August 19, 2026
East Texas Baptist University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
CACREP accreditation is widely recognized as a premier standard for counseling education programs and reflects a program’s commitment to academic preparation, qualified faculty, assessment, and student and program outcomes. ETBU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program underwent an extensive accreditation process requiring evidence that the program met more than 100 CACREP standards and involved administrators, faculty, students, alumni, and site supervisors.
“This is a significant accomplishment for East Texas Baptist University and an important milestone for our graduate counseling program,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas Sanders said. “The accreditation will strengthen our ability to attract students and provide our graduates with an important credential as they pursue positions and professional opportunities where CACREP accreditation is preferred or required.”
The accreditation process included significant requirements related to curriculum, assessment, faculty qualifications, and program outcomes. Among the requirements for CACREP accreditation is that primary faculty members be graduates of CACREP-accredited programs.
“CACREP is the highest accrediting body for counseling education programs, and we are so thankful to have achieved this milestone for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program,” Program Director for Clinical Mental Health Counseling Dr. Treva Barham said. “This accreditation reflects the standard of excellence we use to equip counselors-in-training at ETBU. This accreditation designation will benefit students and alumni as they enter the counseling profession nationwide, reflecting the rigor and excellence of the education they receive at ETBU.”
Dr. Laurie Smith, dean of ETBU’s School of Natural and Social Sciences, said the accreditation confirms the caliber of the program and thorough academic training by faculty.
“CACREP is the gold standard accrediting agency for counseling programs,” Dr. Smith said. “This accreditation serves as a confirmation of what we already knew: that we have an excellent program led by a strong faculty that prepare our students to successfully serve as professional counselors in meeting the needs of those who struggle with mental health issues.”
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares competent community counselors through an approach that integrates faith and counseling principles. The program emphasizes not only clinical expertise but also the ability to synthesize information and exercise effective clinical judgment to improve the quality of life within communities and schools.
The program follows an expertise development model designed to facilitate the acquisition of higher-order knowledge, clinical skills, and professional identity. Its curriculum incorporates additive learning, with coursework intentionally structured to progressively increase in difficulty as students develop and refine their clinical competence.
Dr. Sanders expressed particular appreciation for the faculty members whose work helped bring the longstanding goal to fruition.
“I am especially grateful for the dedication, perseverance, and patience of Drs. Laurie Smith, Treva Barham, and Allen Appiah-Boateng,” Dr. Sanders said. “Their incredible work throughout this lengthy process made this achievement possible.”