Master of Science - Nutrition & Clinical Psychology

Program Summary - MSNCHP

The MSNCHP program integrates training in nutritional counseling and mental health counseling, leading to licensure as a mental health counselor. The program includes a supervised practicum with a diverse patient population and a wide range of patient complaints, including chronic disease (diabetes, hypertension), depression/anxiety, ADHD and eating disorders. Students study disease processes and the dynamic relationship between nutrition and mental health.

Graduation Requirements

MSNCHP students must complete a minimum of 118 credits (79 credits in residence) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. MSNCHP students must complete their degree within six years following matriculation into the program. A graduation requirement of the MSNCHP program is that students must complete 600 hours of supervised counseling (including hours in counseling classes at BCNH and its satellites and external practicum sites), of which 100 hours need to be in nutrition counseling.

In addition to the didactic and clinical experience, MSNCHP students are required to complete 10 hours of individual counseling or therapy before their counseling shift at the BCNH. Counseling may occur at the Bastyr Counseling Center or with a private counselor of the student's choice. Documentation of these hours is required.

Exit Exam

Successful completion of a clinical competency exit examination is a requirement for students in the third year of the MSNCHP. This examination tests the minimal knowledge and skills required to perform nutritional and mental health counseling with diverse clients. The examination does not cover the whole curriculum and cannot substitute for any part of regular course requirements. Students are eligible to schedule the exit exam if they are in good academic standing, have completed or are concurrently registered for all required (non-elective) courses by the end of the term in which they want to take the exam, and are making satisfactory progress in the practicum.

Expected Competencies

Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in their graduate course work. Bastyr graduates are qualified to provide exceptional nutrition and counseling services to individuals and institutions and contribute positively to the nutritional and mental health education of the community.

Students are expected to stay on track with the counseling curriculum. Students who wish to go off track must have permission from the director of clinical training.

Prerequisites - MSNCHP

To be competitive for admissions into the MSNCHP option the following GPAs are strongly recommended:

• 3.25 in prerequisite coursework (classes listed as specific prerequisites)
• 3.25 cumulative in science coursework
• 3.25 in nutrition coursework
• 3.0 cumulative undergraduate coursework

Entering students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate degree, and must have completed the following courses with a C or better in each class:

Frequently Asked Questions - MSNCHP

Can I do both the CHP & DPD tracks?

Yes. It will take an extra year to complete your degree but it is possible.  Because the DPD track has slightly different admission requirements it is recommended that prospective students apply for that track and then work with an advisor to add the CHP upon acceptance.

Can I do both the CHP & Research tracks?

Absolutely, although students should always be aware that class schedule conflicts could arise. Core research classes and core psychology classes are not expressly accommodated in scheduling.

Is the MSNCHP program CACREP accredited?

No. CACREP (Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) is a national movement to standardize licensure and education for mental health counseling since mental health licensure requirements vary substantially from state to state. Currently, our program is designed to meet the Washington state mental health licensure requirements and to prepare students to take the National Counseling Examination, which certain states require for licensure.  Students planning to practice outside of Washington state following graduation should check on the individual licensing requirements for their state to determine whether additional coursework may be required.

What is the underlying psychological paradigm or emphasis of the program?

Bastyr University’s MSNCHP program does not rely solely on one paradigm, though the program has a unique focus in health psychology and as such incorporates the biopsychosocial model across all areas of curriculum.  The curriculum also incorporates an array of theories so students can decide as providers what to offer their clients in accord with approaches that have been found to be effective and that best fit the recommended goals. The program also infuses attention to diversity issues across the curriculum.

Is the Certified Nutritionist credential recognized outside of the state of Washington?

This varies by state. Students planning to practice outside of Washington state following graduation should check on the individual health professional licensing requirements for their state to determine scope of practice for nutrition services.

Will I be a licensed mental health counselor upon graduation?

No, you will be required to work as a mental health counselor with a supervisor signing off on your hours. In the state of Washington it is necessary to complete 3,000 post-graduate supervised hours before submitting an application to obtain licensure as a mental health counselor. However, you are eligible for employment as a counselor and to take the state licensing exam upon commencement.