Program Overview

Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Program

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program is a two-year, full-time, 60-credit program approved by the State of New York as a licensure qualifying program pursuant to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). The program is offered by the Department of Psychology, which is situated within the Colin Powell School of Civic and Global Leadership at The City College of New York of the City University of New York.

Program Overview

The MA in Mental Health Counseling program is designed primarily for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in Psychology or a Master of Arts degree in General Psychology and who wish to obtain the training needed to become a licensed professional counselor. Students in the program study theories of psychotherapy and psychological development, examine ethical issues in counseling, explore the impact of culture on the counseling process, review issues associated with work in various settings, participate in immersive topical coursework in areas such as substance abuse and trauma and resilience, and learn the foundational skills associated with counseling couples, families, groups, and individuals across the lifespan.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. In addition, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academics: Applicants must have either an undergraduate major in psychology OR have completed the following five prerequisite courses in psychology (or their equivalents):
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology
  • Theories of Personality/Personality Psychology
  • Experimental Psychology/Psychology Research Methods
• Grade Point Average (GPA): In general, we expect applicants to have an overall GPA of at least 3.2 and a GPA in psychology of at least 3.5.
• Applied Experience: Successful applicants will also have some degree of formal training/experience relevant to the counseling profession.
• Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation are required; three are preferred.
• Complete applications require the following:
  • The CCNY Graduate Admissions Application Form
  • Personal Statement
  • Diversity Statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Test scores such as GRE & TOEFL

Program Structure

The Mental Health Program is a full-time, 60-credit program designed to be completed in two years. All students enter the program in the fall semester as fully matriculated members of the Mental Health Counseling program and take a set sequence of courses in tandem with their fellow cohort members.

Curriculum

The Mental Health Counseling program curriculum offers courses in various aspects of understanding psychological adjustment, including the etiology, development, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological distress. The degree requires 60 credits to be completed in two years, with five classes taken during each of four semesters.

Practicum and Internship

Beginning in Year 1, Semester 2, in addition to their full-time coursework, students also begin participating in the fieldwork requirements associated with the program. The practicum and internship provide students with hands-on experience in the field, applying their skills in real-world settings.

FAQs

• Q1: What is the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Program?
• Q2: Will completion of this program allow me to become a licensed professional counselor?
• Q3: Is the program accredited by CACREP or MPCAC?
• Q4: What is the deadline for applications?
• Q5: How do I apply for admission?
• Q6: I've submitted my application. What happens next?
• Q7: How many students apply for the program and how many are accepted?
• Q8: Do you accept students for the spring semester?
• Q9: Do you take part-time or non-matriculating students?
• Q10: What academic requirements must be met to be eligible for admission?
• Q11: What is the minimum grade point average (GPA) to be considered for admission?
• Q12: Do students who do not meet these academic criteria have any chance of being considered for admission?
• Q13: Will classes taken years ago be accepted?
• Q14: What other requirements are there aside from academics?
• Q15: Are letters of reference required?
• Q16: Is the GRE required?
• Q17: When are classes scheduled?
• Q18: Is it possible to work while completing the program?
• Q19: Do students find their own placements for the required practicum and internship courses?
• Q20: What if I am accepted and discover that I cannot attend - may I defer admission?
• Q21: What is the tuition?
• Q22: Is funding available?
• Q23: Can I work as a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
• Q24: What if I was not a psychology major and have not completed all of the prerequisite courses: may I still apply?
• Q25: Are there research opportunities?
• Q26: Can I transfer classes from another institution?
• Q27: I am an international student. Do I have to take the TOEFL or another test of English language proficiency, and if so, what are the minimum required scores?
• Q28: Does the program offer any online courses?