MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
A Powerful Educational Experience
Clinical mental health counseling is the provision of professional counseling services, involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior. This counseling is geared for individuals, couples, families, and groups for the purposes of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health.
Curriculum
The 60-credit-hour program qualifies students for New York State Licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Individuals can also apply for national certification as a professional counselor (NCC), and as a clinical mental health counselor (CMHC). (Additional years of experience are required for the certification.)
A master’s in CMHC leads to the opportunity to work in various settings. The profession is listed in Money magazine as one of the “best jobs” and is among the 20 fastest growing careers in all the United States. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico license mental health counselors.
FLEXIBILITY
With the working professional in mind, courses are offered in the early evening. Students follow a set curriculum plan, and will take courses in a variety of formats, which include on-campus, online and hybrid settings.
AFFORDABILITY
Graduate assistantships, scholarship opportunities, and over 60 different awards for well-qualified matriculated graduate students exist to make graduate school more affordable.
QUALITY
Niagara’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Bridge Program: Advanced Certificate
We offer a 15-credit certificate of advanced study bridge program in clinical mental health counseling designed for qualified applicants with a related master degree in school counseling, school psychology, etc. to meet state regulations for licensure as licensed mental health counselors (LMHC).
The certificate of advanced study provides advanced courses, and a 600-hour internship in a mental health setting, designed to meet New York State educational requirements.
Canadian students are eligible to apply for registration in Ontario. Certification approval may require evaluation by the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association, and/or the Ontario College of Psychotherapy. Please check with these agencies regarding certification requirements.
“Niagara University’s program in mental health counseling provided me with the necessary skills, education and training to enhance my counseling techniques. This program has not only prepared me to be a mental health counselor, but also for the coursework requirements for licensure in New York state, and nationally.”
$60,885
Estimated average salary for Clinical Mental Health Counselors in 2023*
*Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics and Salary.com
About Niagara University
Founded by the Vincentian community in 1856, Niagara University educates students in the highest academic tradition so that they graduate with the confidence, clarity of direction, and heightened sense of purpose to excel in their careers and be change leaders in their field.
The university has received accolades from U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction and Money magazine for its ability to offer students a high return on their educational investment.
Tomasina Cook Lecturer Niagara University
