MANKATO, MN – Bethany Lutheran College has announced that its Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master’s program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, known as CACREP, widely recognized as the gold standard in counselor education.
The accreditation affirms that Bethany’s program meets or exceeds national standards for academic quality, clinical preparation, and professional practice. During the course of a thorough review process, CACREP evaluates programs in areas including learning environment, counseling curriculum, supervised practicum and internship experiences, faculty qualifications, student assessment, and specialized preparation in clinical mental health counseling.
Dr. Benjamin Kohls, director of graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling, said the recognition reflects years of intentional development and faculty dedication.
“I am incredibly proud of our team in the CMHC program for their unwavering commitment to counselor education and training,” Kohls said. “The accreditation process requires significant dedication and rigor, and achieving CACREP accreditation is a meaningful milestone for our program. Recognition affirms that our graduates are prepared according to the highest standards in the profession and are well-equipped to serve individuals, families, and communities with competence and care.”
Kohls said the accreditation gives prospective students confidence that their training meets the highest standard, aligned with licensure requirements, and designed to prepare them for skilled, ethical practice. He added that the program combines academic excellence, focused clinical preparation, and thoughtful faith integration to equip graduates for meaningful careers in counseling.
What accreditation means for students and graduates:
- Assured program quality: CACREP regularly updates its standards to reflect developments in the counseling profession. Accreditation confirms that Bethany’s curriculum, faculty credentials and supervised clinical experiences align with national benchmarks.
- Stronger pathways to licensure: Many state licensing boards incorporate CACREP standards into their requirements. Research indicates graduates of CACREP-accredited programs perform strongly on the National Counselor Examination, and in several states a CACREP degree is required or preferred for licensure.
- Expanded career opportunities: Employers, including federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, often prioritize or require degrees from CACREP-accredited programs.
- Transferability and continued education: Credits from CACREP-accredited programs are more readily accepted by other institutions, supporting graduates who pursue advanced study or additional specialization.
Dr. Jason Lowrey, vice president for academic affairs, said the milestone marks an important chapter for the college.
“All of us at Bethany are thrilled to have the CMHC program recognized with CACREP accreditation,” Lowrey said. “The dedication of the clinical mental health counseling team has been evident since the program began, and we see this step not as an end point, but as the beginning of even greater things. We are grateful for the difference our students are making in the lives of those who are hurting.”
The accreditation marks continued growth in Bethany’s graduate education efforts. The College recently approved a master of arts in organizational leadership, a fully online program that will now be submitted to the Higher Learning Commission for final review and is anticipated to launch in fall 2027 pending approval.
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Ben Kohls at 507-344-7302 or e-mail [email protected]