Program Overview

Program Overview

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare students for a career in counseling, with a focus on clinical mental health. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is offered online.

Program Details

• The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours.
• Courses are offered in an accelerated 8-week format.
• Students will complete 700 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a senior counselor.
• The program includes courses in substance abuse counseling, family dynamics, diagnosis and psychopathology, and clinical supervision.
• Students will also learn about evidence-based practice, the role of the counselor in healthcare, and client- and population-centered advocacy.

Admission Criteria

• A bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA is required for admission.
• Applicants must submit an essay about their goals for being a professional counselor.
• Two letters of recommendation are required, which should speak to the applicant's academic and professional readiness.
• Official transcripts from all previous universities are required.
• The GRE is not required for admission.

Licensure Disclosure

• The program helps graduates meet the educational requirements to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Virginia.
• The Virginia Board of Counseling also requires candidates to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam and complete residency under a qualified clinical supervisor.
• Students seeking the LPC credential to work in a different state should check their state's requirements before applying to the program.

Online Learning Environment

• Courses are offered online, with many classes not having a scheduled meeting time.
• Students will access course materials and complete assignments online.
• An internship or practicum is required as part of the coursework.

Careers

• Graduates are prepared to work in private practice, outpatient psychotherapy programs, community mental health settings, college counseling centers, hospital-based integrated behavioral health programs, the criminal justice field, and military and veterans' mental health.

Cost and Aid

• The cost of the program is $486 per credit hour for in-state Virginia residents and $649 per credit hour for out-of-state students, effective Fall 2025 "* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met."
• Scholarship opportunities are available, including the Social Good Scholarship for online undergraduate transfer students pursuing careers in teaching, criminal justice, and human services.

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