NCMHCE Exam Prep

The purpose of this webinar is to prepare professional counselors for the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

Participants will apply theoretical knowledge derived from updated work behaviors presented in the following six content domains: Areas of Clinical Focus; Professional Practice and Ethics; Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis; Counseling Skills and Interventions; Treatment Planning, and Core Counseling Attributes.

Attendees will learn to condense information and acquire unique strategies for remembering and applying common concepts, interventions, and techniques.

This four-day webinar series will use case studies and sample exam practice questions to advance participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies through each phase of clinical treatment.

Participants will acquire strategies for quickly determining the correct answers to multiple-choice questions and avoiding careless mistakes.

The following are the areas of focus:

• Human Growth and Development Theories in Counseling
• Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling
• Helping Relationships in Counseling
• Group Counseling Theories and Processes
• Career Counseling and Lifestyle Development
• Assessment in Counseling
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Professional Orientation to Counseling

Session One

Course Overview:

In this session, Corey Pitts, LCMHC, LCAS will discuss a detailed overview of each exam content area, ensuring a thorough understanding of what to expect. Delve into the intricacies of the exam format, equipping yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate it successfully. Dive into the practical application of knowledge with an in-depth discussion of an initial case study example.

Navigate the often intricate world of scoring with clarity and precision. Understand the mechanisms behind how NCMHCE exams are scored, ensuring you’re well-versed in the evaluation process. Gain insights into the criteria that contribute to successful scoring, allowing you to approach the full-length exam with confidence and strategic awareness.

Session Objectives:

• Explain the overview of all of the required exam content areas and exam format.
• Discuss the initial case study example.
• Introduce and discuss counseling skills and interventions.
• Understand the mechanisms behind how exams are scored.

Session Two

Course Overview:

In this session, Corey Pitts will discuss and practice counseling skills and interventions through a combination of psych-ed and application via case studies. This will also include a discussion regarding general assessment skills required to be a proficient mental health clinician.

Session Objectives:

• Practice and discussion of counseling skills and interventions.
• Discuss the introduction and application of counseling skills and interventions.
• Explain the processes of intake as a mental health clinician.
• Review of proper assessment and diagnosis techniques as a mental health clinician.

Session Three

Course Overview:

In this session, Corey Pitts will introduce, discuss, and practice proper treatment planning, as well as how skills of assessment and diagnosis can assist with it. We will also review and discuss professional practice and ethics as a mental health clinician.

Session Objectives: 

• Discuss what treatment planning consists of, the processes of approaching treatment planning, and how treatment planning via person-centered approaches is the preferred method.
• Explain the development of SMART Goals via treatment planning.
• Discuss case examples that demonstrate how treatment planning supports and improves clinical practice.
• Review the professional practice and ethics via the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. 

Session Four

Course Overview:

In the fourth session of the online NCMHCE exam prep course, Corey Pitts will finalize our discussion with a review of prior course contents, as well as an introduction to core counseling attributes. We will also spend the majority of time on mock examples and practice tests as a class.

Session Objectives:

• Discuss the points with a thorough review of any questions regarding prior content. 
• Explain the core counseling attributes.
• Practice mock case examples and tests as a class to gain familiarity with applying knowledge to test content.

Who Needs to Pass the NCMHCE Exam?

Here’s who typically needs to pass the NCMHCE licensing exam:

1. LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor): In many states, LMHC candidates are required to pass the NCMHCE to earn licensure. Some states may require the NCE (National Counselor Examination) instead, but the NCMHCE focuses more on clinical skills, which is why it is often preferred for mental health counseling licenses.
2. LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor): Similar to LMHCs, many states require LPCC candidates to pass the NCMHCE for licensure, especially in states that emphasize clinical mental health counseling.
3. Other mental health professionals: Some states may require the NCMHCE for additional licenses, like LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) or other similar designations. The exam is focused on clinical skills, making it a good fit for professionals in clinical settings.

Professionals aiming for more general counseling credentials like the NCC or those just passing the NCE may not need to take the NCMHCE, depending on state requirements. However, the NCMHCE is critical for those focused on clinical mental health practice.

Be sure to check your specific state’s requirements, as licensure laws vary.