Answer Your Call To Help Others With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program is offered both online and through in-person evening classes by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The graduate program provides opportunities to study and apply evidence-based counseling theories and practical applications.
Locations
Tuition Rate
Online: $590 per credit [More Info]
Transfer Credits
The coursework in this program is non-transferable from other institutions.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Or Passing Test Scores:
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Benefits of Earning Your Master’s From GCU
As a student, you will be instructed to develop a greater awareness of social and cultural trends and equipped, providing the foundation to serve diverse populations. Furthermore, you will examine legal and professional standards, and are encouraged to think critically about current ethical issues that you may encounter in future practice as a clinical mental health counselor.
Flexible Learning Formats to Fit Your Lifestyle
GCU offers various program formats for all types of learners, whether you prefer face-to-face instruction or online learning. Browse through different program options to see which modalities are offered for your preferred program.
Earn Your Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online
When you pursue your master’s degree online at GCU, you will have access to our digital online learning platform and support from knowledgeable counselor educators. The majority of the courses in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are offered online, allowing you the flexibility to complete the coursework while balancing your other responsibilities.
Online LearningLicensure Requirements
One of the first steps toward licensure in your state is to obtain your master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Once a master’s degree is obtained, you will need to complete necessary examinations, supervision and counseling hours specific to your state. Once licensure is obtained, licensed clinical mental health counselors can work with individuals, couples, families and groups. Counselors focus on discovering underlying causes for mental health distress and aide in treating symptoms of mental and emotional concerns.1 A master’s degree is a required step before licensure can be achieved your respective state.2
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Course Topics
Effective clinical mental health counselors are strong communicators, active listeners and empathetic, compassionate people who can make genuine connections with their clients. In this master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree program, you will explore the client-counselor relationship and learn to establish appropriate boundaries.
You will have the opportunity to learn how to evaluate and apply evidence-based research to your practice. This program also offers a career counseling course, which provides a broad understanding of career development and decisions as a clinical mental health counselor.
As a student in the clinical mental health counseling program, you will need to complete the counseling practicum and two internship experiences. These provide supervised clinical experience in the counseling field.
Additionally, the courses in this master’s program will cover these key topic areas:
- The stages, processes and effects of substance use disorders, including the social and emotional dynamics of these disorders
- Multicultural counseling theories and identity development
- Group counseling dynamics, theories and ethical standards
- Evidence-based assessment procedures for determining a client’s mental or emotional status
- The basic principles of psychopharmacology and the effects of psychoactive substances
Career Opportunities With an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The master’s in clinical mental health counseling covers a variety of topics so you can pursue a career helping diverse clients reach their full potential. Once you obtain your master’s in counseling degree, you will need to take the necessary exams and complete supervision and counseling hours as a post-graduate before achieving licensure.
Once licensed in your state, clinical mental health counselors will have the opportunity to offer counseling services for substance use, trauma, depression, and other mental health needs.
Number of new jobs estimated to open for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032.3
Licensed clinical mental health counselors often practice in the following settings:
Take Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courses From an Accredited University
GCU’s master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling graduate program is designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.
GCU’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree can help prepare graduates to work toward professional licensure. The program meets the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Students who wish to practice in another state should check the state’s specific requirements.
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling FAQs
If you would like to learn more about earning a clinical mental health counseling degree, please read our answers to these frequently asked questions:
Course List
Credit Summary
Major62 Credits
Degree Requirements62 Credits
Core Courses
UNV-508
2 Total Credits
Introduction to Graduate Studies in Counseling
CNL-505
3 Total Credits
Professional Counseling, Ethical, and Legal Considerations
CNL-500
3 Total Credits
Theories and Models of Counseling
CNL-501
3 Total Credits
Substance Use Disorders and Addictions
CNL-515
3 Total Credits
Counseling Skills
CNL-509
3 Total Credits
Counseling the Culturally Diverse
CNL-520
3 Total Credits
Group Counseling
CNL-527
3 Total Credits
Principles of Psychopharmacology
CNL-530
3 Total Credits
Human Sexuality and Issues of Aging
CNL-518
3 Total Credits
Lifespan and Development
CNL-521
3 Total Credits
Counseling Couples and Families
CNL-545
3 Total Credits
Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Counseling
CNL-523
3 Total Credits
Assessment, Tests, and Measurements
CNL-525
3 Total Credits
Career Counseling
CNL-540
3 Total Credits
Research Methods and Program Evaluation
CNL-610
3 Total Credits
Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
CNL-605
3 Total Credits
Psychopathology
CNL-644
2 Total Credits
Assessment of Mental and Emotional Health Status
CNL-624
2 Total Credits
Counseling Practicum
CNL-664A
4 Total Credits
Counseling Internship I
CNL-664B
4 Total Credits
Counseling Internship II
Make an Impact in Patient Experiences
If you feel that God has called you to serve those who are struggling with psychological, social and/or behavioral issues, you can earn your Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University.