Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is an online, CACREP accredited 60 credit degree program that is designed to be consistent with the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania (049 PA Code § 49.13). The program’s online, year-round (fall, spring, summer) web-based delivery enables working adults the flexibility to progress through the program on a part-time or full-time basis, at a reasonable pace, without interrupting their career.

Upon graduation from the program, you will have completed the educational requirements for licensure and be ready to fulfill the remainder of the Pennsylvania state requirements for licensure as a professional counselor. The program is consistent with other state licensure codes and a non-Pennsylvania student may be license eligible in another state as a counselor.  In addition, upon successful completion of the program and passing the National Counselor Examination, you will be able to submit your final transcript to NBCC and receive your National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.

WHY CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING?

• Help people manage and overcome mental and emotional disorders and problems with their family and other relationships
• Help clients understand their problems and develop strategies to improve their lives
• The need for mental health counselors is projected to grow 20 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.  (Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition)

WHY OUR PROGRAM?

• Accredited by CACREP
• The only public university in Pennsylvania to offer an online CMHC program
• Have the opportunity to be a national certified counselor (NCC) upon successful completion of the program and passing the National Counselor Examination
• No campus visits or residencies
• Synchronous technology promotes the best of both worlds (flexibility for working professionals and/or families and real-time interactions and collaboration with faculty and peers)

Core Curriculum

The program consists of 60 credits total. 51 of those credits are common core courses related to counseling, assessment, differential diagnosis, and ethics. Topics covered include:

• Theories and Models of Counseling across the lifespan
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Individual, Family, Couples, and Group Counseling
• Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Addiction Counseling
• Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling

In addition to the common core credits, nine credits are required in one of three specialization areas.

View full CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING curriculum

Counseling Military/Veterans and their Families

Topics covered include:

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Issues Facing Military Veterans
• Reintegration and Recovery for Veterans and their Families 

VIEW FULL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CURRICULUM

 

COUNSELING CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Topics covered include:

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Children and Adolescent Counseling
• Creative Therapies for Children and Adolescents

VIEW FULL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CURRICULUM

 

GENERAL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Topics covered include:

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• One course from Military/Veteran Specialization
• One course from Children/Adolescent Specialization

VIEW FULL CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CURRICULUM

Application Process and Deadlines

The fall 2019 cohort is full.  At this time applications may only be considered for the wait-list or for the fall 2020 cohort. 

To complete the application process, students must submit:

• Online application
• Official college transcripts (3.0 GPA or higher)*
• Three letters of recommendation that include the following:
  (a) Letters must be professional and diverse (please include letters from individuals who can attest to your professional and educational experience)
  (b) Letters need to be personal to the candidate and our program.
  (c) Letters must discuss the applicant's inter and intra personal skills.
  (d) Letter must discuss the applicant's aptitude for success in an online graduate program.
• Statement of professional goals
  (a) Describe your preparation for graduate school work (education, work and/or volunteer experience)
  (b) Your professional career goals.
  (c) How this graduate program will help you meet your goals.
• Successful completion of a faculty interview
  
  *Applicants with a a 2.75 -2.99 GPA will be considered if their undergraduate degree was earned more than five years prior to application and/or they have relevant professional experience (with outstanding recommendation letters from supervisors/colleagues) in the mental health field.  Anyone with a GPA between 2.75-2.99 must submit an official GRE score to be considered for program admission.  If admitted to the graduate program with an undergraduate GPA score between 2.75 and 2.99, students will enter on probation.  This means they need to achieve a 3.0 GPA or better in their first 9 credit hours to remain in good academic standing and matriculate into the program. 
  

All application materials must be submitted to:

Lock Haven University- Office of Admissions
Lock Haven, PA  17745
gradadmissions@LockHaven.edu

For additional information, please contact Dr. Kristin Vincenzes at kav813@lockhaven.edu.