The University of St. Thomas Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program has achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for the second year in a row. The NCE is a national examination that is part of the process of becoming Licensed Professional Counselors in the state of Texas.
“This is a direct reflection of the team’s hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Ana-Lisa Gonzalez, dean of the School of Education and Human Services. “Excellent work!”
This achievement of the UST Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program exceeds the national pass rate of 89 percent. The CMHC program is the only clinical mental health counseling program in the Greater Houston area that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the premier accrediting body for counselor education programs, which means UST’s program is a graduate-level counseling program that meets the highest national education and training standards set by CACREP. This 100 percent pass rate achievement further reflects the University’s commitment to providing high-quality counselor education and preparing students for success in the profession.
Ashley Ann Daniel Ph.D., LPC-S, assistant professor and program chair of the CMHC program, congratulates the students and her team on their hard work.
“We attribute this accomplishment to the hard work and dedication of our students, the commitment of our faculty, adjuncts, and staff to excellence in teaching and training, and the continued support of our University leadership,” she said. “This milestone represents the collective dedication of our entire CMHC community and our shared commitment to developing knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate professional counselors.”
Recent CMHC graduate Jharyn K. Craig, ‘26, M.S., LPC-Associate, said the CMHC program challenged her academically, strengthened her professionally, and, most importantly, helped her grow into the counselor and person she is becoming.
“Passing the NCE and seeing our cohort achieve a 100 percent pass rate is a reflection of the preparation and support we received throughout the program,” Craig said. “UST gave me more than a degree; it gave me confidence in my calling, meaningful relationships, and a foundation that I will carry with me throughout my career.”
She said she is incredibly grateful for the professors, supervisors, classmates, and mentors who encouraged her and reminded her of the importance of leading with compassion and integrity.
"My time at the University of St. Thomas has been one of the most transformative chapters of my journey,” Craig said. “I will always be grateful that UST was a part of my journey to becoming the counselor I prayed and worked so hard to become."
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health at UST integrates clinical knowledge, skill-building, and professional identity through a highly experiential learning model. Students are encouraged to engage deeply, cultivating self-awareness and clinical competence essential for effective counseling practice. For more information about UST’s unique CMHC program, visit the website.