Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice (Health and Behavioral Health)

The Face to Face MSW prepares students to move into clinical or macro practice. Students primarily attend face to face classes at the main UH campus and have access to two areas of specialized practice, four specializations and our four dual degree programs. Face to Face program students attend full-time. The Face to Face program is primarily a day-time program and cannot be completed only on evenings. Both program options, Advanced Standing and full program are available Face to Face.

Clinical Practice is the application of theories, methods, skills, values and ethics needed to enhance the cognitive, mental, emotional, behavioral, physical and social well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. Clinical practice requires leadership in promoting social, economic and political justice. Its methods are relationship-centered, contextualized, culturally sensitive and strengths focused. It includes knowledge about biopsychosocial functioning - and - evidence based interventions. Clinical practice includes, (but not limited to) assessment and intervention, diagnosis and treatment, education and prevention, advocacy, counseling and psychotherapy, supervision and consultation.

Houston is home to the world's largest medical center and is one of the country's most diverse cities and as a result, provides an excellent training ground for students interested in health equity for poor and vulnerable populations. Social workers increasingly serve clients across the lifespan with multiple, complex presenting problems who access medical settings for mental health services. The Health and Behavioral Health Specialization positions students to benefit from the cutting-edge behavioral health programs within Houston, as well as the strong and innovative health and behavioral health research, teaching, and practice expertise that our College faculty possess. Behavioral health social workers promote well-being through prevention and interventions in mental illness and substance abuse or other addictions (NASW, 2014). Students completing the Health and Behavioral Health Specialization are prepared with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to work in integrated health systems. Integrated health provides mental health alongside medical services and is increasingly part of the U.S. health care system. Clinical students are trained to work in mental health and/or substance abuse prevention and intervention service delivery settings through advanced coursework in evidence-based behavioral health assessment and treatment and field practica in agencies that offer mental health and/or substance abuse services. Macro students receive advanced training in understanding and assessing the social determinants of health disparities, as well as in analyzing the policies and funding streams that affect the delivery of behavioral health services.

Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate education must reflect a sound liberal arts foundation, including courses in the humanities, arts, and in the social and biological sciences. Scanned copies of official transcripts can be used to make an admissions decision. If admitted, an official transcript showing degree awarded must be sent to the UH Graduate School in order to enroll in classes.

Have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale) for all undergraduate and graduate course work.

The minimum TOEFL score required is 79 for the internet-based test.
The minimum TOEFL score for the paper-based (pBT) exam is 550 or higher.
The minimum TOEFL score for the new revised paper-based exam is: Reading 20, Listening 20, and Writing 20.
The minimum IELTS score required is an overall score of a 6.5.