Master of Science in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology (MSNCHP)  Program

The MSNCHP program integrates training in nutritional counseling and mental health counseling, leading to licensure as a mental health counselor. The program includes a 600-hour 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.

Read frequently asked questions about the MSNCHP program.