Receive theologically-informed psychological training for preparation to work in the fields of marriage and family therapy and mental health counseling.

The Master of Arts in Counseling is an integrative academic and clinical program. Your learning in the program will be guided by mentorship of faculty and enhanced by spiritual direction. You’ll gain knowledge of concepts and practically apply theory and techniques in clinical work with supervision and mentorship.

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to pursue licensure^ to work as a qualified therapist and counselor in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health agencies, and hospitals as mental health practitioners, as well as schools, chemical dependency agencies, and ministry settings. Students pursuing clinical work after graduation must complete additional requirements. Additional details are provided below.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling program encompasses academic, clinical, and personal achievement and development.  Full-time commitment entails approximately two years for completion of approximately 3,000 hours of academic and clinical work.

Licensure and Credentialing

Professional mental health practitioners are held to high standards of care and professionalism.  As such, Master of Arts in Counseling students pursuing clinical work after graduation must complete additional requirements.  Requirements for licensure are set forth by statutory laws and regulations and vary from state to state.  Subsequent requirements include, but are not limited to, application to a state licensing regulatory board, post-graduate direct clinical hours, plan and approval of a supervisor, and successful passage of a national licensure examination.  Students will create a plan for academic, clinical, and post-graduate licensure with the guidance of faculty.

Supervised Clinical Experience

Kairos offers a unique setting for clinical development. On-site clinical training and supervision are provided by faculty who are licensed, mental health professionals with full-time practices at Sioux Falls Psychological Services, which is owned and operated by the seminary and houses the Community Counseling Clinic (CCC).  The clinic provides supervised, student-therapy to uninsured and/or under-insured individuals, couples, and families.

Core Areas

In addition to meeting outcome standards set forth by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and MFT and counseling standards, all targets and coursework meet Kairos standards and will develop you in these core areas:

• Integration of psychology and Christian theology; all truth is God’s truth;
• Ethical and legal issues; ethical codes and laws protect all;
• Multicultural and social justice issues; all are created uniquely and are worthy of regard;
• Systemic issues and perspectives; all are created for and in relationship with one another;
• Substance abuse and chemical dependency; healthy coping is essential to healthy living;
• Spiritual formation for personal and professional spiritual development; caring professionals must develop personal,
  self-care to best care for everyone they treat.