Program Overview

Program Overview

The Advanced Certificate/Bridge Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and is designed to meet New York State educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). The program prepares eligible students to sit for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) Examination, a required component of LMHC licensure in New York State.

Program Details

• Completion Time: 9-12 Months
• Credits: 21 credits
• Flexibility: 100% online (Full or Part-Time)
• Start Terms: Fall, Spring or Summer
• Licensure: Leads to Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure in NYS

Admission Requirements

• Graduate GPA – 3.0
• Must have an earned Master's degree in a closely related field
• Letters of recommendation: 2
• Statement of Intent

Program Description

In response to changes in New York State licensure laws, the program provides the required coursework and supervised clinical experiences for master's-level clinicians (e.g., CASAC, NCC, CRC, school counselors) seeking LMHC eligibility. Students complete a minimum of 15 credit hours, with additional coursework required as needed based on prior graduate study to fully satisfy NYS licensure requirements.

Canadian Students

Licensure and certification are evaluated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and/or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Students should consult these agencies directly.

Accreditation

Niagara University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Career Paths

• Health Care
• Rehab Centers
• Clinics
• Mental Health Counselor

Experience

Opportunity to work in clinics, healthcare, public and private agencies, career centers, rehabilitation centers, law enforcement, addictions, government, and college and university settings.

Individual Advisement

Students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon completion of the application for admission. Students meet with the assigned advisor prior to beginning their program of study and periodically thereafter. The advisor will assist the student in planning his/her program.