Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Pursue an Online Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health CounselingProgram Overview
In the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Post University, you will have the opportunity to explore personal wellness and strengths, as well as develop professional skills useful in the field of clinical mental health counseling. This graduate program could also help you develop an understanding of the societal issues and trends as you explore evidenced-based models of prevention, consultation, intervention, and education for a broad range of mental health issues.
This Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online program provides the opportunity to build a solid foundation of knowledge and theory as it applies to the current landscape of clinical mental health counseling. Coursework is designed to help you refine that foundation with a thorough understanding of the interaction of human systems, including individual, interpersonal, group, family, organizational, community, and societal. The program also offers a real-world perspective on the delivery of appropriate services in the field, from treatment planning to group counseling. It also explores the conditions that promote or inhibit human functioning, as well as theories and techniques associated with multicultural competence in the field of clinical mental health counseling to better connect classroom experience with your future goals.
You will also be provided with opportunities to put classroom learning into practice with a field practicum and a counseling internship. Details for additional directives and placement opportunities will be provided by the program’s Field Placement Coordinator as you progress through the curriculum.
Curriculum
Program Requirements – 60 Total Credits
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Core Courses: 48 Required Credits
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Electives: 12 Required Credits
Industry-Focused Curriculum for Professional Skills
-
Examine the professional identity, roles, and responsibilities associated with counseling practice in clinical mental health settings.
-
Review ethical standards and legal considerations that influence counseling services and professional conduct.
-
Explore appropriate uses of technology within counseling environments, including considerations related to client privacy and professional ethics.
-
Analyze how personal perspectives, values, and belief systems may influence counseling relationships and professional practice.
-
Review approaches that support ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and participation in the counseling profession.
Sample Courses
Introduction to the Clinical Counseling Professions
This course provides an overview of clinical mental health counseling and examines the counseling profession’s history, philosophy, and evolution. The course will explore professional identity, roles, functions, and relationships professional counselors maintain while differentiating them from allied mental health or human services professionals. Ethical, legal, organizational, and professional factors are examined along with the credentialing and licensing processes of the professional counselor. Students will have the opportunity to learn basic skills for case conceptualization and ethical duties for clinical documentation, such as progress notes and treatment plans.
Advanced Theory and Techniques of Counseling
This advanced course continues the student’s learning experience by applying counseling theories, approaches, and clinical skills and techniques. The course reintroduces students to various counseling theories and provides an opportunity to explore selected post-modern approaches to counseling, including application and use. Students will engage in the application of clinical skills and techniques by participating in mock counseling sessions that include the development of case conceptualization skills, intake skills, and treatment planning skills. Students will participate in activities to support the development of their personal model of counseling, ethical considerations for in-person and telehealth counseling, and the use of technology in clinical counseling.
Psychopathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
This course explores a wide variety of pathological mental and emotional disorders, dysfunctional behaviors, and their treatment within the field of counseling and human services. Students will also explore not only the disorders, but also the current diagnostic criteria as well as effective treatment procedures and ethical/legal considerations.
Clinical Field Practicum I
The clinical field practicum has a primary focus on students engaging in direct practice with clients in the field to develop their clinical counseling skills and the management of counseling sessions. Students are expected to utilize a variety of clinical skills and techniques, explore counseling theories, and conduct client interaction from intake through termination of services. This course synthesizes the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students have gained during prerequisite courses. This course also includes a required online synchronous component involving weekly participation in a two (2) hour group supervision with the instructor.
The sample courses listed are intended to illustrate the types of coursework included in this program. Course offerings and requirements may change. Please consult the official University Catalog for current and complete program information.
Licensing Disclosure
Licensure and Program Disclosures
While the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is not designed to fulfill licensure requirements in an individual state, the program may be used to partially fulfill those requirements.
Post University assists in researching and providing information regarding licensure; however, each state has different requirements for such licensure outside of the required education. Such state requirements may include licensure exams, background checks, certain work experience, and more. It is ultimately the responsibility of each student to manage their own licensure process and to ensure that all requirements are met in order for the student to obtain licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body and does not guarantee licensure. Requirements for licensure are subject to change without notice.
The tables at the following links show whether Post University, with completion of the appropriate curriculum, does or does not fulfill the educational requirements for a specific license:
“We know that every student has different aspirations, different backgrounds, different challenges, and different learning styles, and it requires individual solutions for each and every student. Every associate, staff, and faculty member is uniquely focused on that personal interaction.”
Ready to Apply?
Ready to Apply?The admissions team is available to walk you through each step of the application process and clarify any remaining questions.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
College (University) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425 7785
E-Mail: [email protected]
For more information on Post University's state licensure or accreditation, please visit the Accreditation page.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Post University maintains consistent graduate admissions standards for students enrolling online or on campus. While individual programs may include additional criteria, all applicants are evaluated using foundational requirements that support academic readiness and program alignment.
Common graduate admissions requirements include:
- Completion of a graduate admissions application
- Submission of official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
- Documentation of a conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an approved equivalent
- Participation in an admissions interview or advisory session, if recommended
- Submission of a personal statement, when requested, which may be required for applicants below a specified cumulative grade point average threshold
- Verification of all admissions materials
Graduate admissions requirements may vary by program and learning format. For complete and program-specific requirements, please review:
Why Students Choose Post University
“With the help of Post University, my goals seem closer than ever.”
Tuition & Ways to Save
An education at Post University is designed to provide long-term value. Tuition is competitively structured, and financial aid opportunities are available for those who qualify. Admissions and financial aid teams work with you to review available options and explain each step of the process clearly.
With multiple funding opportunities available, you may qualify for more than you expect.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Ready to take the next steps?
Admissions advisors are available to answer your questions, explain the application process, and help you explore which program aligns with your interests and experience.
If you are considering Post University, we invite you to begin the conversation.
Why Post University?
At Post University, you are not an anonymous face in a crowded lecture hall. You are known and supported from your first conversation through program completion. That is the meaning behind Post Makes It Personal®.
Our approach is grounded in three commitments: career focus, value, and personalization. Whether you are beginning your undergraduate journey, returning to continue your education, or pursuing a graduate degree, Post University offers programs developed with professional practice in mind, led by industry-experienced faculty, and delivered in formats designed to fit into your life.
Post people come from many different backgrounds and life stages. Some are stepping onto campus for the first time, while others are learning online while balancing work, family, military service, or community commitments. Across every format, students are part of a community built on connection, structure, and shared purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Upon graduation, you will have had the opportunity to gain industry-relevant clinical counseling skills to constructively serve individuals and communities.
At Post University, we strive to make your learning experience practical and meaningful. We have fostered an engaging online community that encourages critical thinking and real-world application of theory. Courses for this online master’s degree in mental health counseling are taught by professionals with relevant industry experience and training. They, along with your personal academic advisor and field placement coordinator, will work to support you and your educational efforts.
What is a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Post University provides individuals with the opportunity to prepare to work in the professional counseling field. Our program emphasizes the development of clinical counseling skills and techniques necessary for providing therapeutic interventions to individuals and groups. Students have the opportunity to learn about various counseling theories, human development, and psychopathology. Through the supervised practicum and internship experiences, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on training in clinical settings, helping to prepare them to work effectively with diverse populations in mental health agencies, hospitals, and private practice settings.
What is the Difference Between Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
“Mental health counseling” traditionally referred to a broad practice of providing support and guidance for individuals dealing with emotional and psychological issues. However, as the field evolved, the term “clinical mental health counseling” emerged to more precisely describe the rigorous, evidence-based approach that includes diagnosing and treating mental disorders. This shift to “clinical” underscores the profession’s alignment with clinical standards, including comprehensive training in assessment, treatment planning, and the application of therapeutic techniques, which are essential components of the practice.
Is a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Worth It?
Determining if a master’s in clinical mental health counseling is the right fit for you depends on individual career goals and circumstances. However, obtaining this degree can help you build valuable skills for helping others overcome mental health challenges. Additionally, the personal satisfaction derived from making a positive impact on individuals’ lives can make the investment in this degree worthwhile for many.
How Long are Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Programs?
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Post University typically takes 40 months to complete. This program consists of 60 credit hours of coursework, including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experiences. With courses offered in a structured sequence, students progress through the program, engaging in activities that allow dialogues with their peers and instructors in a shared learning experience. Additionally, students may have the option to enroll part-time, which can extend the duration of the program.
Can I Earn an Online Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling?
Yes, you can earn an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Post University. The program is offered in a flexible online format, allowing students to complete their coursework from anywhere with internet access. The online format provides convenience and accessibility while maintaining the integrity of the program’s educational standards.
Related Articles
How to Become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor
A drug and alcohol counselor career can set you up to provide help to those who struggle with addiction. Learn more about this career.
Exploring Careers in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical mental health counseling is a field dedicated to helping individuals navigate emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges while working toward improved well-being. Professionals in this area provide therapeutic support, guidance, and practical...
What Is a Human Services Degree, and Why Is It Needed?
Key Takeaways Human services is a broad, interdisciplinary field focused on improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities by addressing both basic needs and long-term quality of life. A human services degree blends theory with hands-on experience,...
How to Become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor
A drug and alcohol counselor career can set you up to provide help to those who struggle with addiction. Learn more about this career.