Spirituality & Religion in CACREP Programs: A National Systematic Review

Authors

• Timothy M. Powers, St. John Fisher UniversityFollow
• Mikaleh McCoy, University of Rochester

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

This study presents the findings from a nation-wide systematic review of the prevalence of standalone spirituality and/or religious courses in CACREP-accredited clinical mental health master’s programs in the United States. Out of 419 identified programs, only 18.8% offered standalone courses on spirituality and/or religion in counseling. The findings raise pragmatic concerns about the profession’s ability to prepare culturally responsive counselors able to integrate holistic interventions and multicultural viewpoints. The absence of structured training in these areas contrasts the counseling profession’s holistic wellness-focused origins, pointing toward the need for continued research and curricular development.

Comments

Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

Presented at the 2025 Conference of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Philadelphia PA

Publication Information

Powers, Timothy M. and McCoy, Mikaleh, "Spirituality & Religion in CACREP Programs: A National Systematic Review" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 158.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/158

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