Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
The Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health program prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be successful in a variety of counseling related settings including marriage and family, substance use and addictions, and general counseling. The 100% online program for adults is designed to allow students to develop clinical proficiencies through academic courses and practicum experiences at a time and setting convenient to their schedule.
This degree is a fit for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and now seek a graduate counseling education. A background in Psychology is helpful, though not required.
The program can be completed in two years, or six semesters of full-time continuous enrollment.
Key Program Features
Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of counseling and current trends of counseling including marriage and family, addictions
Demonstrate knowledge of the plight and scope of culturally diverse populations including physical, mental, social, and cultural
Ability to assess, diagnose, plan treatment, and evaluate client outcomes
Understand trauma and crisis intervention techniques
Understand counseling theories specific clinical mental health, marriage and family, and addictions
Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal standards of practice
Program Details
- Students benefit from small classes led by many instructors with field experience
- 3 courses practicum experience focused on direct supervised clinical experience with individuals, couples, and families as required by licensing boards in North Carolina
- No GRE or other test scores required
- Students do NOT need undergraduate degrees in Psychology or Psychology-related field
- Program can be completed in 2 years for MS, 6 semesters full-time continuous enrollment
*Eligibility to obtain professional licensure for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor pending Program accreditation by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
*Eligibility to obtain professional licensure for Marriage and Family Therapist pending Program accreditation by The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
*Eligibility to obtain professional licensure for Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist pending approval of courses specific to substance use and addictions by The North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.
Students will develop knowledge and skills related to general counseling practice, marriage and family therapy, addictions counseling. Graduates will be prepared to assess for trauma and provide crisis intervention, as well as learn to diagnose and develop treatment plans and evaluate client progress.
As a part of the Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health, applicants will be required to:
- Submit a personal statement to include the following (250 word minimum for each question):
1. How does the Masters of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health program support your professional goals? And, why is this graduate degree in counseling the right one for this season of your life?
2. Describe a time when you received feedback that was difficult to hear in the moment. How did you respond? How did the experience impact you directly? How did the experience influence immediate relationships (person(s) who gave the feedback, others connected to the situation)? - Participate in a pre-admissions interview, by invitation. The interview is conducted online; applicants must have a webcam and microphone.
- Online new student orientation is required prior to the start of the program. Two sessions will be provided; a weekday evening session and a weekend morning session.
- GRE or GMAT are not required.
More Information
The MS program is comprised of 20 courses totaling 60 semester-credit hours.
6 maximum transfer credit hours allowed upon approval of program director.
- PSY 500: Professional Identity, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Counseling
- PSY 510: Theories of Counseling
- PSY 520: Multicultural Counseling
- PSY 530: Psychopathology and Counseling
- PSY 540: Issues in Human Sexuality and Gender Roles
- PSY 550: Trauma and Crisis Intervention Counseling
- PSY 560: Human Growth and Development
- PSY 570: Group Counseling
- PSY 600: Theories of Family Systems
- PSY 610: Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Techniques and Helping Relationships
- PSY 620: Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Children, Adolescents, and Families
- PSY 630: Marriage and Family Therapy Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
- PSY 640: Marriage and Family Therapy Research Methodology
- PSY 660: Foundations of Addictions and Substance Use Counseling
- PSY 670: Addictions Diagnosis and Treatment
- PSY 680: Addictions Case Management and Prevention
- PSY 690: Individual and Family Therapy in Addictions Counseling
- PSY 691: Marriage and Family Therapy Practicum I
- PSY 692: Marriage and Family Therapy Practicum II
- PSY 693: Marriage and Family Therapy Practicum III
- Private Practice
- Hospitals
- Mental Health Centers
- Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
- Outpatient Treatment Centers
- Public and Private Universities
- Social Services
- Legal and Correction Systems
- Government
- Military
- Veteran Administration
- Religious and Faith-based Settings