of the Marriage and Family Therapist | 2 |
| CED6302 | Deconstruction in Theology and Counseling | 2 |
| CED6512 | Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy | 2 |
| CED6412 | Child and Adolescent Psychopathology | 2 |
| CED6812 | Trauma and Biology | 2 |
| CED7162 | Psychopharmacology for Counselors | 2 |
| CED7262 | Integrating Spiritual Formation into Counseling | 2 |
Master of Science in Mental Health Care and Christian Integration
- Clinicians who desire to integrate their faith in clinical practice
- Pastors who desire more training in applied counseling without the clinical sequence of the CMHC program
Although this degree is not designed to lead to licensure as a counselor, MS graduates may pursue further study in counseling elsewhere or use this training to supplement training received at another institution.
Equips students to understand the methods and models of integrating counseling and Christian theology, enabling them to address spirituality issues in the counseling room while upholding professional ethics
Provides students the knowledge and skills to integrate their faith and profession in their personal lives
Empowers students to bring relevant information from the traditional theological areas of biblical studies and church history into their counseling, preparing them to distinguish between spiritual and psychological problems
Degree Requirements
Christian Integration Curriculum (14 hours)
Focuses on theological and spiritual foundations of counseling.
| CED6112 | Personal and Spiritual Life of the Counselor | 2 |
| CED6302 | Deconstruction in Theology and Counseling | 2 |
| CED6352 | Biblical Anthropology | 2 |
| CED6362 | Practical Integration | 2 |
| CED7132 | Theodicy and Trauma Counseling | 2 |
| CED7362 | Integrative Theology for Counselors | 2 |
| CEDx2x2 | Counseling and Spirituality Integration Elective | 2 |
Mental Health Care Curriculum (17 hours)
Provides foundational counseling theory and applied practice.
| CED5122 | Foundations in Counseling | 2 |
| CED6113 | Helping Relationships | 3 |
| CED6143 | Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders | 3 |
| CED6802 | Trauma in Developmental Context | 2 |
| CED6512 | Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy | 2 |
| CED7113 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| CED7462 | Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy I | 2 |
Start your counseling career with Richmont
Counseling Faculty
Current Faculty
Charles Allen, Psy.D.
Director of the Child and Adolescent program. Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with specialties in children and neuropsychology from Argosy University, M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. M.S. in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. M.A. in Christian Psychological Studies from the Psychological Studies Institute. B.A. in Psychology from Emory University. A.A. from Oxford College of Emory University. Specializations: AD/HD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders.
Charles Allen, Psy.D.
Senior Adjunct
Ashley Bauman Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor. Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision, Regent University; M.A. Professional Counseling, Richmont Graduate University; B.S. in Child and Family Development, University of Georgia. Specializations: grief and loss, anxiety, women’s issues, major life transitions, spiritual integration, faith integration. Member: ACA, ACES, CAPS, NBCC
Ashley Bauman Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Kathleen E. Bazile, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Training; Assistant Professor of Counseling
Assistant Professor of Counseling. Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor. Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, Mercer University; M.A., Counseling, Rollins College; B.A., Florida International University. Specializations: Women’s issues, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and hypnotherapy. Member: ACA, ACES, SACES
Kathleen E. Bazile, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Training; Assistant Professor
Amanda Blackburn, Psy.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs; Professor of Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Psychologist. Psy.D., M.A. Wheaton College; B.A., Asbury College. Specializations: adolescent and adult women’s development, interpersonal relationships, marriage, infertility and adoption, grief, spiritual issues, depression and anxiety. Member: ACA, LPCAGA, APA, CAPS
Amanda Blackburn, Psy.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs; Professor
Jenny L. Chien, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Clinical Training; Associate Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor. Ph.D. Counseling, Florida Atlantic University; M.A. Liberty University; B.S. University of Maine. Specializations: college and emerging adulthood; women’s issues; divorce and separation; emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual abuse; faith integration. Member: ACA, ACES, MACES, CAPS, MCA, WMCA
Jenny L. Chien, Ph.D.
Cara Cochran, Ph.D.
Dean of the School of Counseling; Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. AAMFT Approved Supervisor, CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor. Ph.D., Th.M., M.Div., M.A. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; M.M. University of South Carolina; B.S., B.A Southern Wesleyan University. Specializations: supervision, ethics, diagnosis, consulting, and individual therapy. Member: ACA, ACES, ASERVIC, CAPS
Cara Cochran, Ph.D.
Dean of the School of Counseling
Robert C. Duckworth, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor. Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision, Adams State University; M.A. Counseling, Dallas Theological Seminary; B.S. North Carolina A&T State University. Specializations: narrative therapy, marriage & family/couples, adolescents, justice-involved, multicultural issues, Biblical/theological integration. Member: ACA, ACES, SACES, CAPS, NBCC, Chi Sigma Iota
Robert C. Duckworth, Ph.D.
Kristel Headley, Ph.D.
Licensed School Counselor. Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision, Regent University; M.A. Liberty University; B.A. University of Richmond. Approved Clinical Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Board Certified in Telemental Health. Specializations: college and emerging adulthood; women’s issues; anxiety and trauma; childhood and adolescence; cultural transitions. Member: ACA, ACES, SACES, APT, TCA, TACES
Kristel Headley, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of the School of Counseling
Stanley Hoover, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of the School of Counseling; Associate Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. Ph.D. Counselor Education, and Supervision, Mercer University; M.A., Professional Counseling with specializations in Trauma Counseling and Counseling and Spirituality, Richmont Graduate University; B.A. Psychology, Taylor University. Specializations: relational psychodynamic theory and practice, developmental trauma, religious and spiritual coping in response to trauma, spiritually oriented psychotherapy, and clinical supervision. Member: ACA, ACES, SACES, LPCAGA, CAPS
Stanley Hoover, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Stephanie Keane, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Clinical Training; Assistant Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; M.S. Palm Beach Atlantic University; B.A. Florida State University. Specializations: trauma, anxiety, depression, identity development, borderline personality disorder, substance and process addictions, Christian counseling. Member: ACA, ACES, PCA, NARACES
Stephanie Keane, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Clinical Training; Assistant Professor
Laura Land, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Associate Professor. Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. Ph.D. Counseling and Counselor Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; M.A. Clinical Mental Health, Pentecostal Theological Seminary; B.A. Lee University. Specializations: trauma, addiction, child and adolescent therapy, grief, community counseling, depression and anxiety. Member: ACA, ACES, ASERVIC, LPCA of Ga, IARTC, AARC, NCC
Laura Land, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Andrew Morse, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision, Mercer University; M.S. Counseling, Mercer University; B.B.A. University of West Georgia. Specializations: addiction counseling, marital counseling, adult children of alcoholics. Member: ACA, ACES, Southern ACES, LPCA of GA
Andrew Morse, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Emily Oliver, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AAMFT Approved Supervisor. Ph.D. Marriage and Family Therapy, Lee University; M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy with specializations in Child and Adolescent Counseling and Christian Sex Therapy, Richmont Graduate University; B.A. Taylor University. Specializations: sex therapy; couples, marital, and family counseling; religious trauma/abuse, religious deconstruction. Member: AAMFT, TNAMFT
Emily Oliver, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Amy Perkins, Ph.D.
Clinical Professor of Counseling; Staff Psychologist at Henegar Counseling Center
Licensed Psychologist. Ph.D.Counseling Psychology, University of Georgia; M.Ed. Professional Counseling with Marriage and Family Certificate, University of Georgia; B.S. Birmingham-Southern College. Specializations: assessment, adolescent development, interpersonal relationships, cognitive-behavioral therapy, addiction issues, grief, depression and anxiety. Member: CPSA, NCC, TPA, APA, Division 17
Amy Perkins, Ph.D.
Clinical Professor; Staff Psychologist at Henegar Counseling Center
Mary Plisco, Ph.D.
Director of Research; Professor
Licensed Psychologist. Ph.D., M.S. University of Florida; B.A. UNC at Chapel Hill. Specializations: anxiety, depression, child and adolescent counseling. Member: ACA, APA, CAPS, GPA, IOCDF
Mary Plisco, Ph.D.
Director of Research; Professor
Jennifer Tipton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor. Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision, University of TN, Knoxville; M.Ed. Vanderbilt University; B.S. Middle TN State University. Specializations: Aging Adults, Anxiety Disorders, Attachment, Creative Arts Based Counseling, Grief and Loss, Qualitative Research, Trauma. Member: ACA, ACES, Chi Sigma Iota, NBCC, SACES, TSMCA
Jennifer Tipton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Jack Underwood, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Professional Counselor. Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision, Mercer University with certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy; M.S. Professional Counseling, Mercer University; B.A. Western Washington University. Specializations: self-love, anxiety, depression, integrated families, marriage/couples, adolescents, substance and process addictions, Christian counseling, faith exploration. Member: ACA, ACES, AACC, LPCAGA
Jack Underwood, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Emeritus
Stephen P. Bradshaw, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus. Licensed Psychologist. Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision, CACREP Accredited, University of Tennessee; M.Ed. Community Counseling, Georgia State University; B.A. William Jennings Bryan College. Specializations: individual marriage and family counseling, legal and ethical issues, and integration of psychology and theology. Member: ACA, AACC, CAPS, IAMFC
Stephen P. Bradshaw, Ph.D.
Jerry A. Gladson, Ph.D.
Ph.D., M.A., Vanderbilt University; B.A., Southern College. Professor Emeritus. Emeritus status at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Adjunct Professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA. Specializations: theodicy, the Megilloth and wisdom literature of the Old Testament.
Jerry A. Gladson, Ph.D.
William E. McGee, Ed.D.
Professor Emeritus. Licensed Psychologist. Certified Professional Counselor. Ed.D., M.A., B.S., University of Tennessee. Specializations: child and adolescent counseling and psychological evaluation. Member: ACA, ACES, APA, CAPS, TPA, CAPA, NAN, SCEH, ABMP, ABFE, NASP, National Register (Psychology), CCGC
William E. McGee, Ed.D.
Evalin Rhodes Hanshew, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita. Retired psychologist and professional counselor. Ph.D. Georgia State University. PSI/Richmont alumna. Interests include personality, mood disorders, and relationship difficulties.
Evalin Rhodes Hanshew, Ph.D.
Jama L. White, Psy.D.
Professor Emerita
Licensed Psychologist, Health Service Provider. Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider. National Certified Counselor. Approved Clinical Supervisor recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Psy.D. and M.A. Clinical Psychology, Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology, Biola University; B.S.N., East Tennessee State University. Specializations: women’s issues, trauma, spiritual issues and grief. Member: AACC, ACA, APA, ACES, CAPS, NRHSPP
Jama L. White, Psy.D.
Professor Emerita