Program Accolades

Expansion of Master's-Level Experiential Learning in Integrated Behavioral Health Settings

• In 2014, the Professional Counseling Program at UHV was awarded a FY 2014 Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) for Professionals grant in the amount of $816,349. In support of the White House's "Now is the Time" initiative, the grant program expanded the mental health and substance abuse workforce serving children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth at risk for developing or who have developed a recognized behavioral health disorder. The Professional Counseling Program at UHV expanded the behavioral health workforce by supporting pre-degree clinical internships and field placements for professional counseling graduate students. All internships and field placements focused on working with at-risk children, adolescents, and transitional-age youth, and involved experiential training that offered participation in established interprofessional and integrated teams. Press Release: UHV counseling education program to use grant for student stipends".
• This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number [G02HP27979] and title [Expanding Master’s-Level Experiential Learning in Integrated Behavioral Health Settings] for grant amount [$816,349.00]. This program is fully funded by HHS. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Involvement in Veteran Affairs

• In 2015, the College of Education and Health Professions (formerly, UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development) and the DeBakey VA center partnered in a pilot program designed to expand the recruitment pipeline of well-trained, highly qualified health care providers in mental health professions. UHV was one of just seven universities in the nation to take part in the first-of-its-kind pilot program. UHV graduate students Miriam Harris and Camecia Mike, both of Houston, and Sandra Wilson of Dickinson were interns at DeBakey. All three graduate students pursued and completed a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the Professional Counseling Program. Press Release: "VA pilot program provides internships for UHV counseling students".

Allied Pathways

• In 2015, the College of Education and Health Professions (formerly, UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development) was awarded a grant in the amount of $300,601 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Division of Academic Quality and Workforce under the Minority Health Research and Education Grant Program. The Professional Counseling Program created easier pathways to UHV, allowing more students from underrepresented minority groups in Texas to participate in health professions programs. Press Release: UHV selected for grant to boost minority participation in health professions.

UHV Clinical Mental Health Counseling Scholarships for Disadvantage Students

• In 2016, the College of Education and Health Professions (formerly, UHV School of Education, Health Professions & Human Development) received a $2.54 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant was used for student scholarships for underrepresented populations, such as minority students, students from low-income families or first-generation college students. Press Release: UHV counselor education program receives $2.5 million grant for student scholarships.
• This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number [T08HP0223], titled the University of Houston-Victoria Clinical Mental Health Counseling Scholarships for Disadvantage Students, and the current award amount is $633,765. This program is exclusively funded by HHS. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Program Recognition

The students and faculty of the Professional Counseling Program at UHV have a long reputation of making an impact in a variety of sectors including higher education, community outreach, and research.

• 2009 - UHV professor presents at national counseling conference
• 2010 - National organization accredits UHV counseling degrees after lengthy process
• 2011 - UHV counseling student makes a difference to youth, adults with disabilities
• 2012 - UHV associate professor to receive state counseling award
• 2012 - UHV faculty member uses play time as counseling tool
• 2012 - Counseling honors society initiates UHV students
• 2012 - Graduate student uses own experiences to counsel people with disabilities
• 2014 - Counseling professor ready to lead UHV Faculty Senate
• 2014 - UHV counseling education degrees re-accredited by national organization
• 2014 - Adult student follows true calling to become autism counselor
• 2016 - UHV graduate counseling programs receive acknowledgment from national groups
• 2016 - UHV’s clinical mental health counseling degree earns national accreditation
• 2016 - UHV counselor education program receives $2.5 million grant for student scholarships
• 2016 - UHV counseling educator teaches how music, basketball can help clients
• 2017 - UHV school counseling program draws national top 10 ranking
• 2017 - UHV graduate counseling student earns position working with veterans
• 2019 - UHV students give presentations at state counseling conference
• 2019 - Group re-accredits graduate counseling education program
• 2021 - UHV updates graduate counselor education programs to Master of Science to help students
• 2021 - UHV faculty member receives counseling research grant