Program Overview

Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at North Park University is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat clients. Through flexible online coursework, students build a solid foundation in counseling theory and learn to deliver mental health services that address clients' developmental, multicultural, relational, and spiritual concerns.

Program Details

• The program is CACREP accredited.
• It has a 100% licensure pass rate.
• The program boasts a 95% job placement rate.
• The program consists of 60 total credits and 20 courses.
• Students can graduate in just two years.
• The cost per credit hour is $860.
• The total estimated tuition is $51,600.
• Additional fees include a graduation fee of $150 and a comprehensive fee of $16 per credit hour.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a blend of online coursework and hands-on opportunities, laying the groundwork for a meaningful career in counseling. Some of the core courses include:

• COUN 5010 Counseling Theory
• COUN 5020 Counseling Techniques
• COUN 5025 Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counselors
• COUN 5110 Psychopathology and Maladaptive Behavior
• COUN 5120 Group Dynamics Counseling
• COUN 5210 Social & Cultural Foundations of Counseling
• COUN 5220 Professional, Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Related to Professional Counseling
• COUN 5310 Research and Evaluation
• COUN 5320 Human Growth and Development
• COUN 5410 Integrating Spiritual & Religious Issues in Counseling
• COUN 5420 Appraisal of Individuals
• COUN 5510 Advanced Multicultural Counseling Techniques
• COUN 5520 Substance Use Disorders
• COUN 5540 Trauma and Healing
• COUN 5610 Career Development
• COUN 5620 Family Dynamics
• COUN 5976 Child and Adolescent Counseling
• COUN 5960 Practicum
• COUN 5970 Internship I
• COUN 5971 Internship II

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, students must:

• Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Have a recommended GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• May transfer up to six credits into the program from an accredited institution.
• Submit an electronic copy of their current resume.
• Submit two professional and/or academic recommendations.
• Submit an essay.
• Participate in an interview with a faculty member.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Differentiate the professional identity of Clinical Mental Health Counselors from other mental health practitioners.
• Analyze the principles of ethical decision making in the practice of professional counseling.
• Demonstrate multicultural theory, social justice principles, and advocacy in the practice of counseling.
• Compare and contrast relevant theories of counseling practice in appropriate counseling and consultation skills with diverse populations.
• Apply group work theories, methods, and skills to clinical practice.
• Describe appropriate assessment and appraisal tools within counseling practice.
• Implement research in clinical practice and program evaluation to inform their counseling practice.
• Deliver clinical mental health services which attend to the developmental, multicultural, relational, and spiritual concerns of clients.

Faculty

The instructors have professional experience in their respective fields and are ready to form meaningful relationships with students as they guide and mentor them toward success. The faculty are committed to the achievement of every student. One notable faculty member is Kara Wolff, the Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, who brings an extensive background in mental health practice as a counselor.